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CamTheMan
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- Review count31
- Helpfulness votes32
- First reviewSeptember 17, 2007
- Last reviewAugust 8, 2008
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- Average rating4.4
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![Kill Bill Vol. 2 [DVD] [2004]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6680/6680969_sa.jpg)
The vengeful Bride returns to cross a few more names off of her rapidly shortening list in Miramax Home Entertainment's release of Kill Bill Vol. 2, and though it feels like only a precursor to the inevitable feature-packed release that will follow soon after, this release does offer a few choice gems in addition to a solid presentation of the feature attraction. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image offers even skin tones, solid blacks, and vivid colors. Though the occasional intrusion of edge-enhancement may prove somewhat distracting to some viewers, the overall commendable visual presentation is generally solid. Audiophiles will be happy to note the inclusion of both an English-language Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 track, both of which are accompanied by closed captioning and provide a rich, full-bodied listening experience without any notable distortion or hiss. In addition to an alternate French-language audio track, Miramax has also seen fit to include optional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish subtitles. Of course, fans of both Kill Bill films are no doubt aware of Miramax's plans to release them at first separately and then with a super deluxe combo package following at some point in the near future, and though the extra materials provided on this disc are indeed satisfying, they do seem more like an appetizer than a hearty meal. A three-and-a-half-minute deleted scene in which Bill faces off against a vengeful gang of thugs whose boss he previously killed finds Tarantino's Shaw Brothers fanaticism in full effect. A 25-minute behind-the-scenes segment offers interviews with Tarantino, Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, and David Carradine in which they discuss the appeal of the characters and the manner in which Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 compliment one another. Though those looking for in-depth details regarding the production may walk away with a slight pang of disappointment, viewers simply looking for a little fun will surely enjoy the featurette. Rounding things out is a solid performance by Chingon at the Kill Bill Vol. 2 premiere, in which the band (featuring director Robert Rodriguez on guitar) strums one of the tunes from the film's soundtrack.
Customer Rating
5
Best sequel ever
on February 22, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
If you want to call this a sequel, even the whole movie was filmed at one time before being split into two volumes, then this is the best sequel ever. Whereas Kill Bill 1 sets the stage and introduces us to Uma Thurman's character, this film focuses on the Bride nearing her objective of killing Bill. My favorite parts of the movie are the buried-alive scene and when David Carradine (Bill) gives his big speech about the mythology behind comic books. The only trouble with this movie is in trying to decide whether Part II is better than Part I.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Kill Bill Vol. 1 [DVD] [2003]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6184/6184899_sa.jpg)
The first installment of Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino's hyper-violent revenge epic makes its DVD debut courtesy of Miramax Home Entertainment. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image sports even skin tones and bright, vivid colors, offset by deep, solid blacks. Some unfortunate evidence of moderate edge-enhancement seems to be the only drawback to an otherwise near-flawless visual treatment. Sound is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1, English DTS, and an alternate French-language track, with optional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish subtitles. It is in regards to sound that this disc truly excels, with Tarantino's exhausting, eclectic soundtrack offering an ideal auditory backdrop to the onscreen mayhem. Limbs are detached and swords clash with resounding fury and clarity, while the roar of motorcycle engines and airplanes push the low-frequency capabilities of one's home-theater system. As The Bride makes her final decent into the House of Blue Leaves, it's hard for viewers not to be seduced by the slick sound editing and driving score that accompanies the eye-popping battle. If there's one aspect of the disc that disappoints, it has to be the lack of extra features. Though the promise of a massive special edition DVD release when Kill Bill Vol. 2 hits the home-video market looms on the horizon before the concluding chapter has even hit theaters, it's hard not to feel slighted with the sparse offerings here. Despite the offering of the occasional interesting tidbit, "The Making of Kill Bill Vol. 1," when all is said and done, is little more than a cog in the ever-present hype machine -- an extended, 20-minute commercial for the film that is similar to the brief previews shown in-between movies on pay cable. A pair of bonus songs by infectious House of Blue Leaves rockers the 5.6.7.8's at least entertains, though it's all-too-brief, and aside from the intriguing "Bootleg Trailer" for the film (also included on the soundtrack CD), the trailers offered here are nothing that Tarantino fans haven't already seen a million times before.
Customer Rating
5
How does he do it!?
on February 21, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
How can one man bring us Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, and Reservoir Dogs? Quentin Tarantino has done it again in this two-part samurai epic. With Uma Thurman as the Bride, the story starts with Uma in the hospital, recovering from a gun shot wound to the head. When she wakes from her coma, she vows revenge against the man who put her in the infirmary: Bill. She's prepared to kill anyone and everyone who gets in her way.
Volume 1 does an excellent job of setting the stage for innovative samurai/karate flick. The movie has one of the best soundtracks I've heard in a movie, and I can still remember the cliffhanger ending making me think that I would die before Kill Bill 2 came out. There are few films this millenia that have been this good.
Volume 1 does an excellent job of setting the stage for innovative samurai/karate flick. The movie has one of the best soundtracks I've heard in a movie, and I can still remember the cliffhanger ending making me think that I would die before Kill Bill 2 came out. There are few films this millenia that have been this good.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![City of God [DVD] [2002]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6044/6044782_sa.jpg)
This internationally acclaimed story of a group of young criminals in Brazil has been given a simple presentation for its release on North American DVD. City of God (aka Cidade de Deus) has been given a letterboxed transfer to disc in the widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, which has been enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors. The audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo; the dialogue is in Portuguese, with optional English subtitles. No additional bonus materials have been included in this edition.
Customer Rating
4
Another great foreign film
on February 20, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
Unfortunately, this little known foreign film only played in independant theaters, or else it might have been more of a hit. One of the great things about this movie is that it takes place over a period of several years. We are able to see how kids get involved in a life of crime, only to be replaced my the next generation decades later. Being that this movie focuses on the slums of Brazil, the film is in Portuguese. It was filmed in a gritty way that suits the subject matter of the movie. This movie shows us how innocence is corrupted, and few can help but get drawn into the crossfire of urban warfare.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![DragonBall Z: Season Four [6 Discs]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/54341dd4-6a35-4f16-8684-93deae11f0c7.jpg)
Customer Rating
3
Another great season
on February 19, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
I just bought Dragon Ball Z: Season 4 and cannot wait to pop it in. Although I think this item is a little over-priced compared to the other three seasons on the market, it is worth the money. This season is really fun, though it is the weakest of the four. Each season is worthy of your collection; buy one and might as well buy them all. I like that the season includes Trunks, Android, and Garlic Jr. Sagas.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Downfall [DVD] [2004]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7275/7275922_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Best Portrayal of Hitler
on February 18, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
Downfall, starring Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler, is excellent at portraying the effect that Hitler had on Germany, even in his last hours. I have never seen any actor play Hitler more accurately, and the movie is worth seeing just for Ganz' performance. The rest of the movie is boring at times, or depending on how you look at it, extremely interesting considering that 95% of the film is set in an underground bunker. Hitler's downfall is recreated masterfully in this depiction of one of history's most complicated and infamous villains.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Love Me If You Dare [DVD] [2003]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6811/6811239_sa.jpg)
Part romantic comedy and part black comedy, director Yann Samuell's 2003 feature film debut Jeux d'Enfants (Love Me if You Dare) follows the exploits of two young would-be lovers as they go from childhood to adulthood with themselves as the greatest hurdle to their own happiness. Julien and Sophie first meet at the age of eight when both are undergoing great trauma: Julien is watching his mother die and Sophie has become the focus of intense hazing at the hands of some fellow schoolmates. On one fateful day, Julien decides to stick up for Sophie and pulls a practical joke on her tormentors. Henceforth, the two embark on a close friendship that revolves around daring each other to pull increasingly audacious practical jokes, rather than on the seemingly obvious intimate relationship they seem dangerously close to discovering at any moment. Jeux d'Enfants was selected for inclusion into the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival as well as that same year's Telluride International Film Festival.
Customer Rating
5
French tragic love story
on February 15, 2008
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
I first became aware of this movie through those previews that they play on DVDs before they let you get to the main menu (yes, those previews do serve some purpose after all). It appeared to be an interesting movie, and on that basis I bought the film without having ever watched it. There are no regrets.
Set in France (and filmed in the French language), the movie focuses on a young boy and girl who play games with each other to escape from harsh reality. Eventually as they grow up, they get caught up in a deadly game of "Dares" in which the possessor of a tin gets to tell the other to do whatever they want. Their devotion to the game becomes dangerous as neither one refuses any dare. Lives are ruined and deep love is forged in this tragic romance story.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Sexy Beast [DVD] [2000]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4496/4496021_sa.jpg)
Ben Kingsley becomes a raving, mad-dog gangster in the dramatic comedy Sexy Beast. Sporting a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, Fox has done a very good job at making sure this picture looks very clean and clear of any major defects or imperfections. The colors are all bright with the black levels appearing solid and evenly saturated. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 in English as well as Dolby 2.0 Surround in English. The Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is very enveloping with many instances of surround sounds used throughout the film. All aspects of the dialogue, effects, and music are clear of any excessive distortion or hiss. Also included on this disc are subtitles in English and Spanish. Sexy Beast features a small but substantial array of extra materials, starting with a commentary track by actor Ben Kingsley and producer Jeremy Thomas. This is a very insightful commentary with lots of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and details. Also included on this disc is a short "making-of" featurette that includes a few clips from the film and interviews with the cast and crew, as well as a few theatrical trailers and a TV spot for Sexy Beast.
Customer Rating
5
Great indy film
on October 20, 2007
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
This is a terrific movie that is not to well heard of. I had to see this movie at an Angelika Film center when it came out years ago, and I loved it. Unfortunately, the movie has since faded into obscurity and I had to special order it from bestbuy.com. This film is well worth any trouble to obtain it. The plot revolves around a retired gangster who is being lured back into the life by the most evil man in the history of cinema. Ben Kingsley gives the performance of his life as the villain Don Logan. You might remember Kingsley's more reserved roles like Gandhi and Issac Stern in Schindler's List. However in this movie, Ben Kingsley manifests a character that even Darth Vader would be afraid of. In a genre of film I'm always looking for more of (British crime films), this one ranks higher than the rest.
What's great about it: Greatest performance ever?
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Planet Terror [2 Discs] [Special Edition] [Extended and Unrated] [DVD] [2007]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8474/8474046_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Good movie, bad deal
on October 19, 2007
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
I only purchased this movie because I got the five dollars off in a manufacturer's coupon that came with with purchase of "Death Proof" As you may know, Death Proof and Planet Terror were released together as the double feature "Grindhouse". Before you think that buying these two movies seperately is just as good as buying them together, realize that the grindhouse experience as one fluid movie is irreplacable, as are the gag trailers appearing in the theatrical release but not this DVD. I was suckered into buying both Planet Terror and Death Proof as they were released seperately because they have been advertised as being extended and unrated. My advice to anyone who is wanting to purchase one or both of these fine films is to wait awhile just to see if the powers that be don't come out with a super box set with Grindhouse intact and uncut like it should be. However, if you were like me and you couldn't wait to buy both films as soon as they came out, then by all means, add some style points to your DVD collection.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Alien Quadrilogy: Alien/Aliens/Alien3/Alien Resurrection [9 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6166/6166285_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Great boxed set
on October 15, 2007
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
This is a must have for any "Alien" fans. This set has all of the original 4 films as they appeared in theaters, as well as extended editions (some with over half an hour of added footage!). That means "Alien", "Aliens" "Alien3" and "Alien Resurrection". The commentary and special features are also magnificent (especially insights given by director Ridley Scott and James Cameron). Spread out over nine discs in a fancy package, this set is hard to beat.
What's great about it: Great films, special features
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![El Mariachi/Desperado [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3423/3423101_sa.jpg)
Ever since his debut in 1992, writer/director Robert Rodriguez has been keeping audiences entertained and amazed with his "guerrilla filmmaking" style and his ability to make engaging action films on shoestring budgets. He is a truly creative voice in the world of cinema, and this well-crafted disc offers a fascinating glimpse into his filmmaking processes while presenting two films in a professional, clean transfer. The main attractions here are the special features: each side of the disc contains a "ten-minute film school," which is invaluable to anyone with an interest in making movies. There are also two full-length director's commentaries that are every bit as amusing and enlightening as the "film schools," helping to make up for the fact that the only other features present are theatrical trailers and cast/crew filmographies. Both films are presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, which serves Desperado rather better than El Mariachi, as Desperado's soundtrack was recorded on a much bigger budget, whereas El Mariachi's original source is barely more than mono. Both benefit greatly from this treatment, however, and make good use of all five channels as well as the sub. Desperado's picture quality isn't perfect -- there is some minor bleeding, especially with the brighter reds and yellows -- but it's acceptable. El Mariachi looks as good as can be expected considering its source material; much of the scratching and dust has been cleaned up and the result is a far superior version than anything released thus far, surpassing even the earlier laserdisc version. For action-film viewers or those who enjoy rare, behind-the-scenes looks at how films are made, this disc is not to be missed.
Customer Rating
4
2 great movies on the same disc
on October 12, 2007
Posted by: CamTheMan
from Lubbock, TX
I must first start by saying that "Desperado" is the best movie ever. Sometimes I wonder why such a great movie is so underated. It has everything. Awesome gunfights, great dialogue, a modern Western-like setting, and a steamy scene between Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek.
"El Mariachi" is also a very good movie. It is the movie that started the whole Mariachi-with-guitar-case-full-of-guns trilogy. There are even some great special features for aspiring film directors, including director Robert Rodriguez' take on how to make a movie for under $10000. Considering that this movie was produced for that much, it is a great success. This movie does well to demonstrate that a movie does not have to be the biggest blockbuster to be a good movie.
The setup of this package is one DVD with a movie on each side. This is very convenient for fans who want to own both movies. However, there is also a three pack on the market, which adds "Once Upon A Time In Mexico" and each movie has its own case. For someone who does not own any of these movies, I would strongly recommend buying all three as a set. But for anyone who just wants these first two movies of the trilogy, this two-for-one package is a great deal.
What's great about it: Two of the greatest movies ever
What's not so great: true fans will prefer having the movies seperately
I would recommend this to a friend!
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