Top 100 DVD Census 2004: Page 3: Runners-Up

By Jough Dempsey | February 23, 2004, 10:33 AM | Comments (0) | :::

I'm still waiting for the spinoff - '48'

24: Season Two

Fox really knows how to do TV on DVD right. Using the DVD release of Season One to kick off the television airing of Season Two, and then putting out the Season Two boxed set just before Season Three aired, Fox both promotes a current show and gets a hit series on DVD in record time (they’ve since exceeded themselves by announcing the DVD release of The Simple Life before the show even aired!). With a fine anamorphic widescreen transfer and some great extras, I have little doubt we’ll be seeing Season Three on this list next year.

Released: September 9, 2003 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | Seven Discs [Buy]

Alias: Complete First Season

Buena Vista took a cue from Fox and released Alias quickly to DVD, also with a fine anamorphic transfer and some nice extras. With television series’ coming to DVD so quickly, will anyone watch broadcast TV anymore?

Released: September 2, 2003 | Buena Vista Home Entertainment | Six Discs [Buy]

I know this shot isn't from the fifth season.

“Voter Quotes”

Simply the best season of any show I own on DVD, all in one insanely pretty package. A representation of the great work Fox is doing in this area.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Complete Fifth Season

A perennial favourite on DVD, Buffy’s fans have much to be happy about. Considering that more seasons are on the way, studios are seeing that the market for television product is large and rabid (not unlike Buffy fans)

Released: December 9, 2003 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | Six Discs [Buy]

Coster's last chance at being taken seriously as either an actor or director.

Dances With Wolves: Special Extended Edition

Because the theatrical version wasn’t long enough, MGM has released a two-disc SE of the Academy Award winning Dances with Wolves on two discs (one double-sided DVD-18 and another one-sided DVD-9). Featuring a slip-cover that looks like Dunbar’s journal, and a commentary track by the director/star that shouldn’t be missed, this is an easy recommendation.

Released: May 20, 2003 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | Two Discs [Buy]

I was going to put a screen capture here of Jennifer Connelly's cleavage, but went with this one instead.

Dark City: Platinum Series

As one of the earliest discs on the list, Dark City still holds up well against newer multi-disc sets, thanks in no small part to an excellent commentary track by critic Roger Ebert (his first for DVD).

Released: July 28, 1998 | New Line Home Entertainment | One Disc [Buy]

The Day the Earth Stood Still

With their “Studio Classics” line, Fox has entered the spine number game and released some of their most popular classics. Featuring a wonderful commentary track by Nicholas Meyer (of Star Trek 2 and 6 fame) and director Robert Wise (interestingly enough directed Star Trek: The Motion Picture).

Released: March 4, 2003 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | One Disc [Buy]

It's about the Ten Commandments. Now you don't have to read the book!

Decalogue: Special Edition Set

Ten Commandments. Ten parts of The Decalogue. Krzysztof Kieslowski’s television mini-series is well represented on DVD, and features an introduction by Roger Ebert and some behind the scenes material.

Released: August 19, 2003 | Facets Video | Three Discs [Buy]

“Voter Quotes”

Even without the fantastic packaging, the DVD and the film itself show what the medium is capable of for a film that was impossible to own just 5 years ago.

Evil Dead: Book of the Dead

While fans of the Evil Dead series have many DVD releases from which to choose, it’s the “Book of the Dead” edition that garnered the most votes. With its truly innovative packaging that would look spooky on any shelf, Anchor Bay has once again shown that they are the kings of unique special edition.

Released: March 5, 2002 | Anchor Bay | One Disc [Buy]

Features the last film Fassbinder made before he suicided.

Fassbinder’s BRD Trilogy (The Marriage of Maria Braun / Veronika Voss / Lola): Criterion Collection

Three films, plus an entire platter devoted to extras. Criterion proves once again that they know how to put together a boxed set for classic cinema.

Released: September 30, 2003 | Criterion Collection | Four Discs [Buy]

The show was so good it was cancelled after one season.

“Voter Quotes”

This was forced on me by a dear friend and what a surprise I was in for - Delight and Despair wrapped in a 4 disk box. The palpable sense of care and loss that emanates from all involved in the show makes this a top 10 entry alone. The death of this show is one of the many tragedies of modern TV Programming.

Firefly: Complete Series

While the show never found an audience while on television, DVD reinvigorates yet another series. This four disc set includes the entire run of episodes, so you can watch them all in a long marathon.

Released: December 9, 2003 | Twentieth Century Fox Home Video | Four Discs [Buy]

In the Mood for Love: Criterion Collection

Wong Kar-Wai’s beautifully shot romance evokes Honk Kong c. 1962, and follows a pair of lovers through a platonic affair. While the Region 2 release also received a few votes (for its complement of extras - although it’s hard to imagine there being anything left out of this feature-packed set) it’s the Criterion Collection version that just barely missed the Top 100.

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

There's a deleted scene where John taunts Jesus with a Hershey bar.

“Voter Quotes”

Of all of my favorite living director’s DVDs this one has the most supplements and insight. If only all his films could be issued with these kinds of supplements.

Last Temptation of Christ: Criterion Collection

Controversy surrounding the film’s content aside, Criterion yet again has released a very nice DVD package. The commentary track, featuring director Martin Scorsese, screenwriter Paul Schrader, and star Willem DeFoe is one of the best every produced. Also features an interview with composer Peter Gabriel on his music for the score.

Released: April 25, 2000 | Criterion Collection | One Disc [Buy]

Last Waltz

Considered one of the best concert films ever made, this Martin Scorsese film follows the last performance of The Band. The new 5.1 surround mix will put you right in the middle of the performance, and the transfer looks better than any 1978 film has a right to.

Released: May 7, 2002 | MGM | One Disc [Buy]

Mallrats: Collector’s Edition

Mallrats is another early release that proved that even a box-office bomb can thrive on DVD. Kevin Smith’s film was quite unfairly maligned, but this DVD garners the respect that it deserves. Of particular note is the commentary track with the cast and crew that is even funnier than the film, and one of the few commentary’s I’ve returned to for several listens.

Released: July 1, 1999 | Universal Studios | One Disc [Buy]

Hello, Mr. Lang? I know it took four hours to get me into this suit, but now I have to pee.

“Voter Quotes”

Kino’s import of Transit Film’s Metropolis disc is a triumph of DVD. Featuring the restored version of the film, which seems to be taken from the digital files rather than the new 35mm negative, is excellent. The documentary and restoration comparison are great, too. Madacy ought to be ashamed for even putting out their piss-poor disc.

Metropolis: Restored Authorized Edition

Despite complaints that the transfer comes from a PAL source, the new version of Metropolis looks better than anyone could have expected. Throw away those bargain bin public domain versions - this is the real deal. The disc includes a 43 minute documentary as well as a restoration demonstration that shows just how much work went into preparing this release.

Released: February 18, 2003 | Kino International | One Disc [Buy]

Oh these? I got them done at 'La Salon.' You like?

Nightmare on Elm Street Collection

Fans of Freddy have eight reasons to be thankful - all seven Nightmare films are included (not counting the recent Freddy vs. Jason) and New Line has thrown in a bonus disc covering all aspects of the series’ production. So put on your fedora and Cosby sweater, sharpen up your glove knives and settle down for over fifteen solid hours of horror goodness.

Released: September 21, 1999 | New Line Home Entertainment | Eight Discs [Buy]

Re-Animator: Millennium Special Edition

Speaking of classic horror films on DVD, you can now see Herbert West’s experiments in an updated Frankenstein oeuvre in anamorphic widescreen video. Elite’s “Millennium Edition” finally gives fans of the film a proper, definitive release.

Released: May 7, 2002 | Elite Entertainment | Two Discs [Buy]

Shrek: Special Edition

Talk about a fun DVD for the whole family! Shrek is Dreamworks’ second collaboration with PDI, and as the biggest box office draw of 2001 proved that Pixar doesn’t have an exclusive on producing successful CGI-animated films. The Shrek DVD features a direct-to-digital transfer and offers an especially rare treat: a DVD-ROM special feature that’s actually worth checking out. The Shrek “ReVoice” studio allows you to match your own voice to replace the dialogue of the characters. It’s highly addictive!

Released: November 2, 2001 | Dreamworks SKG | Two Discs [Buy]

The evil witch has turned herself into a dragon.

Sleeping Beauty: Special Edition

While not a “Platinum Series” or “Masterpiece Edition” title, the team at Disney extensively restored Sleeping Beauty to its original glory (perhaps beyond). Sleeping Beauty is a special edition that’s truly special, and offers a second disc of compelling features, not that promotional fluff that disappointed on the recent Lion King disc.

Released: September 9, 2003 | Walt Disney Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

Sopranos: Complete First Season

Badda-bing! Whether inspired by Grosse Pointe Blank, Analyze This, or Goodfellas, the Sopranos started off strong and has grown to become appointment television for millions.

Released: December 12, 2000 | Warner Home Video | Four Discs [Buy]

Sopranos: Complete Second Season

My, what a surprise. Both Sopranos sets were only a few points away from the Top 100, and there’s a reason for that: great transfers, released a whole season at a time with some great extras. With the third and fourth seasons already released, is there any reason not to catch up with the show before season five hits the air (or cable, as the case may be)?

Released: November 6, 2001 | Warner Home Video | Four Discs [Buy]

“Voter Quotes”

Essential to any Kubrick fan, in so much as understanding how his later career was forged in this baptism by fire. Proper OAR and unedited cut reveal a film on the cutting edge in it’s day and still very watchable and enjoyable.

Spartacus: Criterion Collection

I’m Spartacus. No, I’m Spartacus. The Criterion Collection’s epic edition of this epic film is surely one of the greatest DVDs ever produced. Consider the evidence: a gorgeous transfer, elegant packaging, and a bounty of extras, this masterful two-disc set lives up to its promise of being an excellent release, and not just another spine number.

Released: April 24, 2001 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2 Disc)

When taking screen captures for this feature on my computer, I was floored by how crisp and free from any signs of grain the transfer is. Besides offering a longer Director’s Cut of the film, Paramount has also produced some amazing extras for this set, topped off by an informative commentary by director Nicholas Meyer. Arguably the best of the Star Trek films, Paramount has done right by this edition of the franchise.

Released: August 6, 2002 | Paramount Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]

Straw Dogs: Criterion Collection

The recently out of print Criterion Collection of the film is a reminder of how to make a special edition special. The English countryside has never looked so sinister as it does in this 2-disc set, which includes a wild documentary on director Sam Peckinpah, and six words which will move any disc to my “must-buy” list: Commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince.

Released: March 25, 2003 | Criterion Collection | Two Discs [Buy]

That building is burning because it looks cool to have fire behind them as they walk in slow motion.

Tombstone: Vista Series

I’m your huckleberry. Buena Vista has done a great job improving on their previous Tombstone DVD. From the “bullet holes” that give you a place to grab the inner packaging, to featurettes that focus both on the film’s production and the historical events upon which the film is based, this is a disc worthy of any collection. Val Kilmer’s performance as Doc Holliday is a must-see.

Released: January 15, 2002 | Walt Disney Home Video | Two Discs [Buy]