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.
New Line has delivered a great DVD in Blow, the third release in its Infinifilm series. The Johnny Depp-starring film about the rise and fall of a cocaine dealer has never looked better. The picture is top-flight, presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. Sound is decent, offered in Dolby Digital 5.1, but in a film as dialogue-heavy as this one, one won't notice it as much. The extras are the true superstars here. The Infinifilm series invites viewers to "go beyond the movie" by offering features that shed light not only on the film's production, but also on its subject matter. Included on the disc is an interview with George Jung, the real person on whom the film is based; a commentary from Jung and director Ted Demme; "Lost Paradise," an in-depth look at the Columbian drug trade; a six-minute featurette on drug addiction; deleted scenes; and a production diary, among many others. With the Infinifilm feature, many of these features can be accessed during the film itself, taking viewers to features relevant to the scene in question. The DVD is excellent in all respects and is well worth the money. Hopefully, other studios will follow New Line's lead and include more than just EPK material on their DVDs.
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 DVD of Goodfellas has got to be one of the very first DVDs ever released by Warner Brothers because they make a critical error in the release. While many films offer widescreen on one side and full screen on the other, this film offers only one version -- a widescreen film broken into two sides. Viewers have to flip the DVD over to watch the second half of the film; 19 chapters are on side A and the last 15 chapters are on side B. Goodfellas is a classic film, and the DVD offers a great video transfer and excellent Dolby Digital 5:1 Surround, but no DVD fan will accept the two-sided format. In terms of extras, there are very few, limited only to theatrical trailers, production notes, and cast bios. For many, this Martin Scorsese classic is a must-have for any collection, but those who can wait for a future, corrected release of this film are better off watching the widescreen VHS tape. Language option in English and French and subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.
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.
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.
Matthew Bright's biopic of serial killer Ted Bundy comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 .The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital Surround. Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by the director, and the original theatrical trailer. This is a solid disc from First Look who have specialized in horror films abut famous serial killers.
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.
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.