HTF REVIEW: Heat - Two Disc Special Edition - Page 4

Well, some find it one of their five best movies ever (really - in the whole history of film since time began), and some find it on overrated overlong film with good performances and some interesting scenes. Some find the robbery and shootout the best ever put on film, some don't. What can we learn from this? That different people feel different things. None of us are lesser for it, although reading some posts here you'd sure think that those who are not fawning over this thing are somehow not as "with it" as those who are.

No, actually I am not. Of course having Deniro and Pacino cast in the same film against each other is huge and great headliners. They had their roles in Heat nailed down. Could Russell and Costner turned in that same performance,of course not but like I said, having Pacino and DeNiro in the same movie just made a spectacular movie and script even that much better.






You haven't seen my dvd collection have you? I have a huge collection of crime drama dvds. Movies ranging from LA Confidential,The Usual Suspects,Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown and so on. I still feel Heat is in a league of it's own.
Yes, LA Confidential is another spectacular movie, I enjoyed that movie very much. I was raving about Guy Pierce and Russell Crowe's performance well before anyone knew who they were. But again, there is something special about Heat and if you think that I am overrating it then that's fine, to each his own. I love it! And if you can show me another shootout scene as intense and good as the one in Heat then I would like to hear your opinion. Even the build up to it in the bank had my heart racing.

If you are referring to the HTF at large, you may be correct. If you are referring to this particular thread then I don't see that type of behaviour. I do see someone accusing another HTF member of not viewing many crime films though.

BTW, since this is a DVD review thread, it logically follows that the majority of posters are likely to be fans of the reviewed work. Since you profess to not liking the film, do you expect to be showered with praise?

- Walter.

Here's a novel idea: maybe this thread can get back on track and discuss the actual DVD that's being released next Tuesday.

Well, yes. I thought it was. And once again that is just my opinion. What can I say. I like it that much. I saw it at the theaters 6 times and have watched it on LD and DVD numerous times.



I agree. Everybody is different and has different opinions, I don't want us to live in the Equilibrium society. I love discussing films with people on this forum whether or not we agree. But by the time the discussion is over, you better agree with me. Just kidding.

Yes, that is a novel idea Brent, but show me a dvd review where sooner or later people don't start discussing the film content itself and how good or bad it is. Never happens.

"I do see someone accusing another HTF member of not viewing many crime films though."

Well, Mr. Kittel, since you were responding to my post, it would seem like you're attributing the above to ME. Tain't so, McGee. Never said it. It'd be nice if you didn't lump everyone together in your responses, which you do a lot.

I don't expect huzzahs for my having a different opinion, neither do I expect to be preached at as if I were somehow lesser for not liking this film like others. I'm sorry, but that IS what comes through some of these posts.

I have posted my thoughts on the quality of the transfer, which is excellent as is the sound. I have posted my thoughts on the extras, which I found to be the usual Warners talking heads and clips - just doesn't interest me at all.

Again, I enjoy parts of the film, and I certainly like some of the performances. I just find it overlong at close to three hours. IMO, tighter would be better. Too many scenes just go on and on, as if Mr. Mann were afraid to cut one frame of his film.

According to two of three other DVD review sites, they give a slight edge to the new version.

The other said the older version is slightly more detailed with more artifacts and a digital look, where as the new one is slightly softer but fewer artifacts and less digital looking.

Amazon and DDD dont have this listed?! Ive seen this on Amazon but its gone; I want to preorder!

Matt,

You'll probably get it cheaper buying it from a B&M next week.

Thanks Dave.
I may do that; but it kinda scared me that Amazon and DDD dont have the SE listed anymore.

I just looked for it on DDD, as well. It is odd. However, DDD has a TERRIBLE search engine (and are probably losing sales because of it).

Thanks Brent!

Matt B.: it is a little odd, but probably a typical Amazon snafu, that Heat was available for pre-order in late January when I added it to my Wish list but is now showing up on my List with the dreaded "This product has been discontinued" tag. Prolly a SKU error, but it's surprising that--less than a week shy of street date for a major distribber's title--they don't have the new SKU/the matter corrected yet.

Marco B.: Re your 'what is there to complain about?' question in an earlier post, my issue remains that, in the absence of new telecine creating an unquestionably, significantly improved transfer, it has simply taken too long for Warner to release an SE of what I'd surmise is one of their top catalog titles of the past 10 years. Warner reduced this title's list to $14.99 I think two years ago and it has been in bargain bins for $8.99 for almost as long. A release with these kinds of supplements and no new transfer should have come out circa 2001 IMO.

For me, the announcement of their first slate of HD DVD titles casts a shadow over pretty much all Par, Warner and U standard def SE DVD release activity. In the interest of avoiding a triple dip, some savvy consumers (and I'd like to think I'm one of them) are left speculating as to when an HD DVD Heat might appear. "Empathy was yesterday. Today [Warner is] wastin' my motherf*ckin' time."

I love this film, but I'm happy to see that Netflix already has the SE available. I think I'll be peeping the supps that way and tabling a purchase decision for about 6 months until we supposedly see the first HD DVDs in October.

-p

The reason for the long wait could possibly be Michael Mann's participation, who only recently seems to have warmed up to DVD supplementing.

I had talked to a Warner rep at a studio day in 2001 who adv me that Mann was against doing extras on his DVDs when I asked them about Heat SE.

Im glad that has changed.

Thanks for the heads up on the Amazon Skus Paul. I did get one ordered.

Originally posted by Neil McCaulley:
'HEAT' still ranks in my Top 5 of all time favorite movies. I am a big fan of this film, [but] I too will have to pass on the purchase of this Special Edition. After all, a 'Special' Edition in my mind needs to give me something that my current version does not...



Um, correct me if I'm wrong but does this title not have several making-of documentaries/featurettes and ample deleted scenes??? Suffice it to say your definition of "big fan" and mine do not correspond...

Great review Herb. I loved this movie. I'm tempted by the special features...

From the Beaver review, some of the SE caps look slightly better than the previous release.

Re-read his post. He wants "a better video transfer quality, better sound, the inclusion of DTS, and even some extra scenes included in the film, that were intended to be in the film, but then chopped out due to movie ratings and time constraints."

The Heat SE includes none of those, so he's not interested. I think the extras on the new DVD are pretty good and would be of interest to a big fan, but I guess he disagrees!

Being a big fan of a movie and throwing money away on a duplicated presentation of it aren't the same thing.

Why shouldn't a big fan want an improved presenation of a film they like?

I'm a big fan of Heat, but I'm not into extras. I just want the best possible presentation of the film. So, for someone like myself, the SE would be a waste. (However, I will get the SE because I sold the original a while back thinking this would be a new transfer.)

i'm a huge fan, and for movies that i REALLY like, i do enjoy supplements. but rarely more than once. so i'll eagerly rent this SE, but i won't buy it.