A*Searing* Movie...Must Have On Blu-Ray...But One Featurette Is Missing...
584702
Darren Aronofsky's film, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, is one of my favorite all time films. Not only is it visually stunning--making use of clever editing and fliming techniques like split-screens and special effects--the story is one that will stay with you for a long time. Although the movie will leave you breathless and coming away with that feeling of "damn, that was a good movie," it's not for the faint-of-heart.

The movie is aptly named as the story follows a mother and her son, both on parallel tracks into drug addiction, and his best friend and girlfriend, and how their dreams disintegrate with the passing seasons. All four characters descend into the depths of hell, making choices they wouldn't otherwise make, just to score some dope.

Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, Jennifer Connelly, and the fantastic Ellen Burstyn give outstanding performances. Why this film didn't sweep the Academy Awards is beyond me.

I wasn't going to buy it on Blu-Ray, because I already have the DVD version, but since it was on sale here on Amazon, I couldn't resist.

I'm so glad I got the Blu-Ray edition. The transfer looks great and the scenes are even more horrific in 1080P.

Unfortunately there aren't any extra features on the Blu-Ray other than the ones that came on the DVD Edition. In fact, the 05:35-minute Sundance Featurette "Anatomy Of A Scene," where Aronofsky describes the shooting techniques in the film, is missing. Not sure why it was left off.

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

*** Commentary by Aronofsky and DP (Director of Photography) Matthew Libatique

*** "The Making Of Requiem For A Dream" 35:23-minute documentary--showing footage of filming behind the scenes and Aronofsky comments on what is going on. Very informative and you get to see all the work that went into this film including the make-up prosthetics that Burstyn had to wear.

*** "Memories, Dreams and Addictions" 19:56-minute interview-- Ellen Burstyn interviews Hubert Selby, Jr. who wrote the book&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Requiem-for-a-Dream-A-Novel/dp/1560252480/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Requiem for a Dream: A Novel</a>.

*** Deleted Scenes--many various deleted scenes with optional commentary.

*** TV Spots & Trailers
516312
I know some of the purest hate the Blu-Ray release because of it being released in Widescreen, and I do understand their point of view. I do feel they should have released both versions Blu-Ray certainly has the room for it and I am sure they already had a usable print of the film they could have used so I don't understand the decision not to include both. However, I already own the DVD of this great movie and I found the Blu-Ray to be well worth the purchase the picture in comparison to the DVD in my opinion it looks amazing, and I thought the DVD already looked pretty good. Again for me the upgrade in picture and sound on Blu-Ray was well worth it to me. I know some of the picture is missing and for some they can't get past that, but with this being the 1:85 ratio I didn't really notice. To me I really notice the picture loss the most going from a movie shot with an aspect ratio of 2:35 being shown in Pan n Scan and it would drive me crazy and bug me so I do get it. And if I did a side by comparison with 2 screens running each version yes I could probably tell the difference, but for me with Hondo I honestly couldn't tell what I was missing so for me it didn't distract or take away the enjoyment of the movie.  I know some folks disagree, but this is just my opinion and 2cents:) For me Hondo rates a 5 star for not only being a great movie, but for also a great Blu-Ray release. Bob

"I stand corrected I just read several reviews and one by Gretchen Wayne clearly states Hondo was originally shot in 1:85." This explains why I didn't notice any loss of information, and I still disagree with those who think the picture looks crowded, blurred and out of focus due to quote stretching. I think the picture and the sound look amazing a clear upgrade from the DVD. Yes, it's not perfect, but for a movie shot in the 50's it looks really good! It still amazes me how they can take a movie as old as Hondo and restore it to the point of looking almost as good or better than when it was originally released. I know my opinion is just one of many, but it's mine nevertheless and maybe it will help someone with their purchasing decision. Bob
754725
As for the film itself, of course it's phenomenal,  just about everything you want in an action movie. I wanna talk about the disk itself; first off, for Blu-Ray, I was never really blown away by the picture quality, it seemed like a really high quality DVD than Blu-Ray. Minor note; this might be a stupid thing to complain about, but for me, the menus seemed a bit cumbersome to navigate. Lastly, the most striking thing about this disk is the absolute lack of any special features, aside from 2 different commentary tracks. Is there really not any material to include? With this film, you could have a 2 hour special just on the effects, not to mention actor interviews and deleted scenes. That's the worst, cause I know there are tons of deleted scenes.
750033
There are supposed to be nine (9) Special Features on this release.
They are listed on the back cover.
However, there are supposed to be 2 Blu-ray Discs.

And the 2nd Disc is supposed to contain:

* Deleted Scenes
* Anatomy Of A Chase
* Hackman On Doyle
* Friedkin & Grosso: Remember...
* Scene Of The Crime ... Cop Jazz
* Rogue Cop
* Making The Connection

Otherwise, with Disc 2; ... This would be a 5  Review.
Excellent Transfer!
44958
Love the Movie, Cast, Music, and kevin bacon was really amazing...The product however, like others have said the blu ray has a few issues....
2785533
I have seen this movie several times over the years,and think it was very well done,but why on earth is it still only available in VHS which is pretty much obsolete now,does anybody have any answers? Blu Ray is a must for this masterpiese.
486550
.....film.  But, there is another 6-letter "B-word" which exactly describes its story:  "Brutal".  And now, for your edification, let's take that ugly word apart, one letter at a time:

-- B: - As in Old "BOYS" Club.  As in a bunch of older, emotionally unfulfilled, married men, who secretly meet to screw each other over (in every sense of that word).

-- R: - As in "RAPE".  As in the unmercifully cruel and forced taking of a radiantly handsome, young man.  As in...the viewer gets to be the camera.  As in you are there...it's happening to you.

-- U: - As in "USED".  As in the way many paying viewers of this often static, S-L-O-W moving and deceitful story will feel after watching it.

-- T: - As in "TAKEN".  As in...Being Taken (See "USED", above).

-- A: - As in "AFRIKANERS".  As in the Germanic ethnic group in Southern Africa, who populate this story and speak in more harsh (to English-hearing ears) Dutch/German tones.

-- L: - As in "LUCKY".  As in what you should consider yourself to be...if you heed this forewarning.

PS -- Here's yet another "L":  As in "LEARNED" my lesson the hard way.  As in this is a non-keeper...a throwaway DVD.

****
2295169
After waiting all these years for this finally to appear in 3D, I have to admit it was worth the wait. The transfer is excellent and the 3D effects rival and maybe even surpass the current crop of 3D films available. Hitchcock was the master, even in his use of the 3D medium. However, on the 3D Blu-Ray disk I received from Amazon, the featurette "A Short History of 3D" was not included on the disk. Disappointed. Not too sure if some of the disks have this short on them and some do not or if they all do not have it. Either way, this should not be part of the product description.
4060263
Great movie.  Let the buyer beware:  the special features listed are almost entirely just on the Blu-Ray.  The DVD just has a short documentary.  It was disappointing to us since we bought the combo to get the special features. I could be blind or dumb (probably), but I didn't see that specified anywhere. Loved the movie.
128663
Great picture and sound - can't fault the blu ray's reproduction of the film's look, soundtrack but could do better with the extras.  Could have had a commentary by Alan Parker, more music videos, publicity material, galleries, detailed featurettes.  Don't get me wrong - the behind the scenes doc, teaser trailer and music video are good....just remember there being a lot more publicity about the making of the film which could have made this a better release.
2238190
A couple of years ago I bought a deluxe DVD of this amazing movie. None of the extras that were included on that DVD are included on the Blu-Ray; in fact, the only extra is a theatrical trailer. I wish that I had waited for a better edition. Anyway, I'll hold on to my DVD.
275072
This film by far is one of my all time favorites. Just simply put, a GREAT movie. There's been more than enough praise given to this movie, I just wanted to comment on the newly released blu-ray edition. After watching the blu-ray version and then comparing it to the Artisian dvd release, it makes you realize how bad the Artisian release really was visually. This movie now "jumps" off the screen with it's brilliant colors and detail. You can now clearly see such details as telephone wires, the nice tweed material of the Duke's jacket, rain drops on the faces of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, print in the newspaper, and the lines on the character's faces. A job well done by Olive. Unfortunately there aren't any new extras and even one seemed to get dropped all together (Maureen O'Hara interview). My only gripe is that I wish they could've come up with some new extra bonus material. A definte worth while upgrade of the movie. Highly recommended!!!!!
2752511
Another classic!  This movie is nearly perfect!  The plot, action, and cinematography are excellent.  The picture is extremely clear and the color is vivid.  But, I have only one problem with the dvd that might be an issue for some of you.  On this dvd, you can't remove the subtitles which of course is slightly different from the english dubbed dialogue.  (One example is the actors are saying Mongols while the subtitles read Tartars.)  If this doesn't bother you or if you can ignore the subtitles this dvd is for you.
3768564
I recently saw this movie on VH1 the other day.  I haven't seen this sequel to Blues Brothers since it was first released in 1998, and now I can see why.  There are some dark components not meant for children to see, but it's still a great comedy altogether.  Sadly, some cast members are missing:  most importantly, the late John Belushi, who unfortunately passed away in 1981 after his final movie "Continental Divide."  Also sorely missing is Princess Leia -- a.k.a. Carrie Fisher the Flamethrower woman.  She was great in the first movie!!  And where is Ray Charles the ULTIMATE piano man?!

But other cameo appearances do make up for this.  First off is one time singer Nia Peeples.  She does a tremendous job as the police chief's lieutenant.  Cab Calloway (??) does well as the chief himself; it's interesting how he completely transforms into a God-loving-save-his-soul peacemaker much later in the movie, thanks to the late King of R & B/Soul singer James Brown, who "invoked" his wrath on the poor dude.

Now, being specific about the parts that I didn't like:  the first being the Russians invading Willie's Stripster Club, shooting up the joint and then setting it on fire.  The other part was Elwood looking like a "mad dog" (with shaving cream all over his face).  Finally, the Russians just HAD to show up to a cemetery to completely humiliate poor Tom Malone (which Jake and Elwood had previously done at his 5 star restaurant) the trumpet player -- then they shot at the desecrated headstones.

However, here is what WAS good about the movie: one is Roseanne's former counterpart, John Goodman.  He's not only a consummate actor, but he can sing too!  :)  Although he is a good "replacement" for Mr. Belushi, it's just not the same.  Aretha "don't you EVER mess with her" Franklin is back too, and looking a bit less slim (although, recently, she did become slim again).  She and Matt "Guitar" Murphy eventually got hitched and started running a Mercedes-Benz dealership.  But as usual, she knows that Matt wants to get back together with Elwood and his band, so she lets him leave, but NOT before doing her 1965 ultra mega smash number, "Respect." (And you BETTER give her some r-e-s-p-e-c-t, people!!)

Kathleen Freeman the nun also has a cameo, and she's STILL as mean as ever!!  And yes, she still has her "weapon of choice" which is more than just some wooden ruler (which she smacked upside Elwood/Jake's heads with!!).  She becomes angry when she realizes that Buster the kid is missing and is actually with Elwood.

Erykah Badu also steals the show as Queen Mousette.  It's not surprising that she has, well, Halloween-ish, nightmare-ish, ghoulish type stuff on her property and inside her chambers.  And she KNOWS how to sing and scat!!  I love how she turned the Russians into, well, mice.  They deserved it too -- HA!!  :)  More great musicians appear in the movie:  Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, B.B. King, etc.  But come on, NO chicken wire?!  It's just not right!  Hey at least the dozens of police cars chasing Elwood do get wrecked and smashed again!!  I don't know how Nia Peeples survived all of that!!

Since this movie, Donald "Duck" Dunn recently passed away.  I don't know about the other cast members, so of course I will have to Google them.  As for Dan Aykroyd, he has truly made a name for himself in all of the movies that he's done:  Ghostbusters, etc.  I would recommend this movie to the fans who already loved the first Blues Brothers movie, so please don't miss out!!
4940736
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my underground lair.  You've all been gathered together to form my evil cabinet for the triple feature Blu-ray of Austin Powers.  Everything went perfectly to plan except for one small flaw.  Due to a technical error by my henchmen at Warner Brothers, complications arose in the framing of the letterboxing of the transfer.

I've seen this movie many, many times... and I'm quite sure that I used to be able to see Dr. Evil's soles as he chases his son out of the room - I used to think how funny it was that he was wearing those silly white shoes.  But guess what - on the Blu-ray you don't see it at all.  That made me start to notice how weirdly a lot of things are cut off in a way that no good D.P. would allow to end up on the final cut of a film - particularly in scenes that are closer and people suddenly stand up and get their heads cut out of frame.  DID WB DO A LETTERBOX OF A 4:3 ASPECT?

Because if they did that, obviously that's a huge screw up.

The last time I remember this kind of thing happening was back in the DVD days, when they'd occasionally take a movie that was already "formatted for your TV" and then cut that along the top and bottom to make a "letterboxed" version.  I remember the DVD of Assassins was like this - I had both the VHS and the DVD and noticed how much more you could see on VHS, which needless to say was a huge disappointment.  (They fixed this when they made the Blu-ray of course.)  I've never seen it on a Blu-ray until today...
31442
This is quite simply an outstanding movie with a wonderful story, superb acting and voluptuous scenery.  I saw it twice several years ago and loved it, but I just can't bring myself to purchase VHS since I've nearly finished converting OUT of that technology.  It's a shame that this excellent film has never been released on DVD - I (and many others) have been waiting for it for years.  I wonder what it takes . . . ?!
3321021
Drunks were always the funny people in films until this one came and really shattered the bottle. This one NEEDS to be on blu ray too. The print here is good but a blu ray treatment is needed. Ray Milland puts in one of his best performances by far on this one. Billy Wilder who was always great lays down a solid story that makes people thing about how devasting alcoholism really is. This came out about the same time as the classic 'snakepit' movie did which exposed the monsterous mental institions of the day and that shows that film could tackle real issues and be entertaining as well. The forties made strides in that regard in several ways , but this one remains very powerful and poignant thanks to everyone involved with this picture.  It's solid and I don't understand all these 'great movie! but then they give it three stars?. A great movie is five stars and this is that on many levels, It just needs to be restored and put on blu ray.