Julien Temple directs Mickey Rourke and Tupac Shakur in the action film Bullet, which comes to DVD with a pair of transfers. The widescreen transfer preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and is preferable to the standard full-frame image. The closed-captioned English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital Surround. English subtitles are accessible. This disc contains both the "R" rated version of the film as well as an unrated cut. Supplemental materials include interviews with the cast. Additional extras are available to those with a DVD-ROM drive. This is a fine release from New Line Home Entertainment that will appeal primarily to genre enthusiasts.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I'm not really one who tends to enjoy or watch movies about gangsters or criminal lifestyles. However, 'Bullet' is an exception, and is a film in which the story deals not so much with excessive violence and brutality, but much more with the shattered soul and dreams of the main character and his family. 'Bullet' actually presents a very good story, that sadly I'm sure all too many Americans can relate to. Excellent acting overall with exceptional performances by Levine and Rourke. Highly recommended, not to be confused with the 1970's film starring Steve McQueen.
Mark Pellington's domestic terrorist thriller Arlington Road gets a fantastic DVD treatment on this release. The disc boasts a widescreen anamorphic 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 subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track featuring the first-time director as well as lead actor Jeff Bridges, production notes, a "making of" featurette, an alternative ending, talent files, and theatrical trailers. This disc will please the film's fans and offers the best way to introduce the film to the uninitiated.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
While probably not the type of movie one would tend to watch over and over, 'Arlington Road' is still exceptional entertainment that is sure to keep your attention. Great cast and performances. Widescreen with ample bonus features. Recommended.
Bob Sagat directs Norm MacDonald in his first leading man role in Dirty Work, which comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. Subtitles are accessible in both of those languages as well. Supplemental materials include the original theatrical trailer, and a booklet containing information about the film's production. This is a fine release from MGM/UA.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Dirty Work' was an utter disappointment to watch, not because it was the worst movie I've ever seen, which it wasn't. It's just that after having watched him on 'Saturday Night Live' for several years, I feel Norm MacDonald has so much more talent than was utilized in the film. Widescreen.
Rowan Atkinson stars in Bean: The Movie on this DVD from Polygram Entertainment, presented with both widescreen and full-screen transfers. The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround soundtrack is in English and French. Spanish subtitles and English closed captions are also available. Special features start off with biographies and filmographies of director Mel Smith, screenwriter Richard Curtis, and stars Rowan Atkinson and Peter MacNicol. Also included are the original theatrical trailer, two short teasers, and an "I Love L.A." music video featuring New Zealand-based pop group OMC (creators of the 1997 dance-pop hit "How Bizarre").
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Bean' is not a movie that everyone will enjoy, but those who can appreciate its offbeat humor will find themselves in for some good laughs. Widescreen and full-screen viewing options.
This box set consisting of the supernatural comedies Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2. Each is presented in the original broadcast aspect ratio. Supplemental materials include a wealth of behind-the-scenes materials and a collectible scrapbook that documents the two films.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The best thing about this set is the price. The re-mastered high-def transfers on these new versions seem a bit too light to me, and also seem to be missing some of the extras from the original collector's dvd release. Still though, a good buy for two great films. Recommended.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Ghostbusters 2' is a really good sequel in my opinion. I recommend this movie, but the re-mastered high-def transfer on this new version seems too light to me, and I still prefer the original dvd release. Nonetheless, still highly recommended.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Ghostbusters' is one of the best comedies of the 1980's, and was followed by a sequel that was almost just as funny. Great acting performances shine in this piece. I recommend this movie, but the re-mastered high-def transfer on this new version seems too light to me, and I still prefer the original dvd release. This new version also seems to be missing some of the extras on the original collector's dvd release.
Arnold Schwartzenegger stars as Howard Langston, an overworked mattress salesman who has been neglecting his family of late; in an attempt to redeem himself, he promises his son whatever he wants for Christmas. Turns out that his heart's desire is a TurboMan doll, coveted by every other kid this year as well, and Howard quickly forgets about his promise until Christmas Eve. Director Brian Levant Star Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson, Robert Conrad, James Belushi, Jake Lloyd, Special Features Widescreen - 1.85 Audio Dolby Digital Surround - English, French, Spanish Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional Additional Material Audio Commentaries - Extended, Director's Cut Behind the Scenes - 1. "The Making of a Hero" 2. "Turbo Man Behind the Mask" Featurettes - "Super Kids" Interactive Features Games (4) Runtime 109 minutes Year of 1996.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I'll admit that 'Jingle All the Way' is one film I had serious doubts about when going to see. Well, I was proven wrong and what you have here is a very well done, and funny Holiday comedy. Widescreen, with some bonus features, fans may want to own both this director's version and the original theatrical cut dvd.
Sometimes, the DVD format can take a must-watch movie and turn it into a must-own movie. Warner Bros. gets a gold star for this excellent DVD edition of David O. Russell's Gulf War heist epic. The picture, a masterful 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, beautifully shows off the desert surroundings. Colors are rich and seem to shimmer with the heat. Even when the film changes stocks, the picture retains its crisp texture. The sound is simply awesome. Dolby 5.1 does the madcap gunplay and thunderous soundtrack justice. The extras too are worth their weight in gold. Russell's commentary, for starters, is top of the line. He details every inch of the production, from effects to locations and more. He is also well-schooled in the Gulf War and provides many fascinating historical notes. Also featured is a fact-filled commentary from producers Charles Roven and Edward McDonnell. There is a 20-minute documentary that offers a very straightforward look at the making of Three Kings. Production designer Catherine Hardwicke takes viewers on an exhaustive tour of the film's various sets, while cinematographer Newton Thomas Seigel provides a look at the process by which the film was shot. There is also a batch of deleted scenes with optional commentary from Russell, as well as a humorous clip of co-star Ice Cube explaining the "acting process." While all of these are impressive, the real standout is Russell's video journal. Starting from the day the script is greenlit, it chronicles the journey of bringing Three Kings to the screen. We see his first meeting with George Clooney, watch rehearsals, and view the actual shooting. From Mark Wahlberg's obvious discomfort with being videotaped to a rather pushy publicist telling Russell (obviously not knowing who he is), "Sir, no cameras are allowed!" at the film's premiere, the journal is an amazingly personal look at the creation and execution of a feature film. Also featured are bios, trailers, and 12 Easter eggs, called "hidden bunkers" here. After buying Three Kings on DVD, viewers may want to block out four hours of an evening -- two for the movie and the rest to pore over the fabulous extras.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Three Kings' is an enjoyable film that presents an entertaining and some times comedic story that is well worth the watch. Widescreen and lots of bonus features make this one worth owning. Recommended.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Red Dawn' is one of my all-time favorites. Good acting across the board and a cool story as well. I never tire of watching this film. Presented nicely in this 2-disc special edition featuring an anamorphic widescreen transfer. Highest recommendation!