Posts Tagged ‘dvd’

Has it really been ten years since Titanic hit theaters? Oh yeah, no one was counting. I thought Titanic was great when it came out, but now I realize just how overblown this film was. It’s still a good movie, but an Oscar powerhouse, I think not. Titanic is just a bit too mainstream for its own good, and any movie that can’t get an Oscar-worthy performance out of Leonardo DiCaprio has a few issues. That being said, no one can fault James Cameron for making one of the most critically and financially successful films of all time.

But that’s not what this article is about. Titanic: 10th Anniversary Edition is coming to DVD on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, and I have a copy of the two-disc collector’s set. For those of you who don’t own Titanic, the Best Picture winner is certainly worth owning, but what about all of you who already own it? Is it worth buying a new version, especially when the DVD format is going to be obsolete in a year?

The answer is a clear no. The movie is split across two discs, which is annoying enough, and it’s probably split across two discs because the movie has three different commentaries (one by James Cameron, another by Kate Winslet, Gloria Stuart, Lewis Abernathy, Jon Landau and Rae Sanchini, and a third, historical commentary by Don Lynch and Ken Marschall, whoever those people are) and behind-the-scenes featurettes built into the flow. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a commentary guy (and I would probably only listen if Leonardo DiCaprio was involved), and I am definitely not a big fan of special features that I can only access when I actually watch the movie. If I’m watching the movie, I want to watch the movie; if I want to watch special features, I want to watch special features… I don’t want to do one to do the other, and vice versa.

The historical commentary might be interesting.

The only real interesting part of the DVD set is an alternate ending that looks more at the modern day cast and wraps their stories up a bit more. Since no one cared about Bill Paxton’s character or anyone outside the scope of the narrative, it’s no surprise that a lot of this stuff got cut. In addition, the actual ending and the way the old woman (Rose) tosses the diamond over the side of the ship is a lot cheesier here, as she does so in the presence of most of the other characters. Paxton goes off his rocker in a rather goofy way, and the fat comic relief guy takes away any dramatic impact of the scene.

While I was never a fan of any of the modern day sections in Titanic, the version that actually appeared in the theatrical release is much better. Still, it’s interesting to see what might have been.

Overall, if you really like feature commentaries, Titanic: 10-Year Anniversary Edition might be for you, but otherwise, it will be a complete waste of money. In reality, the DVD doesn’t have many special features whatsoever.

I’m not a classic movie kind of guy. It’s not that I don’t appreciate or like the classics; it’s just that I spend so much time watching modern day films that I rarely have a chance to sit down and watch the ageless ones. Such is the case with It’s a Wonderful Life, a movie that has been around for over 60 years, a movie I had never seen. It’s a travesty, I know.

Now out on a 2-Disc Collector’s Set, It’s a Wonderful Life includes both the original black and white version, the colored version, a making-of documentary and a “special tribute to Frank Capra, narrated by his son, Frank Capra Jr.” You never know with these classics if they’ll be able to stand the test of time – some greats fifty years ago just don’t hold up well these days. Thankfully, It’s a Wonderful Life stands up beautifully; it’s captivating, entertaining, funny and depressing all at once, and is a true masterpiece.

James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man who has always dreamed of being someone and going somewhere. Though he has had his mild successes and is well respected within the community, every time he tries to go somewhere else, he finds himself drawn back in to his town for one reason or another, whether it is to help his dying father or his struggling neighbors. He lives a life of pure selflessness, but he wants to live for himself. It’s not until an angel shows him what life would be like had he never existed that he truly realizes just how important he is.

Stewart is terrific in the lead, delivering a heartwarming, down-to-earth character who can make us laugh and cry interchangeably. Of course, I didn’t actually cry, but Stewart’s performance, coupled with a terrific screenplay Capra’s direction, touches a chord that few films do these days. The movie can be somber and depressing without shoving it down our throats, and at times leaves you desperate waiting for the next scene in hopes that things get better. Just when things are looking up, something happens to bring us back down to earth, and the reality that all good things come to an end – but it doesn’t mean that more good things can’t follow.

There’s not much else to say. It’s a Wonderful Life is a great film the whole family can enjoy. Touching and enthralling, It’s a Wonderful Life is truly a timeless classic.

Thanks to the 1,500+ who took my horror movie survey last month! I’ll publish the results soon (there are some obvious results and a few surprises), but I just wanted to say congratulations to Karen Mead of Wingdale, New York, as she is the winner of the six horror DVDs. Karen, I’ll be sending out the prize package this weekend.

Check back soon, as I’ll be launching a new survey with new DVD giveaways shortly. For other movie contests, including El Cantante, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and other DVD giveaways, please visit my movie contests page. I currently have 12 different giveaways running (and ending soon).

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is now out on DVD, and I’ve been gifted with a free copy. Since I thought the movie was one of Adam Sandler’s worst comedies ever, it’s not a very good gift, but a gift nonetheless.

You can read the full Chuck and Larry movie review here, but continue on to see whether the DVD is any good. The DVD features several features, all of which are quite good considering the type of movie we’re talking about. Of course, these behind-the-scenes looks aren’t as elaborate as the ones you’d find on the DVD for Pirates of the Caribbean, but they’re still pretty informative, and, at the very least, honest. One of my biggest pet peeves are featurettes that are purely promotion (“You’re going to see things in this movie you’ve never seen before”), and luckily the Chuck and Larry DVD stay away from that kind of thing. Thankfully, both Sandler and James are present in all of the featurettes as we get to see them both off camera and discussing the movie.

The stunts featurette is actually quite fun, and a nice reminder that even for a rather simple comedy such as this you can still require stunt men. Of course, none of the stunts are particularly mind blowing, but, then again, I wouldn’t willingly choose to roll down a flight of stairs with a fat guy on top of me. Another one looks at the various cameos in the movie, though it unfortunately isn’t that funny.

The real highlight of the DVD are the deleted scenes and outtakes. Considering that the movie was pretty crappy, the deleted scenes aren’t much to scream about, but there are a few funny moments scattered throughout. The outtakes, however, are quite good, and it’s always fun to watch people like Sandler messing up (or farting).

Guys, just to note: Jessica Biel is noticeably absent from the DVD.

Overall, the Chuck and Larry DVD has some entertaining features. I managed to get through all of the bonus features in half an hour, however, and I question whether there’s anything here really worth purchasing. Of course, I’d question if you were even considering buying this movie in the first place…