Must-Have LD's (1 Viewer)

[Dave Anderson]

1. Escape from New York SE LD (DVD has no supplements)
2. The Howling SE LD (DVD next year won't have supplements, though I'm hoping that may change given MGM's recent change of attitude)
3. The Fog SE LD (DVD next year won't have supplements, though I'm hoping that may change given MGM's recent change of attitude)
4. Princess Bride SE LD - Criterion (SE DVD sometime next year, but who knows what'll be on it)
5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 SE LD (DVD doesn't have the deleted scenes)
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre SE LD (DVD transfer is inferior to that of the LD)
7. NOTLD SE LD (DVD doesn't have as many extras)
8. Dawn of the Dead SE LD (DVDs don't have commentary track)
9. Day of the Dead SE LD (DVD doesn't have the 15 minute behind-the-scenes footage)
10. Friday the 13th Japanese LD (uncut)
11. DellaMorte DellaMore Japanese LD (only PAL DVD is available, no NTSC)
12. Psycho: Signature Collection LD (LD has musical score on its own track)
13. Black Christmas (not on DVD)
14. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (SE LD box set)
15. Criterion Carrie LD CAV box set (commentary, etc)
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David W. Anderson - [email protected]
Webmaster - www.horrordvds.com

 

[Trevor Schell]

All of the DTS titles have impressed me once given a spin. Always very dynamic and an enveloping surround sound is experienced.
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Trevor

Link Removed

 

[Dan D.]

Metropolitan and Barcelona
Until we finally get these on DVD, they're keeping my laserdisc player spinning.

 

[Rachael B]

STREET FIGHTER is on DTS LD, it's not endearing.... I have one, I got it for $2.99. My nephews love it though.
Here's some more really cool LDs
1. SEARGENT YORK
2. GUNGA DIN Collector's Edition
3. DR. PHIBES Double Feature
4. THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
5. any of the Best of Saturday Night Live discs from Lumivision. Best of Belushi, SNL GOES COMMERCIAL, and the MR. BILL & TOONCES COLLECTION. The BEST OF EDDIE MURPHY is on Paramount.
6. PAPER MOON
7. THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD
8. THEM
9. WHAT'S UP TIGERLILY
10. EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS
11. FIRE IN THE SKY
12. VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (original) / CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED Double Feature
13. QUEST FOR FIRE
14. FIRESTARTER W.S.
15. TIME AFTER TIME W.S.
16. ZARDOZ
17. SHORTCUTS Criterion
18. ROMA
19. U.H.F.
20. SUMMER OF '42'
The entire Star Trek Next Generation catalog. The last two seasons are in short supply. They were released in smaller quantities and in a hurry. The first two seasons of Deep Space Nine are available to be found too. You've never seen STNG or DS9 till you've seen the LDs. They're sizzling compared to the chalky looking TV telecasts or crummy VHS tapes. That's it, I promise not to post anymore titles, even though I could. Really, I promise.......
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Rachael, the big disc cat! Remember, actual mileage may vary....
AFI Film Challenge, hey I've only got 15 to go!

 

[alan halvorson]

Metropolis - the Moroder version only.
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You Can't Roller Skate In a Buffalo Herd - Roger Miller

 

[Dean L]

Criterion SE of THE FISHER KING!!!
Cut scenes, trailers etc, NOT on DVD!!!
I'm hoding onto this one!!!

 

[JohnRice]

I really think you should try picking up a copy of the Star Wars trilogy.

 

[Brian Kelty]

Someone archive this thread! It'll give us something to reference to if we ever spot something and wonder "is it worth it?"

 

[Tina_H_V]

Here are some more to join the throng:
1) The Apartment--the 1960 Oscar-winning Best Picture still unavailable on DVD, long out of print on LD.
2) Gone With The Wind--the CAV Deluxe Box Set Collector's Edition with five discs, nine sides, the original 1939 monorual soundtrack (replacing the Dolby Stereo soundtrack used for the 50th Anniv. theatrical revival), original and reissue trailers, premiere and anniversary celebrations, Oscar-winning coverage from 1939, TV special highlights, foreign language eidtions, separate musical and sound effects presentations on the analog channels, booklet, etc. Also of siginificance was the international distribution disclaimer of how things were in America during the time period from which Gone With The Wind is based in so the audience can see and understand better issues the film dealt with. Even the roadshow trailer was restored and seen for the first time since 1939 at the reissuance. This set was produced by MGM over ten years ago to commemorate the film's 50th anniversary. I don't know what the DVD is like, but I figured this was a getter considering the dirt-low price I paid to get it, so I got it.
3) From Dusk Till Dawn--although on DVD, this Exclusive LD Director's Edition--NOT ON DVD!--has the original SDDS 8-channel soundtrack IN ADDITION TO THE AC-3 FEED, commentary, deleted scenes, the Rodriguez-Tarantino connection, gag cuts, interviews, trailers, music videos...two discs, one the movie itself; the other 95 minutes worth of supplemtary material ALONE! Saved $60 off the MSRP price when I picked this up on a whim. Glad I did. Once things got crazy in Mexico at the saloon they ended up at, then SDDS came through strongly like a champ!!!!! IMHO, a gem.
4) Tootsie--though not the Criterion Edition, the Columbia/TriStar Special Collector's edition is no less impressing itself, actually. Besides the original monuaral soundtrack and 2.35:1 widescreen ratio, there is also
the trailer, interviews, behind-the scenes look and a summation of the entire Tootsie experience. No commentary as is listed with Criterion, but not a bad alternative either, IMHO.
That's all I have for now.
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The Acid Queen Still Rocks and Souls!!!! ;D

 

[Rachael B]

I know I said I wouldn't list any more LDs, but I lied....For lovers of black comedy, THE LOVED ONE is a must see. Funerals for people, for dogs, love of both the living and well, the dead too. And, you must meet Mr. Joyboy's mom. The cast is amazing, Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters in multiple parts, Anjanette Comer, Rod Steiger, Dana Andrews, Milton Berle, James Coburn, Tab Hunter, John Gielgud, Roddy McDowell, Liberace, Robert Morley, Alan Napier, Bernie Kopell, Jamie Farr, Ayllene Gibbons, and good 'ole Margaret Leightn, whew!!! It's in glorious black and white. This is the creame de la creame of 1965. The trade organization of funeral directors did every thing in their powers to get this film out of the theatres....This will be the last movie on earth to be put on DVD, me thinks. Only on LD......
P.S. - My you have been busy Acid Queen! You collect those discs like bees collect pollen. You realy should look for this one, kudos for you, you'll proably monopolize the west coast LD trade! Recuerdos, mi amiga!
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Rachael, the big disc cat! Remember, actual mileage may vary....
AFI Film Challenge, hey I've only got 15 to go!

 

[alan halvorson]

If you're going for the Gone With the Wind CAV box because of the extras, you should also try for The Making of a Legend - Gone With the Wind - this actually has been going for more the CAV box itself on Ebay but try my link above and get it for $10 - if they still have any left.
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You Can't Roller Skate In a Buffalo Herd - Roger Miller

 

[Gruson]

I think everyone missed one of the best LD ever made:
THX WOW disc
Great disc that shows off some great scenes from the Star Wars triogy, Indy Trilogy and Willow.
I still think this is my favorite LD

 

[Keith Yatsuhashi]

For me, it's Walter Matthau's Hopscotch. It's P&S only, but it's the only version ever release on LD. It's not out on DVD either. This movie really is the jewel of my collection. I can't say enough good about it. I know I hype it every chance I get, but I just love it. I wish it'd make it to DVD.
Others:
Akira
ET Box Set
SW Trilogy: Definitive Collection
Disney Shorts on various LD's
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
Nausica (Miyazaki: Japanese Import)
Project A-Ko Perfect Collection (Japanese Import)
Fight Iczer 1 Perfect Collection (Japanese Import)

 

[Shane Martin]

Gruson,
I forgot to add that. It is one of the best ways to calibrate your audio IMHO. I use it along w/ avia and an spl meter to do the calibrations I do for friends.

 

[Enrique B Chamorro]

I tend to look for Criterion laser disks that have supplements not on current DVD's.
Laser disks that are not out on DVD may just be a waiting game with Criterion if they still have the rights to issue.
Here is a list of some missed Criterion disks;
"BODIES, REST AND MOTION",Dir. Michael Steinberg
Spine #216, Cat. #CC1368L
Comm. by Dir., interviews, Rehearsal footage, featurette
"CARNAL KNOWLEDGE", dir. Mike Nichols
Spine #140, Cat. #CC1275L
Isolated music and effects track
"CASABLANCA", dir. Michael Curtiz
Spine #73 (CAV), Cat. CC1179L
Comm. by Ronald Haver,Photos,Editing Notes,News Reel,
Excerpts of Lux Radio version, notes on sequel
"CRASH", dir. David Cronenberg
Spine #349, Cat. CC1500L
Comm. by Dir., interviews, del. footage
"DRACULA, BRAM STROKER'S", dir. F. Coppola
Spine #183, Cat. #CC1335L
Comm by Dir., Isolated music/effects track, Edit workshop,
rehearsal footage, special effects analysis, etc.
"ENGLISH PATIENT", Dir. Anthony Minghella
Spine #336, Cat. #CC1487L
Comm by Dir., del. footage, featurette, THX
"EVITA", Dir. Alan Parker
Spine #337
Comm by cast, photos, production notes
"GRADUATE", Dir. Mike Nichols
Spine #17 (CAV), Cat. #CC1115L
Comm by Howard Suber, Comparison of novel vs film, photos
screen tests, interviews, prod. notes
"GREAT ESCAPE", Dir. John Sturges
Spine #95, Cat. #CC1273L
Comm by Dir, military photos, prod. photos, script notes
"HIGH NOON", Dir. Fred Zinnemann
Spine #7 (CAV), Cat. #CC1107L
Comm by Howard Suber, storyboards, screenwriter's notes
"INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS", Dir. Don Siegel
Spine #8 (CAV), Cat. #CC1108L
Comm by Maurice Yacowar, inverview w/dir, demo of OAR
"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE", Dir. Frank Capra
Spine #18, Cat. #CC1112L
Comm by Jeanine Basinger, photos, video seminar w/dir.
"LAST PICTURE SHOW", Dir. Peter Bogdonovich
Spine #139 (CAV), Cat. #CC1271L
Comm by Dir, screen tests, location footage, screenplay notes
"MIDNIGHT COWBAY", Dir. John Schlesinger
Spine #146, Cat. #CC1270L
Comm by Dir, photos, prod notes, script analysis
"MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL", Dir. Gilliam & Jones
Spine #168, Cat. #CC1311L
Comm by Dir's, add. footage, example of Jap. audio track
"NIGHT AT THE OPERA", Dir. Sam Wood
Spine #31 (CAV), Spine #CC1131L
Comm by Leonard Maltin, photos, promo footage
"NORTH BY NORTHWEST", Dir. Alfred Hitchcock
Spine #45 (CAV), Cat. #CC1145L
Storyboard to film comparison, invterview, photos
"NOTORIOUS", Dir. Alfred Hitchcock
Spine #100 (CAV), Cat. #CC1145L
Comm by Ruby Behlmer, Lux Radio highlights, script edits
for questionable content, prod. photos
"OTHELLO", Dir. Orson Welles
Spine #220, Cat. # CC1372L
Comm by P. Bogdanovich, documentary, short film, interviews
"PLAYER, THE", Dir. Robert Altman
Spine #175, Cat. #CC1318L
Comm by Dir. (diff. from DVD), interviews, photo history
"PRINCE OF TIDES", Dir. Babara Streisand
Spine #227, Cat. #CC1379L
Comm by Dir, interviews, photos, notes
"REBECCA", Dir. Alfred Hitchcock
Spine #98 (CAV), Cat. #CC1198L
Comm by Leonard Leff, screen tests, interviews, Lux Radio
"SCARAMOUCHE", Dir. George Sidney
Spine #32 (CAV), Cat. #CC1132L
Narrated history of production problems, interviews
"SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE", Dir. Steven Soderbergh
Spine #108 (CAV), Cat. #CC1216L
Short film, deleted scene, interview, screenplay
"SHOW BOAT", Dir. George Sidney
Spine #44 (CAV), Cat. #CC1144L
Comm by Miles Kreuger, documentary, radio drama, photos
"SINGIN' IN THE RAIN", Dir. Kelly & Donen
Spine #52 (CAV), Cat. #CC1152L
Comm by Ron Haver, songs performed by others, 1926 short
"SWING TIME". Dir. George Stevens
Spine #6 (CAV), Cat. #CC1106L
Comm by John Mueller, excerpt of Bill Robinson & Fats Waller
"WEST SIDE STORY", Dir. Robert Wise
Spine #72 (CAV), Cat. #CC1178L
Storyboards, location footage, audio interview,casting notes

 

[Dave L]

The director's cut of Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor." It has almost an hour of footage cut for U.S. release. Unfortunately, it was only released on LD in Japan and has Japanese subtitles, which are not intrusive.

 

[Philip Hamm]

My list of "Must Haves" will be different from many others..... It would include:
Rusty Cundieff's "Fear of a Black Hat"
"Queensryche: Operation LiveCrime"
"King Crimson: Live in Japan 1984"
"Bruce Cockburn Live"
"DEVO: The Complete Truth About De-Evolution"
"Pink Floyd: Delicate Sound Of Thunder"
"Joe Jackson: The Big World Sessions"
Criterion "Boys in the Hood"
Criterion "This is Spinal Tap"
"The Who: Thirty Years of Maximum R&B Live"
"The Police: A History of the Police Live"
Various Paul McCartney LDs
"Aliens" Theatrical Cut (THX, AC-3)
"This is Video Clash"
"Empire of the Sun / The China Oddesey"
so many others (mostly music for me) there is not time to list them all....
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Philip Hamm

circa 2000

 

[Sam R. Aucoin]

Philip:
I must ask: Why Alien? What does the LD have that the excellent DVD boxset from last year did not?
Thanks in advance,
Sam

 

[Anthony Hom]

If you are looking for collector's value, then how about:
Yellow Submarine (MGM, simulate stereo) Pulled from the market for release without permission.
It is likely to be the only original US version of the film. The DVD is great, it is ironic how this version was the rare version, tucked away and altered before theatrical release.
Now the standard theatrical version is the rare one. I doubt if many people nowadays have seen it. The DVD is a much better version, but to have an original slice of Beatles history is in that laserdisc, the version of yellow submarine that will probably never be released commercially ever again.

 

[Philip Hamm]

Oops! I meant "Aliens". Changed the thread....
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Philip Hamm

circa 2000