Welcome back, once again, to your one place for finding my thoughts on the weekly crop of DVD releases. I pour over the new release list hunting for the select titles worthy of being mentioned in my weekly column, carefully perusing the weekly offerings so you don't have to. Plus, in addition to the list you get personal thoughts from yours truly on what may or may not be worth adding to your collection. Well, okay, this isn't the only place you can turn, and I don't search as carefully as I should. Still though, you will get a column of honest and truthful opinion to assist in your DVD selection, beginning with the absolute, undisputable top pick of the week (well, it can be disputed, but my opinion always wins). Last week's choice is also one of the best of 2007, this week's pick is a classic from 1987. This week's pick also leads a relatively weak collection of frontrunners, if I do say so myself (and I do).
This week's top release is none other than The Princess Bride. I cannot speak to how good this DVD is, but it may be about time for me to upgrade my old plain DVD copy with this new spruced up version. I can only imagine, and hope, how much better this new transfer will be. This release also beat out a couple 2007 films which would be legitimate contenders on other people's lists, but not here.
It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years since this fractured fairy tale hit the big screen. Upon its release back in September of 1987, the film was not a huge hit, but had a pretty good run, crossing the $30 million mark. While that would have to be considered a good finish for a film that would seem to have a limited appeal, it would take off on home video where it is one of MGM's perennial best sellers.
I, for one, love the film. However, I cannot recall my first introduction to the world of the Dread Pirate Roberts and Princess Buttercup. I know it was sometime well after its theatrical run, and before the dawn of the DVD age some ten years later. Somewhere in those middle years my parents introduced me to the joys of the fantastical adventure contained within.
However, I have to wonder if we truly need a fourth release of this film. Seriously. July of 2000 saw the first release, a bare-bones edition. That was followed quickly by a special edition in September of 2001 that included a commentary, a documentary, and a couple of featurettes. Another edition came in June 2006, a two-disc set that came with either a Pirate Roberts or Princess Buttercup slipcover.
Article comments
1 - Damien
"My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
Seeing him on that cop show now is so anti-climactic.
Thanks for heralding this amazing film. May it live forever.