This reissue, a "Special Collector's Edition," of The Hunt for Red October is a vast improvement, in every way, over the initial release. For starters, the widescreen image (framed at 2.35:1) is anamorphic this time, and the transfer has never looked better. Granted, some grain is evident, especially early in the film, but it's never intrusive. The distinct color patterns are far more clear and the detail more exact. Equally, the blacks are very strong and solid. Also an upgrade is the sound. The earlier disc had a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, but this one includes that and a new DTS track. While the Dolby Digital track is good, the DTS version is noticeably stronger. Basses are deep, and surround effects are utilized in just the correct moment. As for supplements, while this disc is far from supplement heavy, it offers far more than the original disc. Along with the theatrical trailer, also on the first DVD, there is a fine half-hour documentary, covering many elements, from the story to the visual effects. As good as it is, it really begs for more. Also included is a commentary track from director John McTiernan. Despite significant gaps, he does offer some interesting insight into the production, but simply doesn't cover enough ground. Maybe not a perfect disc, this one is such a step up from what was offered initially that it's difficult to find anything to complain about.
Customer Rating
5
Great Movie
on September 23, 2007
Posted by: BlownItem
from Seattle, WA
This non stop action thriller is about the defection of a Russian submarine Captain with his ship that was "built for one purpose". This movie does the best job following the book it was based on than any movie I've seen. Definate must for any Clancy fan.
When one of the most powerful men in the world orders the launch of nuclear missles, his second in command takes control of the ship. This is so realistic it will keep you on the edge of your seat!
There's not a lot of adornment on the DVD release of Trading Places, the hysterical Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd comedy. Thank goodness Trading Places is a film worth watching. The DVD is widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound in English and Dolby Surround in English and French mono. It's also closed-captioned and subtitled in English.
Customer Rating
5
Murphy's Best
on September 21, 2007
Posted by: BlownItem
from Seattle, WA
This is by far Eddie Murphy's Best work. When teamed with Dan Akroyd, it delivers non stop laughs.
One of the funniest films of all time, Blazing Saddles, is awarded an excellent 30th anniversary DVD release by Warner Bros., a company that has often shown great care to the important titles in its vault. The film itself is presented in a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio. The English soundtrack has been remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1, which makes it seem like one is hearing the infamous farting scene for the very first time. There is a healthy amount of quality extra materials, including a commentary by director Mel Brooks. Although it seems as if he was simply recorded while talking about the film (he never once refers to what is happening onscreen, and the commentary ends only an hour into the film), he recollections are amusing and enlightening. He discusses in detail how the various behind-the-scenes people as well as the cast came together. The other five-star nugget included on this disc is the pilot for the television spin-off Black Bart. Starring Louis Gossett Jr., the show is as amazingly unfunny as the movie is uproarious, but one may be struck by the crudity of the comedy that would have been telecast in the mid-'70s. A making-of documentary and a section from a special on the late great Madeline Kahn help make this DVD a must-own for comedy enthusiasts.
Customer Rating
5
Classic!
on September 20, 2007
Posted by: BlownItem
from Seattle, WA
This movie is irreverant it could not be made today. Mel Brooks' non pc dialogue makes for nonstop laughs.
Romantic comedies on DVD are often cash cows for studios, and with the all the enjoyable extras milked into Touchstone Home Entertainment's Sweet Home Alabama, this is one disc sure to rise to the top. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, and Candice Bergen, Sweet Home Alabama is a charming film about a self-made New York designer who must rendezvous with her Southern roots before her new life can flourish. The movie, presented in anamorphic video, is shown in 2.35:1 widescreen with crisp colors and clear projection. The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound is decent, especially during the conversations and Civil War "battle" scenes. Not much in terms of groundbreaking surround sound, but this is a romantic comedy, not an apocalyptic war adventure. A French language track is also available. In terms of extras, Touchstone included those viewer-friendly options that many fans of this genre will enjoy. There's a SHeDAISY music video and 12 chapter selections. The director's screen-specific audio commentary is worth a watch, especially since Andy Tennant uses this platform to really discuss his passion for this film as well as what funny things happened during the shoot. The anecdotes alone are worth listening to. But by far, the best extra on the disc is "Off the Cutting Room Floor," a collection of eight deleted scenes with an introduction by Tennant. To top that off is the always-popular alternate ending feature, with commentary.
Customer Rating
4
Good movie
on September 19, 2007
Posted by: BlownItem
from Seattle, WA
Although this is what I call a 'chick flick', there is enough funny stuff to keep guys from wishing it was Monday Night in November.
This is the story of Jake and Elwood Blues (made popular on Saturday Night Live when the series was worth watching), 2 brothers that grew up in the Blues Era. The tale is their efforts to save their adoption center from the tax man. The musical performances alone make the DVD worth the price.