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- First reviewApril 20, 2008
- Last reviewNovember 15, 2008
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![Constantine [WS] [2 Discs] [With Collectible Book] [DVD] [2005]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/feeab198-0159-4568-948d-dad86114ae39.jpg)
Directed by Francis Lawrence. Starring Shia LaBeouf, Max Baker, Keanu Reeves.
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Constantine is the story of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a New York City inhabitant who, after being revived from having killed himself as a teenager finds himself cursed with the ability to see angels and demons on earth. For his sin, Constantine must go to the bad place when he dies, so he seeks to earn favor with God by destroying as many of the invading demons as possible. He is aided by the young Chazz (Shia Laboeuf) and voodoo master Papa Midnight (Djimon Hounsou), and is occasionally visited by the angel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton, who is very amusing in the role). The performance I am most impressed with when it comes to this movie is that of Peter Stormare as the devil. Though I don't want to spoil it, let's just say he defies convention. For his scene alone I recommend this film.
This 2 disc edition is great. It's got a ton of features, including several deleted scenes and an alternate ending. For anyone who enjoys special features, this is the version to get, and this film's special effects are quite interesting to see dissected. I recommend it.
This 2 disc edition is great. It's got a ton of features, including several deleted scenes and an alternate ending. For anyone who enjoys special features, this is the version to get, and this film's special effects are quite interesting to see dissected. I recommend it.
What's great about it: Some surprisingly good performances and visuals
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Michael Bay's sequel Bad Boys II arrives on DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English and French subtitles are accessible. There are no supplemental materials of any consequence, but the disc does offer high-quality sound and picture quality.
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
This movie is great, and thus my low rating has nothing to do with IT. For a review of the movie itself, take a look at my review of the 2 disc version. I just wanted to note that this release of the movie has no features and thus is inferior to the 2 disc version. To make matters worse, this issue costs more. Save yourself some money and buy the 2 disc or Superbit versions of this awesome buddy/action/cop movie.
What's great about it: Excellent action film that will blow your socks off
What's not so great: The DVD has no features or extras at all
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Bad Boys II [2 Discs] [DVD] [2003]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Bigger isn't always better. Case in point: Bad Boys II. On the other hand, this ample two-disc DVD set from Columbia/TriStar is nothing to complain about. The first disc, with the film, offers both picture and sound that is stunning. The 2.40:1 transfer, enhanced for widescreen televisions, is beautiful in every way. Colors are vibrant, blacks are solid, and detail is constant throughout. Director Michael Bay -- known for style over substance -- doesn't disappoint, and this digital transfer is up to the task of recreating his "vision." Equally impressive is the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, available in either English or French. Aggressive and exciting, sound alternates from speaker to speaker, both front and back, highlighting every gun shot or obligatory bass-heavy song. This is an remarkable mix, bound to take advantage of any decent sound system. While this disc is slim on extras -- only containing trailers from both Bad Boys films, S.W.A.T., Radio, The Missing, Underworld, and a handful of others -- the second disc holds the meat of the supplements, including a handful of deleted scenes and two featurettes: a short nine-minute look at the stunts and another, twice as long, on the visual effects. Both could have benefited by being more in-depth, but they're still very good. In addition, a music video from Jay-Z for "La-La-La" will appeal to his fans, but the highlight of this disc are two separate sections: the "Sequence Breakdowns," where six sections of the film are extensively studied, and a comprehensive "Production Diary," made up of 19 short, but revealing, featurettes covering just about everything, including the original Bad Boys film. Oddly enough, a Bay commentary is missing, and while his brand of filmmaking is often critically questioned, this set has everything one would expect.
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
I should first say that I don't consider this great because of its script. This movie has some of the most off-the-wall twists ever, and it's not as if the plot has never been done before. Nonetheless, this movie is about as much much as you can have watching anything. The cinematography oozes with Michael Bay's typical cool, complete with over-used slow-motion and 360 degree pans. However, once things start to explode, you quickly realize that you could care less.
The story is that Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) are Miami Vice detectives who are working on stopping the influx of ecstasy that has been brought on by Cuban drug lord Johnny Tapia. However, to complicate matters, the two cops, who have been friends and partners forever, are having "relationship issues". Marcus is tired of Mike's shoot first, shoot later attitude, and Mike is secretly dating Marcus's sister, who is herself doing some undercover work on Tapia for the DEA. Hooray for bountiful complications.
In terms of the DVD release, this is not a bad set to purchase. THe prive is now very low, and there are 2 discs with a few features on the second disc. The picture quality is up to the standards of the average DVD. the only thing I would recommend is to purchase the Superbit version if it is available. It's the same price, and the definition of the picture is higher. Considering how good this film's cinematography is, it's worth the investment.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who thinks they won't be able to let go of how silly the plot is to just enjoy the action. If you don't like Michael Bay movies, then this is not for you. However, this sequel is superior to the original and is a really fun ride, so if you're looking for a thrill, definitely pick this up.
The story is that Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) are Miami Vice detectives who are working on stopping the influx of ecstasy that has been brought on by Cuban drug lord Johnny Tapia. However, to complicate matters, the two cops, who have been friends and partners forever, are having "relationship issues". Marcus is tired of Mike's shoot first, shoot later attitude, and Mike is secretly dating Marcus's sister, who is herself doing some undercover work on Tapia for the DEA. Hooray for bountiful complications.
In terms of the DVD release, this is not a bad set to purchase. THe prive is now very low, and there are 2 discs with a few features on the second disc. The picture quality is up to the standards of the average DVD. the only thing I would recommend is to purchase the Superbit version if it is available. It's the same price, and the definition of the picture is higher. Considering how good this film's cinematography is, it's worth the investment.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who thinks they won't be able to let go of how silly the plot is to just enjoy the action. If you don't like Michael Bay movies, then this is not for you. However, this sequel is superior to the original and is a really fun ride, so if you're looking for a thrill, definitely pick this up.
What's great about it: Edge-of-your-seat action
What's not so great: May be considered "dumb" by many critical viewers
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
3
Excellent cinematography can't save a dull script
on May 6, 2008
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Michael Mann, who executive produced the 1980's TV series, has been planning to bring this project to the big screen for years. It was, in all senses of the word, his pet project. That just makes the result that much more disappointing. The story revolves around Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, two Miami Vice detectives who go deep undercover to stop a drug-lord. This may sound like a lot of movies that you've seen. That's because it is. In fact, the film is really similar in a lot of ways to Michael Bay's action flick Bad Boys II. The big difference is that Bad Boys II is fun to watch. I love Michael Mann, who has given us brilliantly tense dramas (The Insider, Heat) and dazzling action thrillers (Collateral), but this film was worse than medicre: it was boring.
Miami Vice does have one great redeeming value, though: its cinematography is great and the film looks AMAZING. I actually was dazzled during some of the scenes by just how cool (for lack of a better word) everything looked and how vibrant the film suddenly seemed. It does make it just that much sadder that the story isn't up to par, but if you get the chance to see this, try it out if only for a change to see what great cinematography can do for a movie. If I ever upgrade to Blu-Ray, I'll definitely have to give this one another viewing.
Miami Vice does have one great redeeming value, though: its cinematography is great and the film looks AMAZING. I actually was dazzled during some of the scenes by just how cool (for lack of a better word) everything looked and how vibrant the film suddenly seemed. It does make it just that much sadder that the story isn't up to par, but if you get the chance to see this, try it out if only for a change to see what great cinematography can do for a movie. If I ever upgrade to Blu-Ray, I'll definitely have to give this one another viewing.
What's great about it: Breathtaking visual style and cinematography
What's not so great: The script is dull and unoriginal
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Cloverfield is something that we've really lacked in the last several years: an American monster movie. Some would argue that Roland Emmerich's Godzilla remake counts, but it was still attached to a Japanese tradition. J.J. Abrams's concept, about a giant monster attcking during a goodbye party being held for the departure of one of the main characters really hits home, both in its imagery (an instantly famous shot of the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty hitting a New York City street comes to mind) and its unavoidable commentary on post 9/11 hysteria. The ensuing panic and destruction is both technologically dazzling and fascinating to watch.
The film follows a group of partiers who go to look for one's girlfriend after they get into a fight at his going-away party. Abrams originally pitched the movie as something like Godzilla meets a Cameron Crowe movie, and the first 2o minutes or so of the movie really reflect that. This sets up the reason for which the entire film is shot in handheld: it turns out that the footage we see is government evidence for a project code-named "Cloverfield". At the party, one of the guys is assigned to film goodbyes from all of the partygoers for the main character, and in the chaos that ensues, he decides to keep filming the attack. Some may lose interest during the beginning of the film because there is no monster; indeed, a definite "Jurassic Park" effect is present, because nothing is seen for about 25 minutes. Still, if you hang in there, it's a good ride.
Overall, Cloverfield isn't an amazing film, but it's got style and originality. Nonetheless, the shaking camera really gets on your nerves toward the end, especially when the monster is in play, but luckily it is a short enough film that you won't lose interest. It might be interesting to see an alternate take on the event where it is shot normally, but that rather defeats the point. That's like saying "Memento" would be better if it went forward.
I recommend this to anyone, since it really is good entertainment. Just bear in mind that you will be getting a drama more so than an action movie.
The film follows a group of partiers who go to look for one's girlfriend after they get into a fight at his going-away party. Abrams originally pitched the movie as something like Godzilla meets a Cameron Crowe movie, and the first 2o minutes or so of the movie really reflect that. This sets up the reason for which the entire film is shot in handheld: it turns out that the footage we see is government evidence for a project code-named "Cloverfield". At the party, one of the guys is assigned to film goodbyes from all of the partygoers for the main character, and in the chaos that ensues, he decides to keep filming the attack. Some may lose interest during the beginning of the film because there is no monster; indeed, a definite "Jurassic Park" effect is present, because nothing is seen for about 25 minutes. Still, if you hang in there, it's a good ride.
Overall, Cloverfield isn't an amazing film, but it's got style and originality. Nonetheless, the shaking camera really gets on your nerves toward the end, especially when the monster is in play, but luckily it is a short enough film that you won't lose interest. It might be interesting to see an alternate take on the event where it is shot normally, but that rather defeats the point. That's like saying "Memento" would be better if it went forward.
I recommend this to anyone, since it really is good entertainment. Just bear in mind that you will be getting a drama more so than an action movie.
What's great about it: A flashy monster movie with good performances and thrills
What's not so great: The hand-held camera gets really shaky, and it can get confusing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This set serves up every episode from the debut season of the Showtime series Dexter, which starred Michael C. Hall as a serial killer who attempts to stay out of jail by only hunting and killing other murderers.
Customer Rating
5
Surprisingly faithful adaptation of a great novel
on May 5, 2008
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Dexter is what's great about shows on premium cable: it's as violent and foul-mouthed as it needs to be, but it's not excessive, either. Without the restrictions placed upon network TV, the show has free roam to cover all of the angles of Jeff Lindsay's novel, "Darkly Dreaming Dexter". Michael C. Hall expertly protrays the title character, a Miami blood-splatter expert with a little secret: when the moon is full, Dexter goes out on the town and takes down vicious serial killers.
Hall is a perfect cast as Dexter. He's charming, but it's quite believeable to think that he's faking; anyhow, what is acting if not putting on a facade? Having read the book first, I was not the least bit disappointed. Some of the charactes and situations have been changed in order to give them more depth and to add suspense, but the spirit is still fully there. In fact, a lot of the extended or altered characterizations make the characters a lot more interesting. In the novel, a few of them were rather two-dimensional. The ending of the novel has also been rendered correctly, although where in his book Jeff Lindsay hits his readers with surprise at the end, the show goes more with a suspense angle, dragging it out just right to make you question what will happen.
I recommend this show to anyone who likes a good cop show OR thriller. It's fun in several good ways. For those who are concerned about the violence, fear not. It's really quite easy to stomach.
Hall is a perfect cast as Dexter. He's charming, but it's quite believeable to think that he's faking; anyhow, what is acting if not putting on a facade? Having read the book first, I was not the least bit disappointed. Some of the charactes and situations have been changed in order to give them more depth and to add suspense, but the spirit is still fully there. In fact, a lot of the extended or altered characterizations make the characters a lot more interesting. In the novel, a few of them were rather two-dimensional. The ending of the novel has also been rendered correctly, although where in his book Jeff Lindsay hits his readers with surprise at the end, the show goes more with a suspense angle, dragging it out just right to make you question what will happen.
I recommend this show to anyone who likes a good cop show OR thriller. It's fun in several good ways. For those who are concerned about the violence, fear not. It's really quite easy to stomach.
What's great about it: Fast-paced murder-mystery/thriller
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Unlike many of the films which shocked the world years ago, Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, which was initially released in the 70's with an X-rating and was banned in the UK until very recently, still has the power to shock those who see it. It's a fairly bleak tale about Alex DeLarge, the head of a vicious teen gang in a future version of London who is betrayed by his gang and forced to account for his crimes. What is still shocking today is the extent to which Kubrick portrays the violence of the gang. Nonetheless, this is a tremendous piece that asks the question about whether it is better to be controlled in order to do no ill or to have the freedom to make one's own choices. This edition of the film is the one that we've long waited for. This is one of the few Kubrick films which were originally filmed in widescreen, and for the first time we can see the film as he intended it. Also, the picture and sound quality are as they've never been heard before. The Beethoven soundtrack resonates with sheer majesty and has never been so chilling. This is one of Kubrick's masterworks, and this is the way to see it.
What's great about it: Original widescreen remastered presentation
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
The greatest sci-fi film of all time done right
on May 2, 2008
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
This is Ridley Scott's masterpiece, a dark dystopian film noir about Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a bounty hunter sent to eliminate four androids in a nightmare version of Los Angeles in the future. The film is as visual stunning as it is cinematically significant.
Blade Runner had a very troubled production history. As a result, several versions of the film exist, all of which are present in this amazing set. The theatrical version, released in 1982 contains a voiceover narration by Harrison Ford and an extended "happy ending", which contrasts harshly with Scott's original vision. The 1992 Director's Cut is considered overall superior, and is largely responsible for the reason why the film is so highly regarded. It differs from the theatrical cut in that it has no voiceover and has a darker ending.
There are plenty of features in this set. For anyone who loves this film, it is a must-have. Contrasting the different versions of the film really puts it into perspective. The only disappointment I found was that the "Final Cut" that initiated the production of this set really bears little noticeable difference from the Director's Cut. However, that doesn't in any way take away from everything else in this set.
Blade Runner had a very troubled production history. As a result, several versions of the film exist, all of which are present in this amazing set. The theatrical version, released in 1982 contains a voiceover narration by Harrison Ford and an extended "happy ending", which contrasts harshly with Scott's original vision. The 1992 Director's Cut is considered overall superior, and is largely responsible for the reason why the film is so highly regarded. It differs from the theatrical cut in that it has no voiceover and has a darker ending.
There are plenty of features in this set. For anyone who loves this film, it is a must-have. Contrasting the different versions of the film really puts it into perspective. The only disappointment I found was that the "Final Cut" that initiated the production of this set really bears little noticeable difference from the Director's Cut. However, that doesn't in any way take away from everything else in this set.
What's great about it: A great set with all of the film's various versions
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: CrimsonKing42
Hot Fuzz stands as one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The casting of the film is absolutely flawless, and of course the crack comedic team of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, which was established in Shaun of the Dead, is spot-on. This time around, Pegg plays Sgt. Nicholas Angel, the best constable in London. He's so good in fact that he's making the rest of the department look bad, so they transfer him to the town of Sanford, where he is partnered up with the head constable's bumbling son Danny. However, things turn interesting for Angel when a string of murders occur, making it his responsibility to get the other townspeople in line and solve the crime.
While this may sound like a simple murder mystery, it is in fact a pointed satire of the action film genre, and in its final half hour, Hot Fuzz adopts the very style it paroodies and filling your screen with edge-of-your-seat thrilling action. Don't miss out on this incredible entertainment!
This 3-disc edition DVD is the one to get. It's full of great features and documentaries, and not only enhances your knowledge of the film's creation, but also gives you a peek into what it took to reveal it to the public. It's a must-have for anyone who enjoys this film.
While this may sound like a simple murder mystery, it is in fact a pointed satire of the action film genre, and in its final half hour, Hot Fuzz adopts the very style it paroodies and filling your screen with edge-of-your-seat thrilling action. Don't miss out on this incredible entertainment!
This 3-disc edition DVD is the one to get. It's full of great features and documentaries, and not only enhances your knowledge of the film's creation, but also gives you a peek into what it took to reveal it to the public. It's a must-have for anyone who enjoys this film.
What's great about it: Hilarous and stylishly action-packed
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford (DVD Widescreen) [DVD] [Standard]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5a1583c3-5ddf-4c61-b17e-e4c0ea4391c3.jpg)
The Assassination of Jesse James By the
Customer Rating
5
A lyrical look at the legendary outlaw's destiny
on April 30, 2008
Posted by: CrimsonKing42
This film tells the tale of young Robert Ford, a boy who joins Jesse James's gang, of which his brother is a member, hoping to take some of the legendary outlaw's fame and popularity for himself. As portrayed by Pitt, James is a solemn, pensive man who's occasional outbursts of paranoia and brutality are all the more shocking because of his ordinarily calm temperament. In the end, this is a film about what it is to be famous or to seek fame.
This is above all a character study. Some have previously complained that the film is too long and does not fi the typical conventions of the western. It is fair to note that it is unfair to expect ANY film to simply follow a formula, and to judge this film for not being exactly what one expects is not fair to the film. With that said, this film, though excellent, will not please everyone. It is slow-paced, with a lot of emphasis placed upont the visuals, which are stunning, and the assassination of the title is long in coming. However, this is a beautiful piece, and for those who are willing to go into it without any overwhelming expectations will surely be won over by the acting and cinematography.
This is above all a character study. Some have previously complained that the film is too long and does not fi the typical conventions of the western. It is fair to note that it is unfair to expect ANY film to simply follow a formula, and to judge this film for not being exactly what one expects is not fair to the film. With that said, this film, though excellent, will not please everyone. It is slow-paced, with a lot of emphasis placed upont the visuals, which are stunning, and the assassination of the title is long in coming. However, this is a beautiful piece, and for those who are willing to go into it without any overwhelming expectations will surely be won over by the acting and cinematography.
What's great about it: Impressive visuals and performances by Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck
I would recommend this to a friend!
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