It's a good Tuesday

[Ron-P]

My Best Buy shopping list...


Batman Begins
This one is a blind buy.

Elektra: 2-disk unrated DC
Yes, that's right, I am one of 3 people who enjoyed this film. It's just fun and that Lady in Red is HOT!

Depche Mode: Playing the Angel
Finally, some new Mode. One of my all-time favorite bands

[danger boy]

nice. i was looking forward to some new Depeche Mode too.

[McLoki]

Ron, let us know what the differences are between Electra and the version that you are getting. I was thinking of getting it as well....

Michael

[Ron-P]

Michael, here is a quick review from a HTF member.


I watched this last night and while the film may only be 6 minutes longer, I have to say those six minutes and the re editing Bowman and company did, has made this film GOOD.

I mean that. This is now a good movie. Whereas the Theatrical cut of Elektra, to me, felt jagged and somehow flat, this new version is a revelation. I honestly believe had they let this version into the Theaters, this would have made money for the Studios and would not have been crucified by the critics. (Ok, maybe minus the decapitation and the Sai to the face it could have made it to theaters.)

So what is different?? This version goes a lot more into the redemption of Elektra, focuses on her motivations and gives a lot more focus to her powers, which if I recall correctly, wasn't in the original film at all. It has been a while since I saw the original so I could be mistaken on a few points but I don't recall Elektra really having any motivation for her actions in the original. In this cut, we see why she does the things she does, we also see why the story moves in the direction it does. In the original cut, the "showdown" at the end seemed forced and kind of silly like they didn't really know how to end the film but in this version, the entire flow of the film is driven towards that final showdown and when we get there it just seems inevitable that this is how the film will end.

The film is not without its faults
Spoiler:
we still don't see why Kirigi kills Elektra's mother, this is just left to the imagination

maybe they will solve that in the sequel.

My advice would be to throw the original version of this film in the trash, forget about it and consider this the correct version of Elektra.

Both the picture and sound have been reworked and they look and sound exceptional. I thought the sound on the original was good but this new remix is less busy and more focused. It is very immersive and directional. On my Samsung DLP fed by a Toshiba up converting DVD via HDMI to 1080i, the picture was perfect. I didn't notice any instances of pixalization (although I don't know what edge enhancement looks like so I can't say there wasn't any...) the picture was clean, the colors were bright and very vibrant.

All in all, Rob Bowman redeemed this film in much the same way Elektra is redeemed in the film - probably moreso. This is truly what a Director's cut should be, an improvement on the original. I share Rob Bowman's frustration that this version of the film is not the one seen in Theaters. Had it been, I do not think there would be any doubt about a sequel nor would there be any blemishes on Jennifer Garner's career.

Enjoy!!! I can honestly say this is worth the double dip!

Dave

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&postid=2829677&t=1139#post2829677

[trubluluc]

...The Big Lebowski collectors edition.

One of the most quoteable movies in recent history.

"careful man, there's a beverage here!"

-Luc

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

"shut the f**k up Donnie"

man I hated that movie...

[bobman1235]

Hated!? The Big Lebowski?! Haha, oh god, one of my favorites. Quoted almost daily.

[Ron-P]

Do you have to use so many cuss words?

The fuck you talkin' 'bout?

[bobman1235]

YOu mean.. coitus?

[jdhdiggs]

Man Ron, the more you post, the more I can't figure out why you hated Sahara so much. I seem to agree with you on virtually every movie except that one... Hmmmm....

New Elektra? It took me long enough to live down the first purchase with the wife... D'oh!!!

[MacLeod]

Depeche Mode has a new album out?!?! Damn how did I miss that? Ill definitely run out and get that. Have been a big fan of theirs since the late 80's!

I havent seen Elektra yet but I must admit I do want to see it. Maybe its a guy thing but a hot chick in a tight outfit kicking ass....does it really need a well directed plot or thoughtfull dialogue? :D