The Collection : A Tale of 118 DVDs!
Jun 29 '01 (Updated Jul 05 '01)
The Bottom Line DVD is the future. SO get your player today and start your collection now. Where else can you mix the classics and the currents in gorgeous digital bliss?
BUCKLE UP
Ohhhh Boy…6,000 words coming your way…
Intro:
Why get a DVD? It's the best format for building yourself up quite an impressive collection of digital wonder!
Well here is myself validating my "film geek" existence. I am about to chronicle every DVD that I own. Keep in mind that I have had a DVD player since they first came out, I am a compulsive DVD buyer (For example back in the day if I was given $75 allowance I would go ahead and buy $50 worth of DVDs and live with the bare necessities till my next pay date...I have since gotten better, I probably average only one a week now), and I have a friend that would often get DVDs in the mail for free, I found myself taking the ones he disregarded...
Anyway, what we have here is a listing of every DVD I own with a short synopsis and view on the quality of the disc, and then a separate and final top ten list...I wanted to do a six part series to do breathing room but epinions wont let me post on this topic more than once for some reason. If anyone out there has a collection to rival mine let me know so I can do my best to beat you out as soon as possible =)
Opening Comments:
DVD is a beautiful, beautiful thing. My original motives for owning one were the simple things: Don't have to rewind, can jump to any scene at any time. I was so impressed by those jumps over VHS that I failed to realize its potential in extras, production value, and video and sound quality.
The beauty of a widescreen letterboxed DVD alone prompted me to spend a year saving portions of my paychecks from my job to purchase a 40' widescreen HDTV, so that I could watch my movies in sublime bliss...
This is the format of the future, DVD is here to stay. By now you shouldn't need to be talked into buying a DVD player you should just be curious what you need to own with it!
All movies are rated on a ***** scale!
Five stars = you must purchase the disc with the purchase of your DVD player!
(I weigh both the DVD quality and the film quality in my rating, of course there are always movies so good that they will get five stars regardless of extras though. For example I give many four-star films three stars for lacking DVDS at times)
The DVDS I own:
(*NOTE* My cases are somewhat divided thematically although I've grown a bit slack now and when I get a new DVD I just throw it in wherever it fits, but I'm sure you can see many connections between many of the DVDs that are held within the same case)
Case 1 of 6
Requiem for a Dream
****
One of the best movies of last year, Requiem is about as bold as film making gets. A truly depressing chronicle of four human beings facing addictions ranging from heroin to diet pills. Director Darren Aronofsky shows absolutely ground breaking visual style, and the disc itself has a wonderful digital transfer and creative menus. The behind the scenes feature is definitely worth a look, and although Aronofsky's commentary is a bit sleep-inducing you can pick up some wonderful glimpses into the mind of this brilliant young director. Make sure you purchase the UNRATED VERSION the edited version is a disgrace from the directors original vision!
Trainspotting
****
The Scottish independent film gets better with each viewing (largely in part to the difficulty and time required to decipher some of the thick Scottish accents). Brutally funny and disturbing at the same time, Trainspotting marked the coming of Ewan McGregor one of the best actors of Today. The director Danny Boyle went on to direct the massively underrated The Beach. Not packed with extras but simply one of those movies where the film itself warrants a purchase.
American Beauty
*****
What can I say about the beautiful nihilistic story by first time director Sam Mendes. One of the best films in the past ten years, if you haven't seen Beauty you either have been living in a hole or hate the evil practice of filmmaking. The DVD provides some decent extras, but the transfer is wonderful. The colors radiate beautifully which is exactly what this movie deserves as the color red, which signifies Lester Burnham's awakening predominately radiates after his realization.
High Fidelity
***
Just a fun movie. I have always been a big John Cusack fan and this did nothing to hurt my standing with him. Incredibly funny at times, always insightful, not to mention a couple references to the Evil Dead made this one a must own for me.
Wonder Boys
***
The must underrated film of last year, Boys deserved to be a box office smash, but it wasn't. I loved this film and it comes off as one of those scripts that was just awe-inspiring. If you haven't seen it DVD would be the perfect chance to get introduced to it!
Traffic
*** (you may want to wait for the Special Edition)
One of my top five movies of last year (and certainly a better choice than Gladiator for best picture in my decision), Traffic is a true excursive in brilliant editing. You can just see in final product how many reels of film they probably used and how difficult it was to make it come together as a film, yet with a sort of free camera documentary feel. Not many extras but I hear a special edition is on the way.
The Big Lebowski
***
One of my two Coen Brother's DVDs (Gosh I feel bad for saying that, they deserve to own more of my time). Of their spaced out comedies this is my favorite. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman bring in wonderful performances as slacker potheads on a bowling team. Absolutely hilarious, and wonderful cinematography, solidifying the fact that no one in Hollywood is wittier than Joel and Ethan Coen. This is a solid disc, I only wish it had a few more extras, but if you like the movie it is definitely worth the price of purchase.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
****
Yet another one of the best films of last year, nothing brought a smile to my face like this film (yet another triumph by the Coen Brothers). It’s not a die laughing out loud type of movie, but you grin your way through the movie. Not to mention it has one of the best soundtracks ever made, who did not run off and download "Man of Constant Sorrow" by the Soggy Bottom Boys as soon as they saw the film. Loosely based on the Odyssey, for more on it's connections to Homer's epic check here: http://www.epinions.com/content_28370636420/tk_~CB003.1.10
The Truman Show
***
How I love this movie! For some reason I've watched it millions of times. Is it because the premise is so brilliant? Is it for Jim Carrey's best performance? I'm not quite sure but it is addicting. I do admit it could have been somewhat better but I am perfectly satisfied with the result. The disc features a great digital transfer and possibly the coolest menus DVD has seen yet. It's a bit down on extras but once again if you like the movie that in its own will warrant this purchase.
Almost Famous
***
Somewhere a better cut of this movie lies. Director Cameron Crowe was forced to drop about an hour from the film. Maybe one day they will find their life on a new special edition DVD. In the meantime the most enjoyable thing about this film is that the majority of it was drawn from truth. Cameron Crowe began writing for Rolling Stone when he was 16, events such as the near plane crash happened to him with The Who, "I am a golden god" was apparently said by Robert Plant on a hotel balcony, The Allman brothers called him the Enemy. You will find no better chronicle of music in the 70's then here man.
Being John Malkovich
***
A strange one, but an excellent one. This offbeat dark comedy is strange from the word go, involving suicidal puppet shows and a mysterious half floor. You can't go wrong with this one if your into mysterious dark comedic movies about John Malkovich and puppetteering (and aren't we all?).
LEON: The Professional
*****
Ohhhhh my...one of my all time favorite action films. Described as an Art film with action Luc Besson's crossover hit is now released in an Uncut International Version DVD stateside. The feature is now longer and involves itself more with the love relationship between the young Natalie Portman and Jean Reno. Gary Oldman's performance is among his very very best! Do not allow yourself to purchase the regular Professional, if you must have this movie, you must have the International version!
Boogie Nights
****
A jam packed DVD for a damn fun movie. A bit on the adult side, but it's more about a journey of a youth looking for his place in the world than a chronicle of the porn industry. Paul Thomas Anderson is the man, as he always makes his DVDS special...a full second disk of deleted scenes, documentaries, and prosthetic body parts tests...
Magnolia
****
Much like the Boogie Nights disc, a second DVD is included with extras. Not quite as packed as Boogie Nights but still enough above the average to warrant a four star rating. I absolutely love Magnolia, for more on the themes of the film go here: http://www.epinions.com/mvie-review-39CA-21017BC-38926FB8-bd3/tk_~CB003.1.34
Shawshank Redemption
****
Easily on my top five movies ever lists, I have never been quite as moved as I was the first time I saw Shawshank. Tim Robbins standing in the rain, arms open, tasting freedom...one of the more powerful shots I've ever seen a five star movie with a poor one star DVD.
The Usual Suspects
****
Another one of my favorite films, Bryan Singer's crime opus has one of the more famous endings in Hollywood history! I have an older version of the DVD and I believe there is a newer one now with possibly more extras. Although my version has a few this is yet another powerful movie that deserves more effort in it's DVD.
Resevoir Dogs
***
Quentin for a big film man who has made a wonderful movie as this you certainly snuffed us on the extras. The movie that previewed the coming of Pulp Fiction, Resevoir is an absolute delight. It mostly takes place in one building for the entire movie. You are completely confused at the start, but as flashbacks give you insight as to what happened, you slowly start to understand.
Cast Away
****
A very solid DVD that deserves a purchase just on the fact that there is a documentary entirely about the history of Wilson the volleyball. The movie is one people either love or hate, personally I loved it as a big fan of Tom Hanks. Not many other actors can make a film entertaining by themselves.
Pink Floyd: The Wall
****
If you’re a Floyd fan then you gotta own this one. The strange visual journey of The Wall unfolds in a marvelous DVD with some great extras. This is another brick you can’t afford to miss if you’re a Floyd fan.
U2 Rattle and Hum
***
Awesome chronicle of U2's journeys on the Joshua Tree tour. I love love love this film, the live versions of Sunday Bloody Sunday, and In the Name of Love are among their best. The DVD has no extras and the transfer is fair but the radiant sound is good enough to double as a CD if only DVDs could!
END CASE 1
Case 2 of 6
Kevin Smith Movies:
Clerks
***
Clerks: Uncensored (cartoons)
**
Mallrats
****
Chasing Amy
****
Dogma: Special Edition
*****
Alrighty I am a huge K. Smith fan. Sure he is not the best director in the world but his lack of style has somewhat become his on style in a sense. The Mallrats and Chasing Amy DVDS are loaded with extras and on top of that they are extremely fun movies. What takes the cake is the newly released Dogma: Special Edition (not to be confused with the original release that had nothing). The Dogma:SE has over 100 minutes of deleted scenes, tons of behind the scenes work, storyboards, just about everything that makes a DVD great. Kevin Smith noticed that DVDs were getting less and less loaded and more than made up for the problem with this effort. Also each disk has great commentary, K. Smith and crew seem to be the best at it (Don't miss the Clerks commentary where Jay is drunk and passes out and they put the mike to the floor so you can here him snoring).
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
***
Austin Powers: The Spy who Shagged Me
****
Neither are cinematic brilliance, but both are damn fun brainless comedies and have surprisingly strong extras to boot. The commentaries by Mike Myers are some of the funniest around!
Animal House: Collector's Edition
****
The movie that drove me to become a "Frat guy", the House stands in my book next to Monty Python and the Holy Grail as one of the funniest movies ever made. On top of that we get the reunion documentary interviewing all the major players years after the films initial release.
Ghostbusters
****
I think people often forget how funny this movie is. Bill Murray is on top of his game, and in my humble opinion when he is there very few can touch him. The DVD is loaded with deleted scenes and fun commentary.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
*** (wait for rumored special edition)
Another one of the funniest movies ever that got the shaft on DVD, rumor has it of a loaded Special Edition. If this is the case hold out because this one has little more than the trailer and the transfer isn't much better than VHS. But if you just have to have the knights who say "NI" on DVD go ahead and grab it, I did.
American Pie: UNRATED!
***
The only teen comedy I can bring myself to watch (well Scary Movie too), AMP is a serious romp filled with lewd acts and sex with pies. The unrated version has a few extended nude scenes with Shannon Elisabeth which is worth the purchase and then some.
Big Daddy
**
One of the free pick ups I got. I'm not a huge fan of Sandlers (other than Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison) but this one is watchable I guess. No extras to speak of, avoid unless avid Sandler fan.
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
****
Still prefer the original title "South Park: ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE" but the movie is a wonderful satire of society and Canadians. Nothing special on the DVD, which is disappointing considering they changed the movie several times and undoubtedly left a lot of stuff on the cutting room floor, another disc that the movies so good you gotta buy.
Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2
****
Need I say much? Who hasn't seen these. The one thing I will say is that the DVDs do Toy Story the way they should be done, and the transfer is fantastic!
Scary Movie
**
Needed only for shock value, another free grab that I don't really mind having. It's funny the first time you see it if not over ambitious on the sexual jokes. At times hits at times misses, just one of those dumb movies you can't help but watch.
Meet the Parents
***
I just absolutely love this movie. I have never seen two actors portray awkwardness the way DeNiro and Stiller do together...the car scene?...are you a pothead Focker? WOW, love this flick. It is supposedly a Collector's edition but I don't see why.
The Princess Bride
***
My favorite Rob Reiner film, The Princess Bride truly is one of a kind. I wish it had a "special" treatment but there really are no extras to speak of. On another note I once had the Criterion: Spinal Tap DVD (another Rob Reiner film), it was discontinued and there was a high demand for it. I decided to put mine up on EBAY, I got $150 for it and I only paid $29, shortly after an even more loaded Spinal Tap DVD came out. I think I made quite a smart move there.
Blazing Saddles
**
Mel Brook's best, everyone has seen this one and everyone has an opinion on it. Racist? At times yes, but the point is the people practicing racism are portrayed so moronically and so ignorantly, that they end up being the idiots. Great funny flick, but it hasn't aged well due to changes in the times.
END CASE 2
Case 3 of 6
Braveheart
***
FREEEEDOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!! Your going to by it, it has a few extras, but that doesn't matter to you. Need I say more?
Last of the Mohicans
****
For some reason I have always had a deep love for this movie. It was like the movie I was proud to like back in my younger days. It was treated well on DVD being one of the first to offer Dolby DTS surround...is that deer behind me?
Gladiator
*****
Great, GREAT, DVD treatment. Ridley Scott did us right. I loved Gladiator but I didn’t LOVE it. Good flick, great cinematography, and great score. Not to start any arguments, but it wasn't best picture, and how did Russel Crowe (yes he was good at the part) win best picture for staring and scowling and grumbling lines? Oh well, the DVD makes me smile anyway.
Any Given Sunday
***
Some people liked it some people hated it. I on the other hand loved it. You see I am sucker for football movies. I love the sport and anything mildly related to it. Although at times Oliver Stone's action scenes are vomit inducing, I still can't look past this mildly loaded DVD.
Varisty Blues
**
Even more proof of my obsession with football. Cheesy movie, I hate Dawson, and it is an MTV film, yet I can't help watching it. Not much extras here. Sigh if only the program was to come out on DVD.
Go
***
A little party movie I love, Go wasn't great but damn if it ain't fun. Not too special of a DVD though.
The Sixth Sense
****
Unbreakable
****
The two works of director M. Night. Shyamalan. I enjoyed them both equally and am a big fan of the director despite his somewhat gimmicky endings. Both are great in tone, and I absolutely love the music in Unbreakable. I put them together because they are both strong on extras, I enjoy the old home movies Night puts on his discs. They give me hope as a director, because they are pretty damn bad.
What Dreams May Come
***
Lots of potential here, this is another free one. The colors look beautiful on the DVD format, the painting sequences are as cool as anything I've seen, yet the movie is very slow and bleak. The menus are so good though I had to give it three stars.
Starship Troopers
***
A movie that a lot of people love to hate, but I love to hate the people that love to hate this movie ;). It is a lot of fun on its own merit and it has a TON of extras.
Armageddon
*
Ick, Bay and Bruckheimer...Me hate, me hate lots. A birthday gift from a relative that I didn't have the heart to give away since they watch my movies frequently and would notice its departure, none the less I'm not a big fan of this one.
Stargate
**
The first DVD I ever got, I've always had a thing for Stargate. I consider it one of the best ad campaigns ever, why? Because the previews gave nothing away. When I saw it in the theaters I knew nothing other than they found a gate to a distant universe. I had no idea where the other end would lead them. One of the first DVDs I ever got.
U.S. Marshals
**
A reasonably fun movie that was free to me. A few behind the scenes stuff, not necessary unless your a big fan of Tommy Lee Jones fugitive character.
Enemy of the State
*
Another Bruckheimer movie, and another free score. To top it off it stars Will "money over substance" Smith. One of the last films Don Simpson produced with Bruckheimer before Simpson died.
JAWS: Anniversary Collector's Edition
*****
Gotta own Jaws, just gotta...nuff' said.
Highlander: Directors Cut
***
I'm not a big Highlander fan, but the first movie is the only one in the series that is watchable, the idea is a lot cooler than what they pulled off. I found this one for $7.95 at Target, and any decent movie I can find for under $10 is at least three stars, I couldn't pass it up, and you shouldn't either if you see it that cheap.
The Insider
***
GREAT MOVIE, if there is any reason Russel Crowe was best actor in Gladiator it was because the academy felt bad for snubbing him in this gem. Not much on the DVD, but I think this is an incredible film.
The Negotiator
****
Two of my favorite actors in an action thriller that was one of my favorites of the year. The acting is incredible the plot, if not revolutionary, is fun. If you haven't seen this one you have to rent it soon.
American History X
***
The best young actor in Hollywood today, Edward Norton, shows why in a role as a reformed neo-nazi. Great movie, very powerful. DVD isn't special at all though.
END CASE 3
Case 4 of 6
The Evil Dead
**
The Evil Dead II
****
Army of Darkness
***
Army of Darkness: Director’s cut
*
An acquired taste, The Evil Dead trilogy is a wonder of wonders among cult films. Funny, yet terrifying at the same time, the most notable aspect of this trilogy is none other than the chin himself, Bruce Campbell. Bruce is the epitome of what is cool in film, and quite a groovy guy on top of that. The Evil Dead II Collectors edition in the tin case is the best DVD of the series, I must warn to steer clear of the Army of Darkness: Director’s cut, the transfer is HORRIBLE!
Big Trouble in Little China
*****
Another one of the best of the bests in cult films, if you even like this movie the least bit pick up the DVD cause it is LOADED. Everything you can imagine is on here and one of the most entertaining commentaries in DVD history is included with Kurt Russel and John Carpenter catching up on the old times!
007: Tomorrow Never Dies
**
007: The World Is Not Enough
***
I’m not a big fan of either of these Bond outings, both were free. They are pretty solid in the extras department though. I wish I had some of the old Connery Bonds…oh well…
Fight Club
*****
THE DVD TO OWN. I love this movie, I love this DVD, I love the book, I love everything moderately related to Fight Club. YOU HAVE TO OWN THIS ONE, Fincher out did himself with tons of behind the scenes work (even multi-angle behind the scenes are included), this was the first must own DVD, the format ever had.
Bad Boys
***
The only recent Bruckheimer film I’ve ever enjoyed, Bad Boys is a fun movie, and a pack of super bubblicious to boot.
Leathal Weapon 4
**
Somewhat of a forced movie, it is fun at times, but the script almost seems improvised. The addition of Jet Li makes it worth the watch, it was a Christmas gift.
The Thomas Crown Affair
****
Another one of those movies that I just love for some strange reason, great fun, and ability to put Rene Russo’s boobs in clear DVD freeze frame makes me happy.
L.A. Confidential
****
Russel Crowe’s best role to date in my opinion. Another film that is a glory on DVD, decent extras, but you have to ask yourself how can you not own this one?
Conan The Barbarian
***
One of my favorite movies growing up, I didn’t ever really realize how terrible this movie is until I recently got the Collector’s Edition on DVD. It is still fun for watching a Arnold as one big muscle who still had a thick Austrian accent, also the packaging cover is awesome.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
***
Wow, I’m getting tired of typing please excuse me if these summaries are getting a little slack, if anyone is actually reading this much. This is not the Ultimate edition of T2, I got this before its release. Instead this is just the movie and a decent transfer. At times I long for the Ultimate Edition and if you get T2 that’s the version you need, but just having the movie keeps me satisfied.
End of Days
*
Didn’t like the movie, don’t like the DVD…it was free.
Three Kings
*****
Visually one of the best DVDs out there. Director David O. Russell’s choice to make the colors look as if there coming out of the screen turned out to be a smart one when the DVD came out. It looks absolutely gorgeous on any TV. If you just got a DVD player and want to show of the picture I can’t think of many better than Three Kings.
Arlington Road
***
One of the better Hollywood endings I’ve seen in awhile. The movies unpredictable resolution alone got me to buy this one so I could show it to friends and see how shocked they were. The DVD is nothing special, so just buy this one if you love the movie like I do.
Wild Things
**
Take a wild guess why I bought this one. I’ll give you a hint: DR.
The Mummy
**
A fun DVD that I got for Christmas, I somewhat enjoyed the first mummy although I hated the second one. They recently came out with a Mummy: ULTIMATE EDITION so if you really like this movie make sure you pick that one, it is quite loaded with extras.
The Mask of Zorro
**
A Christmas present, Zorro is a fun movie that introduced the world to the absolutely stunning Cathy Zeta Jones (did anybody see her call David Letterman, “Jay”, the other night?). A bare minimum DVD but a very good transfer I have noticed.
END CASE 4
Case 5 of 6
Almost there, my fingers are tired…but I am bored so I must press on…
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
*****
This film will always be “Best Picture” in my heart. A beautiful and stunning mix of action, adventure, love, and story Ang Lee truly created a masterpiece. The DVD is complete with several different languages (I encourage you to watch the film SUBTITLED, not dubbed in English), a couple of behind the scenes looks, and a great stills gallery. There is no possible way you can go wrong with this in your collection.
The Killer
**
Hard Boiled
***
The action master John Woo’s most coveted films. I love these movies to death but the HORRIBLE transfer on DVD does take a lot away from the overall effect. If you want to see the origin of many action movies today such as the Matrix, you gotta check these out.
Drunken Master II
**
Jackie Chan’s masterpiece was somewhat shafted in its American release. Much of the comedy is lost in the poor dubbing, and there is no subtitled option. It also has some of the worst cover art in DVD history. The movie itself would get four stars in my book.
Shanghai Noon
***
A fun action comedy, if not somewhat lackluster on Jackie Chan’s part (due to slow fight scenes). The movie is held together by Owen Wilson whose “awe-shucks” attitude carries the movie. Decent DVD.
Gorgeous
**
Good-looking Jackie Chan movie, the transfer is surprisingly Gorgeous itself. The movie isn’t too great but a few of the fight scenes are some of my Chan favorites, no extras to note.
Who Am I
***
Another foreign Jack Chan film, but to this day I can’t figure out if it is dubbed or not. Some scenes are obviously dubbed, some are obviously spoken in English, confusing I tell you. I loved this movie if you love Jackie Chan make a note to get it in your DVD collection.
Fist of Legend
***
Another surprisingly good transfer, Jet Li’s best is awesome on DVD. Jump to any of the fight scenes choreographed by Yi Woo Ping of Matrix fame. If you are a fan of Jet Li’s and kung fu in general this is one of the best of the bests.
Neon Genesis Evangelion episodes 1-26 (spanning eight DVDS)
*****
I really can’t tell you much more about this here, please check out my guide to Eva, this is not a plea for hits, but a plea for you to please give this series a chance, you’ve never seen anything like it: http://www.epinions.com/content_28530478724/tk_~CB005.1.5
Princess Mononoke
****
One of the best looking animated movies on DVD, Princess Mononoke is a beautiful anime and one everyone should see. Based on an old Japanese fable the visuals are jaw dropping, the story enjoyable, and the DVD gorgeous.
Ghost in the Shell
***
Yet another one of the best DVDs around, when Akira comes out thanks to GITS and a few other I will be proud of my anime collection.
Fist of the North Star
**
A pretty terrible transfer, and rushed DVD…Fist is an acquired taste. Bloody, violent, and aged visuals make this one a cult film to remember.
END CASE 5
Case 6 of 6
Taxi Driver
****
My favorite DeNiro role and my favorite Scorsese movie, Taxi Driver is a great DVD. It is a psychological journey into the mind of Travis Bickle. We follow the sick individual through is own personal downward spiral. The DVD has a few solid extras but the movie is sooo good you must own it.
Raging Bull
***
Another one of the best DeNiro, Scorsese pairing, I found this one on sale for $9.95, and I just couldn’t pass up the black and white beauty.
Se7en
*****
Another one of the most loaded DVDs around, Fincher sure does know how to do them. The coolest feature on here is the ability to watch the original ending (which I seemed to like better than the final ending) in storyboard form. A cool DVD and a good way to show of the powers of extras on the DVD format.
X-Men
***
A solid adaptation of the characters I grew up with (here is hoping the sequel blows this one away). The DVD has way cool menus and a few notable deleted scenes. In one Hugh Jackman is doing a scene as Wolverine and out of nowhere Spider Man jumps out in the background, if that’s not showing you the power of DVD what is!
Blade
***
A fun film, with Wesley Snipes as the kickass vampire slayer. The fight scenes were good but not quite as impressive since it was released around the same time as The Matrix and obviously that got all the action hype. The DVD is loaded with a filmed original ending with half completed special effects, if you liked the move you’ll love the DVD.
Blad Runner: The Directors Cut
****
The Sci-Fi classic is back with a new vision devoid of the original voice-over. Without the voice-over the film turns darker, and we are given strong feelings of isolation which works wonders for the movie. I am still angry though at Ridley Scott for saying the Harrison Ford is in fact a replicant, way to ruin a secret that has been bugging fanboys for years!
Interview with the Vampire
****
Being a New Orleans boy I’m probably a lot bigger fan of this movie than most people are. Four stars? Yes, even though the DVD is dead I am a big fan of Anne Rice’s masterpiece. The performances by Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are wonderful, not to mention Kirsten Dunce still shows her best in this movie.
Fallen
***
A freebee that I actually quite enjoy. I don’t know the publics sentiments on Fallen but I found it to be quite tasty, the story is somewhat original and that Rolling Stones song gets pretty creepy after watching this one.
Pitch Black: Unrated
***
Vin Diesel is the man. This movie is Vin Diesel. So in essence this movie is good stuff. My only complaint with the DVD? It is called the Unrated version yet I really don’t see too much more that was missing in the theaters, regardless if you’re a fan of sci-fi you’ll love this one.
Independence Day
***
A blockbuster I loved as a kid has not aged well. While the movie doesn’t pack the punch it once did, the DVD is great, notably the behind the scenes features that show all the miniature work and computer effects that went into making the once groundbreaking movie.
Desperado
***
Robert Rodriguez, how I love thee and this movie. Next year the final story of El Mariachi…”Once upon a time in Mexico”…I cannot wait.
The Abyss
*****
James Cameron did this one right, unfortunately I can’t say that about Titanic. The Abyss is loaded with a second disk dedicated to extras, and a new longer cut of the movie. I’ve always enjoyed the Abyss and it is one of those rare movies that are even more enjoyable on DVD.
The Matrix
*****
The film of choice to show of DVD players and surround sound, The Matrix will not disappoint you on DVD. I would tell you to buy it but I think that most stores make you purchase it when you buy a DVD player anyway.
The Untouchables
****
One of the few Kevin Costner movies I do not completely despise, The Untouchables is a surprisingly solid DVD with some cool extras…its also my dads favorite movie and through his viewing it has become one of mine as well.
END CASE 6
And finally
The Original Stanley Kubrick Collection
**
This one just wasn’t done right. It contains, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, 2001, The Shinning, and Full Metal Jacket. They were rushed not transferred well and there are hardly any extras. Luckily a new set has just been released and supposedly the quality is much better, make sure you pick that one up.
END DVDS, that’s it
*DEEP BREATH*, that was a finger work out if I’ve ever had one. So that’s my collection and that shows you the beauty of DVDs, they are so widely released now that you can build up a classic collection in no time. I still have a long way to go till I'm satisfied with mine...On top of that DVD classics get new releases meaning old movies you may have forgotten on VHS now have a new life on DVD.
DVD is not only the best way to view a movie at home, but its also the best way to rediscover some of the old classics…ENJOY!
Anything I’m missing from my collection that I just gotta have!?! Let me know in the comments section!
ENJOY YOUR LIFE
Justin
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Epinions.com ID:
JuiceJW
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Member: Justin (The Juice)
Location: Auburn, AL
Reviews written: 153
Trusted by: 360 members
About Me:
What little you may know of me is probably too much already..
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