Top 100 DVD Census 2004: Page 4: #100-81

By Jough Dempsey | February 23, 2004, 10:30 AM | Comments (0) | :::

100 Starship Troopers: Superbit

Columbia Tristar’s Superbit editions are often just glorified bare-bones releases, so it’s a joy to find that their Starship Troopers: Superbit is truly a reference-quality release - and the first disc you’ll be likely to grab when showing off your new big screen TV. What this disc lacks in special features is more than made up for by the jaw-droppingly crystal clear transfer.

Released: August 5, 2003 | Columbia Tristar Home Video | One Disc [Buy]

Don't make me have to put my foot up your ass.

099 Jackie Brown: Collector’s Edition

Quentin Tarantino’s follow-up to his runaway hit Pulp Fiction (which we’ll get to later down the list) may have taken five years to finally arrive on DVD, but Tarantino and Co. made sure it was well worth the wait. Besides some deleted scenes that are sure to excite fans, we’re treated to a great behind-the-scenes documentary, a great 52 minute video interview with Tarantino (that almost makes us forget that the set doesn’t include a commentary track with the director), the largest assortment of trailers for other films (by Jackie Brown’s stars) ever released on DVD, and two of my favourite features: the entire screenplay, plus a subtitle trivia track that runs the length of the film.

Released: August 20, 2002 | Miramax Entertainment | Two Discs [Buy]

Talk about false advertising - this totally contained NO cowboys!

098 Cowboy Bebop - The Perfect Sessions (Limited Edition Complete Series Boxed Set)

As the only animé title in the Top 100, Cowboy Bebop breaks through the stigma that Japanimation is only for guys who work in a comic book store and live in their mothers’ basement. This boxed set includes the entire run of the series, plus some extras. It’s out of print at the moment, although it can be found for a discount through various online auction sites, or ordered new exclusively through Amazon.com.

Released: November 20, 2001 | Pioneer Video | Seven Discs [Buy]

097 Studio Classics - Best Picture Collection (Sunrise / How Green Was My Valley / Gentleman’s Agreement / All About Eve)

Although only Sunrise won this spot through DVDphile’s votes, as the DVD has yet to be released as a single disc - for now, it is only available in this budget-priced four-disc collection - the entire set (and indeed, the Fox Studio Classics line) is worthy of special mention. Fox joins in the fun of adding spine numbers to their releases. Luckily, the Studio Classics releases are worthy of being a part in anyone’s collection.

Released: October 14, 2003 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | Four Discs [Buy]

It's all yellowy and gritty because it's Mexico.

096 Traffic: Criterion Collection

It’s no accident that Steven Soderbergh won an Academy Award for Best Director: Traffic is a harrowing look at the “war on drugs” and follows every aspect of the argument, looking objectively at policy makers to drug producers. Criterion’s 2-disc set is characteristically great, including three commentary tracks, a whopping 25 deleted scenes, multi-angle looks at various scenes, and MORE. From a company that consistently produces great discs, this is one of their best.

Released: November 5, 2002 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

095 X2: X-Men United: Special Edition

X2 is rare in two ways. First, it’s an entertaining and exciting comic book movie, and secondly, it’s a sequel that’s actually better than its predecessor. The second disc of extras provides way more than the usual fluff pieces, and offers insight not only into the special effects (although special effects geeks take heart - there’s PLENTY of technical discussion and demonstrations) but goes into depth about the entire production. X2 was a pleasant surprise at the theatre, and even more so on DVD.

Released: November 25, 2003 | Fox Home Entertainment | Two Discs [Buy]

094 The Rock: Criterion

Say what you will about Michael Bay, but his films are very well represented on DVD, thanks in no small part to the Criterion Collection (who previously gave the Criterion treatment to Bay’s Armageddon). The Rock wows with a great 16:9-enhanced transfer and ear-trembling audio that’s a joy to crank-up during a late-night action flick filmfest.

Released: March 13, 2001 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

“Voter Quotes”

The most underrated TV show in recent memory gets a fantastic DVD treatment. Reference quality video and supplements that even dwarf The Simpsons DVDs make this one a winner.

Great packaging of a great TV series that was killed off at its prime.

093 Futurama, Vol. 1

The producers of the Simpsons have shown that they know how to do TV on DVD, and if the first three volumes of Futurama are any indication, we’ll be looking forward to the rest of the series.

Released: March 25, 2003 | Fox Home Entertainment | Three Discs [Buy]

The power of Christ compells you to buy this DVD.

“Voter Quotes”

A simply remarkable restoration of a film that had such shoddy treatment on video over the years. Plus this disc is loaded with just the best extras and no fluff at all.

092 Exorcist: 25th Anniversary Special Edition

Don’t bother seeing the “Version You’ve Never Seen.” Instead, catch this one. It’s still one of the spookiest films ever made, and the hour long documentary is missing from the newer disc, making the 25th Anniversary Edition one hell of a DVD.

Released: December 1, 1998 | Warner Home Video | One Disc [Buy]

I started watching this last September when it was released and it's still not over yet.

091 The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns

Ken Burns’ first and best long documentary miniseries was perfect for bringing a fresh audience to PBS. People who generally didn’t watch documentaries were fascinated by Burns’s take on the “War of Northern Aggression.” There’s no better way to experience this series than on DVD: with making-of featurettes, five whopping hours of commentary from Ken Burns, and other trivia and info about the historical period the documentary chronicles, this set is as educational as it is entertaining. If ever there was something that could be recommended for the whole family, it’s The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns.

Released: September 17, 2002 | PBS Home Video | Five Discs [Buy]

090 JFK: 40th Anniversary

Sit back and to the left to watch this new 2-disc special edition. Contrary to most DVD titlings, this isn’t the 40th Anniversary of the film but rather released two weeks before the 40th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Whether you believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was an assassin or patsy, this film centering on New Orleans attorney Jim Garrison takes you from the grassy knoll to the motives of the many parties who would stand to gain by the president’s death. This edition features the “director’s cut” of the film, adding 17 minutes to the story. When you consider the commentary by Oliver Stone, the added featurettes looking at aspects of the film’s history, and a feature-length documentary about the making of the film and its historical basis, the case is closed: JFK is guilty on all charges of being a great DVD.

Released: November 11, 2003 | Warner Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

Edited so as to not potentially offend anyone.

“Voter Quotes”

Disney’s crowning achievement. A wonderful DVD presentation with an impressive Home theater audio mix.

Great classic animated movie with some decent extras. The Gift Box is awesome looking with some great sketch art and booklet to accompany the movie and package.

089 Lion King: Platinum Edition

The best-selling video of all time finally comes to DVD in a Disney “Platinum Edition.” Film purists have many reasons to be disappointed: the theatrical version is not included, much of the artwork has been altered, and the supplemental features are mostly promotional in content. However, for those who want to see some of the best animation ever filmed, and kid-friendly features, The Lion King is a great disc. With Aladdin coming this Fall, it’s likely that Disney will earn another spot on the Top 100 DVD census next year.

Released: October 7, 2003 | Walt Disney Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

Isn't Ozu the pasta made with those little spirals?

“Voter Quotes”

Tokyo Story is the textbook transcendental masterpiece and David Desser commentary is one of the finest ever.

088 Tokyo Story: Criterion Collection

Tokyo Story placed #5 on the 2002 Sight and Sound critic’s poll (down from #3 in the previous poll ten years before), and has consistently shown up on numerous lists for the best film of all time. Criterion’s DVD does this classic justice with an excellent transfer and a comprehensive documentary about director Ozu’s life and career, this is a no-brainer. If you don’t have this disc, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD pick it up right now.

Released: October 28, 2003 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

There are two things wrong with that title.

087 Naked Lunch: Criterion Collection

Criterion shows that they’re not just about foreign films and recognized classics. Naked Lunch, based on William S. Burrough’s unfilmable novel, is more about the book’s creation than it is a direct screen translation. The film gets the full Criterion treatment with an audio commentary by director David Cronenberg and actor Peter Weller, a documentary about the making of the film, and audio from the author reading portions from the novel. By giving this strange cult film the same deep supplements that would befit the greatest classic, Criterion shows that even recent productions are worthy of respect.

Released: November 11, 2003 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

The Abyss: It's abysmal. Oh, I crack myself up.

086 Abyss: Special Edition

Released in 2000, put on moratorium for two years, and then released again in late 2003, The Abyss has been a perennial favourite with DVD aficionados. While its non-anamorphic transfer may be lacking compared to more recent work, the supplements and menus fully immerse (excuse the pun) the viewer in the world of the film. Considering that this was one of the first 2-disc special editions from a major studio, Fox and producer Van Ling deserve kudos for creating a set that’s still considered one of the greatest DVDs ever produced.

Released: March 21, 2000 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

085 Blue Velvet: Special Edition

Finally, a film that will appeal to everyone who’s ever found a severed human ear in a field. While MGM’s recent special editions often aren’t all that special, at least this one received a proper anamorphic widescreen transfer, rather than the pan & scan hack jobs that MGM is becoming known for. Blue Velvet includes deleted scenes, a very old interview with director David Lynch, and a newly produced documentary chronicling the making of the film. Interestingly enough, the disc also includes Siskel and Ebert’s rather negative review of the film, showing that Lynch and Co. aren’t afraid of criticism.

Released: June 4, 2002 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | One Disc [Buy]

It wouldn't have won the Oscar if he didn't have that goofy laugh.

084 Amadeus: Director’s Cut

When I saw this film in the theatres in 1984 I was fascinated by Mozart’s life and music. Watching this new, longer version of the film on DVD is just as infective. Not only is the audio superbly remastered, but the second disc contains a truly wonderful documentary about making the film, with anecdotes revealing that some of the scenes in the film were shot in the same opera house where the original events transpired. As if that wasn’t enough, the set also includes a commentary track by director Milos Forman and writer Peter Shaffer that highlights what it was like to make a film behind the iron curtain in the early 80s.

Released: September 24, 2002 | Warner Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

Hand me the DVD you f&#*ing c*&$ $&@#@%!

083 Usual Suspects: Special Edition

Who is Keyser Soze? This re-release updates the previous non-anamorphic transfer and includes some wonderful extras while retaining the previous (and excellent) commentary track with the director and writer. Here’s a film that stands up upon multiple viewings. Each time I see The Usual Suspects I find something new, and even though I owned the previous release, this “double-dip” to see the deleted scenes and featurettes was an easy decision, especially considering its budget price.

Released: April 2, 2002 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | One Disc [Buy]

When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way.

082 West Side Story: Special Limited Edition Collector’s Set

In 1961 film goers finally got to see street gangs for what they truly are: all-singing, all-dancing actors with a flair for melodrama. Actually, this re-telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the great movie musicals, with innovative dance routines choreographed and directed by Jerome Robbins, while Robert Wise directed the dramatic portions. The results are a bit uneven, but the music and choreography is amazing to behold. This set from MGM is one of their best efforts, featuring a second disc with a long documentary and a full-length book featuring the entire screenplay, notes about the production, photos, etc. This non-disc based supplement is a welcome extra, and hopefully will become more common (although now that many studios are removing insert booklets from even their highest profile releases, this is doubtful).

Released: April 1, 2003 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | Two Discs [Buy]

“Voter Quotes”

The 2-disc LE of 2001 was nice, but was far from perfect. The Superbit loses the extras, but gains a beautiful new remaster of the HD transfer.

One of the most visually stunning movies all-time with a brand new transfer.

081 Lawrence of Arabia: Superbit

The first release of Lawrence of Arabia may have looked good on disc, but this Superbit release is MUCH improved. Supervised by restoration expert Robert Harris, the film looks as it should with proper colour correction and nary a speck of dirt to mar the image. It’s too bad that this release didn’t include the superiour documentary that was released on the previous Limited Edition set. Could a “Superbit Deluxe” version be forthcoming, that features this transfer with a third disc of extras?

Released: September 9, 2003 | Columbia Tristar Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]