This week's pick was easy to make, what amongst the rather lackluster offerings. This DVD that all of you should make a point of buying or renting is Downfall. It was a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2004 Oscar ceremonies. It is also one of the best World War II related films I have seen in awhile.
The film is based on the experiences of Traudle Unger during the final days of Adolf Hitler's life. It follows Hitler and his cronies in his bunker just as everything is falling apart at the end of the war.
It features what is perhaps the strongest performance of Hitler that I have ever scene. Actor Bruno Ganz completely buries himself in the role; you will feel that you are watching Hitler, and not an actor playing Hitler. All of the other performances are also first rate. This is definitely a must see film. It probably should have won that Oscar...
Also coming this week:
- Alexander: Director's Cut. The original theatrical cut was a huge misfire, a terrible film. This new cut, which excises 18 minutes and adds another 10, intrigues me as to whether it actually makes it better.
- The Complete Thin Man Collection. I am not familiar with these films, but I am definitely interested in checking them out. Verbal sparring and sleuthing are the order of the day.
- The Cosby Show: Season 1. To those interested, be aware that these episodes are the edited syndicated versions.
- Ghostbusters I & II: Giftset. I hadn't been interested in this, that is until I saw the improved transfer quality of both films. That makes it a must for fans.
- Guess Who. This was an entertaining, if rather slight film. It doesn't really delve into the issues as deeply as it could have. Still fun.
- Over There: Premiere Episode. Surprised to see this so quick. The episode was good, but I think I will watch more and perhaps wait for a season set if it warrants.
- The X-Files Mythology Vol. 2: Black Oil. These sets are interesting, letting you bypass the stand alones and get right to the meat of the myth. This set presents 15 episodes from seasons 3 through 5. It is also a good way to get a bunch of episodes without shelling out for the sets.
That is all for this week.
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Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
What's the difference between these edited Cosby Show episodes and the ones I originally saw on NBC?
2 - Chris Beaumont
When a sitcom, or any show for that matter, gets syndicated it has a few more minutes trimmed to make way for more commercials. Syndicated versions are shorter than the original broadcast. the same thing happened with the ALF set. This can cause jokes to not work the same way, and you may find yourself remembering the episodes differently. This happens when i watch Seinfeld reruns, reactions are cut, little pieces of dialog are cut.
In short, you aren't getting the complete episode. A shame really, and uncalled for.
3 - Phillip Winn
That's strange. I wonder why they don't go with the original version. Licensing, perhaps?
The only show I've collected on DVD so far is The X-Files, though I've got a few others on my list.
4 - Chris Beaumont
I don't think licensing would be the issue, that usually comes up with music rights, such as what happened with the Roswell sets. Many shows when they licensed the songs did not think to include home video/DVD, no one knew TV on DVD would be so huge.
I really wish I knew the logic behind using syndicated shows. The only thing I can think of is that the originals were lost or damaged, but even that is hard to believe, especially for a show that was this popular. They still have the full eps of All and the Family and MASH, why not Cosby? We may never know....
I want to get the X-Files sets, I only have season 4. I am thinking of checking out the mythology sets. I do have a lot of TV in my collection. If you're curious, you can visit my site, on the left bar there is a link to my collection via DVD Profiler so you can see my whole collection.