Great movie. A great mix of humor, violence, action, and acting all rolled into one. A cult classic for sure. Just buy it. You'll love it! I'll get the blu-ray and give my other copy as a gift.
What's great about it: Everything!
What's not so great: That I bought the regular version, not knowing that Blu-ray was soon to follow.
One would think that a film as popular as Better Off Dead would receive decent treatment on the DVD. Sadly, that is not the case. The highlight (if it can be called that) of this disc is the image, which is anamorphic and framed at the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The picture, for the most part, is quite good, and unquestionably the best this film has seen since its days at the theaters. Still, there are times when detail is an issue. Grain is also evident sporadically throughout the presentation. It's not enough to ruin the effect of the digital transfer, but could have used a little more clean-up. The sound has not been significantly altered from when it was released in 1985. All that is included is an English two-channel stereo soundtrack. Though dialogue is clear and distortion free, it's also rather unimaginative. There is little question though in what's truly the main disappointment with this disc, and that's the supplemental features. A disappointment because they are non-existent. There is nothing on this disc, including the obligatory trailer. It's a shame since the film has gathered such a cult following over the years that something couldn't have been put together to please the fans that have stuck by this small, but very funny, film.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic!
on September 6, 2009
Posted by: ballerAZ
from Phoenix, AZ
John Cusack is great in this one. It may not have been a contender for an Oscar, but It's a great movie and very funny. Silly funny. A good time.
What's great about it: Funny, Different, Great music
The 1995 family-oriented comedy Heavyweights comes to DVD from Disney with a standard full-frame transfer. The Dolby Digital Surround soundtrack is available in English, Spanish, and French. English closed captions are accessible. The only special features are promos for other family films from Disney.
Customer Rating
5
Cute and funny!
on July 28, 2009
Posted by: ballerAZ
from Phoenix, AZ
It's a great movie. Funny for everyone. Ben Stiller is hilarious in this one. The kids are funny. Just a really enjoyable movie.
What's great about it: Ben Stiller and the kids are funny
Michael Mann's Heat is one of those special crime movies. Outside of the stylish visuals and powerfully violent gun battles, there's an emotional substance that transcends the genre. The DVD shines, bristles, and consistently impresses. Heat is filled with beautiful photography and excellent audio flourishes. Mann and cinematographer Dante Spinotti infused the film with high-contrast scenes in broad daylight, moments where the screen is awash in blues or whites, and pitch-black night scenes. Over the movie's three hours, there is ample room for the DVD to show any flaws in the transfer, but there are none to be found. Sound-wise, both film and DVD are a tour de force. Explosions, gunshots, and dialogue (Al Pacino in full, caffeinated glory) flow passionately from one's audio system. The musical soundtrack, with songs by Lisa Gerrard, Michael Brook, Einsturzende Neubauten, and other artists known for their mood-setting sounds, is stunning here, though the volume must be turned relatively high to appreciate the more ambient moments. There are really no special features to be found, outside of three separate but quite similar theatrical trailers. Sadly, the great TV spots for the film are not included. "Jump to a Scene" is the scene access menu system, where viewers can easily choose from all 52 chapters and the theatrical trailers. Lack of supplemental material aside, Heat is an impressive DVD.
Customer Rating
5
Feel it!
on May 17, 2009
Posted by: ballerAZ
from Phoenix, AZ
This will be, if not already, a true classic. Gritty in your face and very well done. It's a long movie, but you won't even notice it. Very well worth it. Add this one to your collection!
The special R-rated version of Dennis Dugan's silly sex comedy Saving Silverman comes to DVD with this release. Loaded with bonus features, the disc should be a delight for fans of the film. The extras include audio commentary by Dugan, and outtakes reel, web links, theatrical trailers, filmographies, production notes, and scene selections. As if that weren't enough, the film is presented in an impressive widescreen 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer along with the standard 1.33:1 pan-and-scan. Add to that English language soundtracks in Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo, and the disc is a delight for viewers. English and French subtitles are also available.
Customer Rating
5
Must Have
on May 17, 2009
Posted by: ballerAZ
from Phoenix, AZ
Just a very funny funny movie. Great cast. Lots of laughs. Must have for your collection.
Just doesn't get better than VAN HALENS first. If you don't have this album. You don't know what true and real Rock is. This is what the younger generation should be listening to. NOT that hippity hop and rap garbage!
What's great about it: It's VAN HALEN, their best songs.