Customer Reviews

Inglourious Basterds (3-Disc Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(218)
4 star:		(92)
3 star:		(62)
2 star:		(59)
1 star:		(103)

 

 

This is just a review of the Blu-Ray "2 Disc Special Edition" since there are plenty of reviews of the movie itself by reviewers far more qualified than I.

The video and sound quality is excellent and I have no complaints about that. But I have to give this 4 stars instead of 5, because, I just don't get some of the "marketing lingo" on this package:

* This version does NOT include a running commentary. None at all (not director, not actors, not cinematographer, nothing). To me this is really odd -- it seems that almost all DVDs released in the last 10 years have had some sort of commentary track. Especially with a Tarantino movie, this seems like something you really WANT to have.

* I think this is the only Blu-ray version available right now. It includes the "digital copy" but that is just a lower-res copy of a movie with DRM, nothing wrong with getting that with it, but that is one of the TWO discs in the "Special Edition"

* If this is the only one available, and it doesn't include stuff like a commentary, what makes the Marketing people put the "Special Edition" tag on it? I guess because it comes with the low-res copy, see previous item...

* Other info on the package is misleading too. It says under "Additional Features:" "The original Inglorious Bastards." This might lead one to conclude that it includes the original movie (and there would be plenty of room for an SD copy of a movie on a Blu-ray disk. This feature is just a 10-minute summary of the movie and discusses it's relation to the new movie. A nice feature worth watching, but I think the way it is named as a feature is misleading.

* Minor thing: They put a sticker about "Includes Digital Copy" on the metallic-printed cardboard sleeve. When you take off the sticker, it removes part of the metallic printing. I know these sleeves are only meant to make the product look nice and flashy and get your attention when it's on a store shelf. But for those of us that like to keep these, it was annoying the way it was stickered. If they put the sticker on the outer plastic shrink-wrap this wouldn't be a problem.

Still a great movie and I'm glad I got the disc. Giving it 4 of 5 because of the questionable "Special-ness" of the Edition.

This movie is really pretty outstanding. The opening scene is intense, frightening, shocking, and appauling all at once, and it sets up the entire film perfectly. I really had no expectations for this movie because I had read so many mixed reviews and none of them really said anything, so I actually thought this was a really good movie although a bit drawn out. The film is artfully done beautifully shot and extremely well acted.

Now here's why you may not like this quite as much as I did and why my wife absolutely HATED it.

What most expected from this movie:

1- Gore, action, and more gore and more action

2- A story that follows the Basterds as they wreak havoc on Hitler's army

3- Maybe a few subtitles as the film does take place in France after all

4- Classic Quentin Tarantino comedic dialogue

What the film actually is:

1- A character driven story HEAVY on dialogue and other than the last 20 minutes extremely light on action with a couple pretty graphic gory bits tossed in. The last 20 minutes is extremely graphic and violent.

2- The story largely follows the young Jewish girl/woman who escapes the opening scene. The Basterds are just kind of there as an afterthought because they are planning to blow up the same theater.

3- This film is conservatively speaking about 80% subtitled and spoken either in German or French.

4- The only part that is really funny (and it is hilarious) is Brad Pitt "speaking" Italian so poorly that Helen Keller could have picked him out as the American in the crowd.

I've read negative reviews about how this film is "war porn" and diminishes U.S. veterans in some way, but this couldn't be further from the truth. First of all this film is pure fiction that just happens to take place during WWII in France. Nothing depicted in this film is based in any way on fact. It is a complete fantasy of what could have possibly happened if Hitler and all the Nazi upper echelon had all decided to go to a jewish owned movie theater to watch a propaganda film.

Overall it is an extremely well made film that does just about everything well. It is a little bit drawn out at over 2.5 hours but like I said it is very well done and the acting is superb. 4.5 stars. I'd recommend it but be sure to have an open mind.

***Update***

My wife wants to watch it again. She thinks that maybe due to the fact that we started this at about 2:00 am might have had an effect on her opinion. We'll see. For me personally after a second viewing I like it even more.

At the end of the film, Pitt states "I think this may be my masterpiece" (or something to that nature) and in regards to Tarantino and his directorial efforts, I think that statement may apply here (however, not in regards to Brad Pitt who, sadly, is that acting `weak link' in this film). Yes, Tarantino will have legions of fans bickering in rabid fashion over which gargantuan cult classic is the best (most will cheer for `Pulp Fiction', some `Kill Bill' and, until I saw this film, I was all about `Reservoir Dogs') but at the end of the day, when you stack everything back to back to back, his latest effort makes it very clear that he has learned and certainly grown as a director over the course of his career.

This film is nearly perfect.

I could go on all day dissecting this film and layer my review with countless praise-littered sentiments, but I'm going to try and refrain, just a little.

I'm often told I'm a tad longwinded.

The story itself is a fabricated fantasy piece set in the times of the Nazi regime where Tarantino has a group of violence-fascinated `Nazi Killers' waging war with a `Jew Hunter' and his reign of terror. They aren't alone in their mission of hate-filled executions though. At the films outset we are introduced to Landa, the `Jew Hunter', as he slaughters a Jewish family taking refuge in another man's home. One of the family members, a young girl, escapes. She in turn, years later, is presented with a rare opportunity that she cannot let slip through her fingers; revenge.

The film never once appears lacking in rich Tarantino style, but it also carries with it a layer of sophistication that is not found in most of his work. It is more polished; crisper if you will. While some will balk at my statement and point out that `Pulp Fiction' itself is `sophisticated' (an assessment I will stand behind), I feel compelled to point out that while I love both films, this latest entry in the Tarantino roster surely shows much maturing since Tarantino's 90's heyday. The narrative flow feels far less like a gimmick (yes, that is an accusation made against `Pulp Fiction', and one that bares some truth) and more like a fully fleshed out plot piece. And while Tarantino has shown great visual flare in many of his films, especially his `Kill Bill' epic, he has never exuded so much class into his visual opuses as he does here. Just look at the opening sequence. It is breathtakingly staged, brilliantly acted and flawlessly captured. The visual is fresh, rich and certainly eye-catching, but it isn't over-the-top. The spectacle of it all doesn't take away from the seriousness of it all. There is the tension, the dread, the emotional gut punch; not to mention the perfectly times flares of humor that take the scene to a whole new level. In fact, that opening sequence should be preserved in a room for all struggling artists to venture when needing inspiration (that and the opening sequence to Fincher's `The Social Network'). It is a brilliant and inspired way to open a film, setting the tone effortlessly and inviting us (or should I say CONVINCING US) to walk right alongside Tarantino for the entire journey.

Oh lord; I am getting longwinded, aren't I?

I wanted to touch upon the acting, because as an ensemble it really does shine (and Christoph Waltz's Oscar win was VERY deserved). Yes, Pitt is here and he is decent but he is also a tad overdone and certainly the films weakest performance. In fact, Fassbender has a VERY short scene and yet he acts circles around anything Pitt does, adding an entire back-story to his devilishly charming grin. That said; Waltz is just phenomenal, layering Landa with so much unintentional wit that you can't help but totally `get this guy'. Sure, he's a creep, but you want him around. Besides, Waltz really understood how to work with his fellow actors. He plays off of them in each and every scene, and it actually boosts the performances of the entire cast. In fact, some of the best moments come from other actors working off of Waltz's presence. The other GIGANTIC standout here is Melanie Laurent. She is mesmerizing here, and totally nails the inner tension that presents itself in her character. She is not only stunning (seriously, gorgeous to look at) but she embodies the films moral core (yes, it has one) and exudes a sense of profound entitlement that I think is necessary to accepting the film as more than torture-porn.

There is a method to Tarantino's madness, and Laurent holds the key.

In the end I'm totally in this films corner. It really should have swept at the Oscars (at least when you consider the films it was nominated against). This film is far more entertaining, creative, stylistic, memorable and profound than James Cameron's opus of gigantic smurf people and their protests to `save the planet'.

The video arrived shortly after I ordered it in very good condition. There is nothing that I can think of that is wrong with it. I appreciate the low price and the short amount of time it took to receive the video.

Thank You

I give this film 10 stars!!!! First of all, Quentin Tarantino is my all time favorite Movie writer & Director. So, this movie is super awesome!! I love it, love it love it. I watch my movies repeatedly and this one is now exception to thta rule!! Still in great condition, with no complaints. The scalp cutting scene is gross and just the sound of it can make me cringe!

ick!

Just when I feared that Tarantino may be heading towards the same fate as M. Night S i.e. one brilliant film followed by several average ones we get what has to be his next best work since the masterpiece of "Pulp Fiction". This bluray version is also excellent coming in reference disc quality with impeccable picture and wonderful DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound quality as well. The extra disc containing the digital copy is useless to me and although the special feature documentaries aren't anything really to shout about, the quality of the main disc alone makes this a worthy addition to your blu-ray video library. Historical and yet far from being historically accurate, this film is very enjoyable and while not quite in the same league as "Pulp Fiction" this film still ranks highly among the more recent studio releases.

Great Tarantino script, excellent reference quality picture and sound makes this blu ray a highly recommended addition to your video library.

I sat engrossed for 2.5 hours watching Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds, absorbed by a stunning reworking of history, Nazi-occupied France, and the way an SS officer Hans Landa (played with reserved maniacal genius by Christoph Waltz) pits his cunning against American Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) and his band of Jewish commandos.

There's much to praise about this film, the incredible cast, the impossibly beautiful (in a melancholy way) women principals, the imaginative fantasy of WWII history, the lush scenes, but for me the jewel of the film, and a recurring motif, is watching the exaggerated manners and niceties of SS officer Hans Landa as he interrogates while drinking milk, eating apple tarts with cream, and smoking a pipe. He is a master of effusive politeness coating a velvety veneer over what's really roiling underneath: diabolical violence, opportunism, and menace.

The disparity of his manners and his lurking evil made me squirm and wince with anxiety in scenes that are excruciating in their tension. It's no surprise to me that I learned Christoph Waltz won an acting award for his masterful, memorable performance.

Highly recommended.

Most of the people that gave me this movie 1 star, shouldn't have been watching the movie in the first place. To say that Pulp Fiction was "pretty good," or "Tarantino is rewriting history," or that Tarantino's movies are too "comic book-like," need not watch his movies, because that is what you get. Action, fantasy, quirky story, and more action. It was a very enjoyable movie.

Given his bizarre, genre-twisting reputation, Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Bastereds" impresses most with its decidedly old-fashioned suspense scenes!

Everyone knows about Christoph Waltz, but to me the real standout performance here is Melanie Laurent as the cinema proprietor, a real study in subtlety and total immersion in a role. And of course Brad Pitt is a reliable crowd-pleaser as Aldo Raine (Fave moment: When Pitt, already in close-up, leans forward and says "Ah WILL have mah SCALPS!" Terrific)

This is as good as everyone says, and makes for a magnificently entertaining movie night. One you'll long remember.

I've never seen a Tarantino film before, only because none of his films interested me enough, so 2009's "Inglourious Basterds" is my first taste from his repertoire.

The first time I tried to watch "Inglourious Basterds" I gave up around the 50-minute mark. Don't get me wrong, the long opening sequence was great but the film bogged down with its focus on a French theater during the German occupation of WWII and the accompanying interminable dialogue (in subtitles). I just wasn't ready for this. I was expecting a Dirty Dozen-styled WWII film with lots of action and all that goes with it. What I got instead was a plot that focused on the aforementioned theater accompanied by long sessions of mostly subtitled dialogue.

Well, I finally decided to give it a second chance with the understanding that this wasn't some typical war flick. Strangely, the "interminable dialogue (with subtitles)" pulled me in and I slowly became engrossed in the story, which isn't hard to follow. I discovered that the drama is only occasionally interrupted by flashes of extreme violence. Until the end, that is, where all hell literally breaks loose.

There ARE elements that bring to mind "The Dirty Dozen", including a group of anti-heroes intent on mercilessly obliterating as many Germans as possible and the fact that the real action doesn't kick in until the final act, but "Basterds" is hardly a Dirty Dozen clone. It may borrow a bit from notable films of the past but it absolutely possesses its own refreshing originality.

All great films have great characters. With "Basterds" we have the stunning Mélanie Laurent as the cinema proprietor, who drips with vengeance toward the Nazis; Christoph Waltz as SS Col. Landa, who mercilessly hunts down Jews, an articulate and suave love-to-hate villain; Brad Pitt as the almost-comical, but entertaining and memorable, leader of the Basterds; and super-sharp Diane Kruger as a German actress & British spy.

Tarantino is renown as a great modern director, and so it is. "Basterds" shines with confidence, style and a sense of the unexpected from beginning to end, the perfect antidote to the roll-your-eyes "blockbuster" syndrome that plagues modern cinema.

GRADE: A-