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kevman79
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- First reviewApril 12, 2008
- Last reviewMay 22, 2008
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![Lost in Translation [WS] [DVD] [2003]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Sofia Coppola's award-winning Lost in Translation comes to DVD in a wonderful package from Universal Pictures and Focus Features. The film comes in an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen picture (a full-screen edition is also available), with full and rich sound options that come in both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 tracks. Special features on the disc begin with the brilliant "'Lost' on Location" behind-the-scenes documentary. Shot handheld by a small crew during the shoot in Tokyo (including Coppola's husband-at-the-time Spike Jonze), the footage offers a rare inside look at a production that itself seems lost within the same very foreign land as its two main characters. Capturing a few stellar moments between Murray and the crew, the footage is a welcome surprise amidst the hype-driven studio featurettes that too often litter DVDs. Though not quite as solid, the ten-minute conversation with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola feature does give the viewer a bit more background on the production (which a commentary would have covered if it'd been included), though some will no doubt be looking for more out of the two than an on-the-fly Q & A on a balcony in Rome. Thankfully, the disc isn't done yet, as it continues with the entire clip from Matthew's Best Hit TV show, featuring a hilarious bit with Murray and a box of live eels that needs to be seen to be believed. The music video for Kevin Shields' "City Girl" is also supplied, along with a section of five extended and deleted scenes that serve as a nice complement to the film but offer little else. The original theatrical trailer rounds out the extras on this fine disc.
Posted by: kevman79
Critics raved about this picture, but I still don't get what the big deal was, because I saw it, and didn't find it either interesting or funny. One of Bill Murray's worst. Widescreen with decent extras.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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1of 12voted this as helpful.
Posted by: kevman79
Taking into account the film's lucrative budget (estimated to have been around $35 million), and the accomplished cast and crew for the most part, this 1980 version of 'Flash Gordon,' based off the 1930's adventure serial, gets the award for the 'Worst Movie Ever Made' in my opinion. Now, that's not saying I haven't seen worse films, because I have, but when you consider the resources 'Flash' had at its disposal, it's utterly unbelievable that such a poor product could result. Highlighting this somewhat intentionally 'cheesy' piece, is its lavish production and set design, followed by the much appreciated musical score from rock band 'Queen.' Just about everything else in regards to this film is just plain bad, but so bad it's actually a riot to watch! This 'Flash Gordon: Saviour of the Universe' dvd features an excellent anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, with some sparse extras. Highly recommended to the fans of this movie, which completely deserves its 5-star rating as the best 'worst' movie I've ever seen!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-5points
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Posted by: kevman79
'Dark City' is a visually beautiful film with some excellent effects shots. However, the story itself just doesn't add up in my opinion, and while it does have its moments, they're too few and far between for me to recommend this movie. Widescreen, director's cut.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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-1point
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Posted by: kevman79
The first two Rambo films were exceptionally good, this third film in the series was not, but at least it's not as bad as the most recent addition. Considering you can find the Lions Gate Ultimate dvd version for $5 just about everywhere, I can't necessarily recommend spending $25 on this one.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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-4points
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Unquestionably the Animal House for the 21st century (there are too many similarities to count!), Old School has come to DVD from Dreamworks, and they've done a fine job on this title. The 2.35:1 anamorphic image is outstanding in every way. Detail is strong, and colors come across perfectly. The transfer is as close to a direct translation from the theatrical print as you could get. As is common now, there is a chopped pan-and-scan version available separately and both rated and unrated versions for the widescreen version. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are included, which may come as a surprise. Occasionally there are some directional effects, but for the most part, this soundtrack is centered in the forward speakers. Regardless, these are fine tracks, distortion free, with clear dialogue. This release is further punched up by the addition of a number of supplements. Up front is a commentary from director Todd Phillips and stars Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson. Just as with the film, this track is a party and a pleasure to listen to. Also included are eight deleted scenes, some of which could easily have been kept in this short 90-minute film. For anyone familiar with cable's Inside the Actor's Studio, a 21-minute "Inside the Actor's Studio Spoof" with the same group in the commentary will produce additional laughs. In addition to standard biographies and productions notes is a studio PR featurette, photo gallery made up primarily of direct shots from film, the theatrical trailer, and four television spots. It's hard not to laugh at the crude humor of Old School and this DVD simply adds to the experience.
Posted by: kevman79
'Old School' was a complete waste of my time, and I was shocked that this is the product we got considering the rather impressive cast. This is the unrated version that features footage not seen in the theatrical release. Widescreen.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Considering that High Fidelity is largely about a guy talking to the camera, it doesn't seem like the kind of film that needs a DVD version. That is, until you see it. The clutter and disarray of Rob's bohemian world jumps from the letterbox screen in sharp detail, making it possible to read most of the stickers and posters that cover nearly every inch of wall and counter space. High Fidelity is also all about the omnipresent music, which has been beautifully rendered in Dolby Digital. Since the music and the dialogue are often coming through separate channels (especially in the record store scenes), one can appreciate the former without straining to hear the latter. In terms of bonus features, there are nine deleted scenes -- some good, some bad, most cut for pacing reasons. One of these is an uncredited cameo by Beverly D'Angelo in a scene based on an old gag with a new twist. There are also five short clips of interviews with Stephen Frears and John Cusack, who discusses the film as its co-writer and co-producer rather than as its star. Closed-captioning, Spanish subtitles, and a theatrical trailer complete the extras. This DVD won't blow anybody away, but it's definitely worthwhile for fans of the movie and its music.
Posted by: kevman79
'High Fidelity' has its moments, and is one of John Cusack's better pictures, but it's nothing spectacular, will most likely only be enjoyed by a select audience. Widescreen.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-3points
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Mike Newell's quirky comedy about airline traffic controllers, Pushing Tin, comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Surround. English and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a theatrical trailer. This is a by-the-numbers from 20th Century Fox that will satisfy fans of the film, but will not help it find a wider audience.
Posted by: kevman79
I must admit that 'Pushing Tin' turned out to be completely differrent than I expected, and not in a good way either. I just don't care for the whole swinging/wife-swapping aspect, which is actually pretty disgusting and really hurts this picture. Widescreen and full-screen.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The life of legendary scientist Albert Einstein is re-imagined as a slapstick farce in this comic fantasy. Changing Einstein's country of origin from Germany to Tasmania, the film shows the scientist's eventful youth as he creates rock & roll and discovers the secret of splitting the beer atom. Director and star Yahoo Serious loads the film with slapstick comedy, absurd sight gags, and even sneaks in a romantic subplot in which Einstein courts Marie Curie. The film was a huge hit in its native Australia but a major box-office disappointment in the United States, where audiences largely ignored the display of nonstop silliness.
Posted by: kevman79
I always thought the funniest thing about this film was that the lead actor's name is 'Yahoo Serious.' That should probably give you a good idea as to the quality of this movie. The dvd is widescreen, for those 10 or 15 people in the United States that bothered to see this thing.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Posted by: kevman79
'Witness' is an excellent movie, and displays one of Harrison Ford's best acting performances in my opinion. And while the movie is probably not one of those most viewers will tend to watch on a regular basis, it's still well worth at least one watch, if only to see the scenes taking place in and around the Amish community, which are exceptionally impressive. Widescreen, ample bonus materials. Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: kevman79
'Dark City' is a visually beautiful film with some excellent effects shots. However, the story itself just doesn't add up in my opinion, and while the film does have its moments, they're too few and far between for me to recommend this movie. Widescreen.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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