Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection Blu-ray
Spartacus / Lolita / Dr. Strangelove / 2001: A Space Odyssey / A Clockwork Orange / Barry Lyndon / The Shining / Full Metal Jacket / Eyes Wide ShutWarner Bros. | 1960-1999 | 9 Movies | 1332 min | Rated R | May 31, 2011
Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection Blu-ray delivers great video and audio in this excellent Blu-ray release
Collection includes Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut
Universal Studios | 1960 | 197 min | Rated PG-13 | Region free
| May 25, 2010
Filmed in Technirama, this epic story chronicles one of histories greatest underdogs — Spartacus! He and other slaves are sold to an owner of a school for gladiators. Spartacus excels and is rewarded with a slave women, Varinia,...
Warner Bros. | 1962 | 152 min | Region free
| May 31, 2011
Humbert Humbert is a fastidious, middle-aged British novelist who is both appalled by and attracted to the vulgarity of American culture. When he comes to stay at the boarding house run by Charlotte Haze he soon becomes obsessed...
After a psychotic Air Force general unleashes ingenious foolproof and irrevocable scheme
sending bombers to attack the Soviet Union. the U.S. President phones the Soviet premier in a
desperate effort to save the world.
Warner Bros. | 1968 | 149 min | Rated G | Region free
| Oct 23, 2007
In this surreal sci-fi classic by Stanley Kubrick, a
mysterious black monolith appears on Earth in prehistoric times, changing the course of human
evolution. When it reappears on the Moon in 2001, astronauts embark on an...
Stanley Kubrick's dystopian masterpiece is set in the near future where urban thugs run wild and new methods of crime deterrence are being explored. Career gang member Alex (Malcolm McDowell) is nabbed by the police and offered...
Warner Bros. | 1975 | 185 min | Rated PG | Region free
| May 31, 2011
Redmond Barry is an Irish country boy who falls in love with a well-to-do local girl (Gay Hamilton) and is subsequently tricked by her family into leaving town. Disillusioned with love, the brokenhearted youngster then embarks on...
Warner Bros. | 1980 | 144 min | Rated R | Region free
| Oct 23, 2007
Jack Torrance becomes the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in up in the secluded mountains of Colorado. Jack, being a family man, takes his wife and son to the hotel to keep him company throughout the long, isolated nights. During...
Deluxe Edition
Warner Bros. | 1987 | 117 min | Rated R | Region free
| Oct 23, 2007
The story of an 18-year-old marine recruit named Private Joker - from his carnage-
and-machismo boot camp to his climactic involvement in the heavy fighting in Hue
during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
Warner Bros. | 1999 | 159 min | Rated R | Region free
| Oct 23, 2007
Cruise plays Dr. William Harford, who plunges into an erotic foray that threatens his marriage — and may even
ensnare him in a lurid murder mystery — after his wife’s (Kidman) admission of sexual longings. As the story
sweeps...
Photographer, artist, writer, filmmaker, perfectionist, rebel, antagonist, provocateur, genius, firebrand, taskmaster, virtuoso, recluse,
egomaniac, pornographer, visionary... Stanley Kubrick was many things to many people, not that many people mattered to Kubrick. More than
anything, Kubrick was true to himself and his own vision. He built his career on the unexpected and unorthodox, scoffing at the conventions of
Hollywood, pacing, storytelling, character development, cinematography, culture and quote-unquote good taste. He offended audiences as
often as he confounded them. He dazzled and delighted critics and cinephiles as much as he divided and alienated them. His clashes with the
MPAA were as contentious in 1962 as they were in 1999. His films remain as divisive, challenging and demanding today as they were decades
ago. All of which is to say this: Stanley Kubrick may be many things to many people, but his legacy as one of cinema's greatest filmmakers is
ironclad.
"When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man."
Warner's latest release of Kubrick's films is also its finest to date. However, it's important to note that the word "complete" doesn't appear
anywhere on the package. While the studio was able to join forces with Universal and Sony to include Spartacus and Dr.
Strangelove, the director's first four films -- Fear and Desire (1953), Killer's Kiss (1955), The Killing (1956) and Paths of
Glory (1957) -- are not a part of the collection. (Fear and Desire has never received a home video release, Killer's
Kiss and The Killing are due from Criterion in August, and Paths of Glory is already available from Criterion.) However,
every Kubrick film from 1960 on is included:
If you watch the entire collection in order, from Spartacus to Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick's progression as a filmmaker and
evolution as a storyteller become incredibly apparent and reveal the increasingly dark, forty-year exploration of the human cosmos the
director was so astutely conducting. A few critics have suggested everything after A Clockwork Orange represents another tumble in
the slow, steady downward plummet of an aging master. Many more have suggested Eyes Wide Shut is a failure; that it somehow
sullies a brilliant artist's otherwise astonishing canon. But Kubrick's last four films aren't indicative of a broad decline, nor should his final film
be so casually dismissed. Eyes Wide Shut presents such a problem because it wasn't meant to be the director's swan song, even
though it's often dissected as if it were. It's simply a deeply unsettling stage in an evolution that was cut all too short.
Kubrick found his strength through control. In many ways, Spartacus and Lolita beat him into submission. When asked about
the former in 1968, he said Spartacus "was the only film that I did not have control over, and which I feel was not enhanced by that
fact. It all really just came down to the fact that there are thousands of decisions that have to be made, and that if you don't make them
yourself, and if you're not on the same wavelength as the people who are making them, it becomes a very painful experience, which it was."
When asked about Lolita and the many, many creative concessions he had to make during its development, he growled, "if I realized
how severe the limitations were going to be, I probably wouldn't have made the film." That all changed though with Dr. Strangelove,
a bucking bronco of a political satire that sees the director unchained for perhaps the first time in his career. 2001: A Space Odyssey
is a declaration of independence as well, and stands as one of Kubrick's most fascinating masterpieces. It not only completely defies and
redefines its genre, it transcends the very nature of film and raises questions few other filmmakers have ever even attempted to ask in such
a profound, esoteric and decidedly cerebral fashion. And few rebel cries ring louder than A Clockwork Orange; a film in which the
director is at his most unhinged and most controlled. Having a strong, visceral reaction to the densely-syntaxed dystopian tale is all
but inevitable, and Kubrick, here more than anywhere else, tugs at the strings in viewers' brains, pushing, pulling, yanking and jerking
violently until it's unclear how far dear, dear Stanley is willing to go.
He would go on to thwart convention with Barry Lyndon. Seeing as his 18th century period epic unfolds at a slow, almost infuriating
pace, it would be easy to mistake Kubrick's listless strides for apathy or, worse, pretension. But Kubrick isn't interested in delivering a stuffy
drama, nor does he indulge in meaningless melancholy. Instead, Barry Lyndon hangs on the screen like a priceless 18th century
landscape in a museum; daring those who come near it to look past its stately elegance and study the roughhewn textures of its brush
strokes, the meticulous use of color and light, and the lingering presence of a preeminent painter's hand. So too does The Shining
and Full Metal Jacket eviscerate traditional horror and war films, respectively, conjuring up truly terrifying demons in a restless
father's soul and examining the dehumanization of soldiers and their strangely detached reincarnation through combat. The Shining
would go on to enrage author Stephen King, leave audiences trembling and send weaker filmfans screaming. It remains one of the most
frightening genre pics of all time. Full Metal Jacket would go on to hypnotize and agitate, plucking out the heart of war and studying
whatever innards come with it. A far cry from Spartacus, it expounds upon themes in 2001, A Clockwork Orange,
Barry Lyndon and, yes, even The Shining, searching its grunts for the boundaries of morality, decency and propriety.
That said, each successive film is as much a reflection of Kubrick's authority as an innovative, avant-garde filmmaker as it is a reflection of his
obsessions as a father, husband and human being. Rumors of the auteur's perfectionism have most certainly not been exaggerated.
Kubrick would drive his actors to madness before settling on an inadequate take; push his crew to their extremes rather than allow a single
mistake to slip through the cracks; and extend his shooting schedule indefinitely and increase his budget to dangerous heights to achieve
his vision. But imagine what 2001, A Clockwork Orange or, really, any of Kubrick's films would be had he not clung so tightly to
the unnerving sights assaulting his mind's eye. Most filmmakers who lord over their productions fall by the wayside, stifled by ego and
delusions of grandeur. But when the results are so staggering as to leave audiences and critics in stunned awe, such clinical compulsion is
applauded, celebrated even. As Kubrick put it, "Any time you take a chance, you better be sure the rewards are worth the risk because they
can put you away just as fast for a ten dollar heist as they can for a million dollar job." It's impossible to tell what would have captured
Kubrick's imagination, what stories he would have gone on to tell had he lived to make more films. But as canons go, complete or otherwise,
Kubrick's filmography stands tall and begs... rather demands repeated viewings, further analysis and greater understanding.
"The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can
hope to tackle."
A hodgepodge of previously released Blu-rays from three different studios, the video transfers showcased in the Stanley Kubrick Limited
Edition Collection are, unsurprisingly, a bit of a mixed bag. Universal's 1080p/AVC-encoded Spartacus isn't exactly praiseworthy;
it's a decidedly average bump in the Kubrick road haunted by slight waxiness, severe ringing and some color timing discrepancies. Warner's
1080p/VC-1 encoded 40th Anniversary version of A Clockwork Orange, while largely true to its source, is plagued by a number of minor
issues. It doesn't help that the film is currently making the rounds at Cannes with a new, as-yet-unavailable restoration. Last but not last, the
studio's 1080p/VC-1 release of Eyes Wide Shut suffers from unsightly noise and a number of other inconsistencies, not all of them
attributable to the original photography.
Thankfully, the majority of the collection's video presentations are striking, altogether faithful standouts. Lolita's 1080p/AVC-encoded
beauty preserves Kubrick's vision and Oswald Morris' original photography, boasts strong detail and contrast, and isn't hindered by any
serious technical issues (other than some minor but noticeable crush). Dr. Strangelove's 4K restoration and 1080p/AVC-encoded
transfer renders every scene with meticulous care, revitalizing Kubrick's forty-five-year old production. (A few glaring edge halos and some
lingering print damage are apparent, but never amount to a major distraction.) 2001: A Space Odyssey features one of the finest
1080p catalog presentations on the market; a crisp, clean, colorful VC-1 encoded stunner that orbits closer to perfection than any high
definition Silver Age classic I've seen. It's not only the highlight of the collection, it's a spectacular achievement. Barry Lyndon follows
suit, despite its inherent softness. Kubrick's lavishly lit epic impresses with a 1080p/AVC-encoded tour de force that captures every fine
texture, fleck of grain and enveloping shadow that graces John Alcott's gorgeous palette and photography. And The Shining and the
Deluxe Edition re-release of Full Metal Jacket aren't far behind. Bolstered by a pair of reasonably sharp and satisfying 1080p/VC-1
transfers, the eighth and ninth films in the collection dispense lifelike skintones, deep blacks, visceral reds and plenty of detail. They have few
eyesores to speak of, other than a handful of modest anomalies that rarely detract from the overall impact of either image.
Regardless of the end result, though, each transfer trounces its DVD counterpart; without exception. While there's room for improvement --
particularly in regards to Spartacus -- Kubrick fans will be pleased with the overall quality of the films. Click on any of the following links
to read a more thorough analysis of each video presentation:
Spartacus, Universal Studios - Review by Jeffrey
Kauffman
"A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the
emotion, the meaning, all that comes later."
The uncompressed and lossless mixes available in the Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection are also a bit hit-or-miss, but only
because the films' original sound designs toss several obstacles into the path of the set's otherwise faithful audio tracks. This time, Universal's
release of Spartacus isn't the stepchild of the collection, instead lifts up a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5,1 surround track that pays
homage to Kubrick's sword-and-sandals epic. Lolita's DTS-HD MA mono mix is perhaps the most reliable by default. While the other
films feature 5.1 remixes, it sticks to its guns with a nice little one-channel lossless offering. Dr. Strangelove has it both ways with a
Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and a presentation of the film's original mono audio. Each one impresses and, aside from some inherent hiss
and normalization hiccups, stand strong. 2001 rockets past its brethren yet again with the best audio outing in the set; an
uncompressed LPCM 5.1 beast guaranteed to get your blood pumping. A Clockwork Orange indulges in a bit of the old ultra-violence
courtesy of a commendable, albeit imperfect DTS-HD MA surround mix. Barry Lyndon's DTS-HD MA 5.1 rogue gets behind every flourish
of classical music and every uproar of battle with all-too-effortless ease, making short work of any sonic challengers that raise a hand against
it. The Shining and its LPCM 5.1 killer capture Kubrick's atmosphere nicely, even though it isn't quite the immersive, spine-tingling
experience it could be. And Full Metal Jacket's LPCM 5.1 solider-of-fortune, while a step down from the greatest genre audio tracks,
gets the job done with precision and prowess.
Eyes Wide Shut flounders with a shockingly flat, altogether disconnected LPCM 5.1 surround track; a surprise considering it's Kubrick's
most recent production. Staff reviewer Jeffrey Kauffman stated it bluntly but best: "This is one of the most resolutely non-immersive tracks in
recent memory, with surround effects you can basically count on the fingers of one hand. Even the opening party scene is weirdly anchored in
the front channels, and only very occasionally do either music or foley effects ever penetrate the rear or side surround channels." It isn't a
total loss (dialogue, fidelity and dynamics are on point), but it is a departure compared to the collection's other audio options. Click on any of
the following links to read a more thorough analysis of each lossless or uncompressed listening experience:
Spartacus, Universal Studios - Review by Jeffrey
Kauffman
The Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection arrives in a handsome package that takes size, function and quality cues from the
Alien Anthology and Deadwood: The Complete Series box sets. A durable, black and red sleeve houses a thin, 40-page
hardcover booklet and a hefty eleven-page book. Ten of the book's sturdy pages are devoted to the various films in the collection, photos are
scattered throughout, and side-access, glossy interior sleeves secure each disc snuggly. Too snuggly, actually. Pulling a disc out of its
corresponding sleeve is a chore and sliding it back in requires more pressure than I typically care to apply. Still, the sheer weight, class and
character of the box set makes it a high-quality product, flaws and all.
As for the set's special features, the 10-disc Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection includes hours upon hours of supplemental
content, albeit of varying quality. Granted, all of the extras have already been made available on the films' individual Blu-ray releases -- there
are no collection exclusives to be had -- but the only real downside is that Lolita and Barry Lyndon have nothing to offer (save
standard definition theatrical trailers). And while a handful of smaller disappointments still sting a bit -- A Clockwork Orange is the only
film to receive any newly produced high definition documentaries and many of the features, "Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures" chief among
them, are presented in standard definition -- collection newcomers will be busy for quite a few days. That said, those who already own all of
the previously released Warner, Universal and Sony Kubrick Blu-rays can simply purchase Lolita, Barry Lyndon and the new
40th Anniversary Edition release of A Clockwork Orange and complete their collection at a much lower cost.
Disc 1 - Spartacus
While its disc art is different, everything else about the Blu-ray edition of Spartacus remains the same; menus, supplements and all.
Unfortunately, Universal failed to acquire the rights to all of the content found on the 2-disc 2001 Criterion Edition DVD release, meaning fans will have to search elsewhere (and spend yet
another pretty penny) for their special features fix.
Archive Interviews (SD, 7 minutes): Peter Ustinov and Jean Simmons discuss Spartacus and the production in two vintage
black and white interviews. Of particular interest is Simmons' Q&A. At the time, it was common for Universal's publicity department to produce
open-ended talent interviews that could be customized across local television stations. Periods of silence were inserted so local newscasters
could interject their own questions and voice to give the appearance that they were talking with the interviewee directly. While still quite
short, Simmons' interview is presented in its open-ended entirety, pauses and all.
Deleted Scenes (SD, 8 minutes): Four deleted and alternate scenes have been culled from various sources. Included is a UK
version of "Spartacus Meets Varinia," a US version of "Spartacus Meets Varinia," a "1967 Finale" and an off-camera audio recording of
"Gracchus' Suicide."
Behind the Scenes at Gladiator School (SD, 5 minutes): This much-too-short archive featurette goes behind the arena to explore
the creation and construction of Spartacus' gladiator school. The mini-doc is set to music; no narration is provided.
Vintage News Reels (SD, 5 minutes): Among the news reels available is "London Ovation," "Tony Curtis Honored," "Sir Laurence
Olivier Returns to Hollywood," "Kirk Douglas Honored" and "Kirk Douglas Arrives in New York."
Image Gallery (HD): A sizable collection of production stills, concept art, costume designs, Saul Bass storyboards, posters and
print ads top off the package.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3 minutes)
My Scenes Bookmarking
Disc 2 - Lolita
Standard definition theatrical trailer notwithstanding, the Blu-ray release of Lolita doesn't include any significant special features. It
should be noted though that next year marks the film's 50th Anniversary. I think it's safe to say Warner will issue a more robust disc in 2012,
a la the 40th Anniversary Edition release of A Clockwork Orange.
Disc 3 - Dr. Strangelove
The Blu-ray edition of Dr. Strangelove bombards filmfans with a hefty collection of supplemental materials befitting a classic film of its
stature. It not only includes all of the significant special features that first appeared on the 2001 SE DVD and the 2004 40th
Anniversary Edition DVD, it tacks on an exclusive Picture-in-Picture Trivia Track for good measure.
The Cold War: One of the fullest, most informative, and most satisfying Picture-in-Picture trivia tracks I've had the pleasure to sit
through, Sony's exclusive gem bombards the viewer with endless facts, offers extensive production notes, and packs in a surprising number of
video-based interview segments with former US military commanders, Air Force personnel, military experts and advisors, and historians. The
track rarely lets up; I encountered some slight pauses as clips loaded, but the overall quality and quantity of the content was quite
staggering. If you're familiar with Dr. Strangelove, be sure to take the time to sit through this fascinating PiP experience.
Inside Dr. Strangelove (SD, 46 minutes): Despite its chummy narration, this engrossing documentary deftly digs into the
production, Kubrick's last-minute decision to transform his film into a satirical comedy, the actors' improvisational talents, and the many hats of
Peter Sellers.
No Fighting in the War Room (SD, 30 minutes): An engaging, recently-produced documentary that passes the microphone to
several notable filmmakers, critics, experts, and historians to dissect Dr. Strangelove, its themes, characters, dialogue, satire, and
enduring legacy.
An Interview with Robert McNamara (SD, 25 minutes): The former Secretary of Defense (himself the subject of director Errol
Morris' brilliant documentary, Fog of War) discusses nuclear proliferation, the reality of nuclear threats, the Cold War, modern crises of
conscience, strategic defense, and much more.
Best Sellers (SD, 19 minutes): This Peter Sellers-centric featurette covers the legendary actor's life and career, the three roles he
plays in Kubrick's masterpiece, and his contributions to each character.
The Art of Stanley Kubrick (SD, 14 minutes): While it isn't as meaty as I had hoped, this From Short Films to Strangelove
featurette is an all-too-brief catch-all that focuses on the evolution, development, and eventual direction of the film.
Split-Screen Interviews (SD, 7 minutes): Archive interviews with Peter Sellers and George C. Scott that suffer from poor context.
They're decent, but ultimately frivolous.
Disc 4 - 2001: A Space Odyssey
One of the most generous supplemental packages in the set, the Blu-ray edition of 2001: A Space Odyssey features an audio
commentary with actors Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, a 77-minute interview with Kubrick himself, a number of documentaries and
featurettes, and more. It's all presented in standard definition, mind you, but it hardly matters.
Audio Commentary: Instead of dissecting the winding, evasive and cerebral nature of 2001: A Space Odyssey, actors Keir
Dullea and Gary Lockwood offer insight into the production, deliver an engaging discussion about their experiences on Kubrick's set, describe
their close encounters with rogue practical effects, and dissect both Kubrick the Filmmaker and Kubrick the Man. It's a largely anecdotal chat --
one that breezes past subject matter most other commentators would have surely touched on -- but, in many ways, their conversation
reveals far more about the film's production and the genius behind the lens than even the best technical or historical commentary probably
could.
1966 Kubrick Interview (Audio Only, 77 minutes): Physicist and New Yorker columnist Jeremy Bernstein sits down with
Kubrick for a lengthy and unexpectedly informative interview. It isn't flashy, it isn't snazzy. It's just one of the most unassuming, invaluable
and firsthand Kubrick-centric extras in the entire box set. After all, who better to speak on Kubrick's behalf than the man himself?
2001: The Making of a Myth (SD, 43 minutes): Filmmaker James Cameron hosts and narrates this in-depth examination of
the history, development and production of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Overflowing with archive interviews, vintage news reels, modern
reflections and analysis, extremely detailed behind-the-scenes information, anecdotes and more, this top-notch doc should be one of your first
stops on the disc. (Aside from the film itself, of course.)
Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001 (SD, 21 minutes): 2001 went on to become one of the
most influential films in cinematic history. Here, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Sydney Pollack and a lineup of filmmakers, special effects
technicians, critics, authors and other industry names look at 2001's impact on science fiction, cinema and culture at large.
Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001 (SD, 22 minutes): Kubrick and Clarke didn't just inspire filmmakers and
authors with 2001; they left an impression on young technological inventors and pioneers who went on to make many of Kubrick and
Clarke's visions reality.
A Look Behind the Future (SD, 23 minutes): Explore Kubrick's expansive sets and innovative production design a bit more in this
archive featurette.
What Is Out There? (SD, 21 minutes): Is there intelligent life elsewhere in the universe? Don't expect anything resembling an
answer here, despite this secondary featurette's twenty-minute runtime.
FX and Early Conceptual Artwork (SD, 10 minutes): A short featurette that briefly tackles what it purports to tackle.
Look: Stanley Kubrick! (SD, 4 minutes): A montage of photographs taken by Kubrick.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3 minutes)
Disc 5 - A Clockwork Orange: 40th Anniversary Edition
The 40th Anniversary Edition re-release of A Clockwork Orange includes all of the supplemental content that appears on Warner's
2007 BD, as well as a pair of newly produced high definition featurettes. The 2-disc set's second disc -- which includes the feature-length
documentaries "Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures" and "O Lucky Malcolm!" -- has been moved to the end of the collection; a more fitting place
for a disc whose central documentary examines the whole of Kubrick's film canon.
Audio Commentary: An extremely candid Malcolm McDowell (Alex DeLarge) and a rather gushing Nick Redman wind their way into
the depths of A Clockwork Orange, delivering an extensive, frank and thorough dissection of the film, its director's unwavering drive,
the cast's performances, the film's imagery and music, and more. McDowell offers a treasure trove of anecdotes and production insights while
Redman, a noted film historian, keeps the chat clipping along to great effect.
Still Tickin': The Return of Clockwork Orange (SD, 44 minutes): An incredibly comprehensive analysis of A Clockwork
Orange, Kubrick's intentions and interests, his themes and the film's meanings, Anthony Burgess's original 1962 novel, the controversy
surrounding Orange, its turbulent UK release, its influences on modern cinema and virtually every other aspect of its forty-year life.
More raw meat than slick studio stew, the documentary doesn't pull any punches, doesn't skirt any corners and doesn't avoid a single
shadow. Your Clockwork Orange education begins here.
Great Bolshy Yarblockos! Making A Clockwork Orange (SD, 28 minutes): It's an analysis and education that continues into
the set's second documentary, a slightly over-produced but equally informative look at the development, production and legacy of A
Clockwork Orange. A lineup of famous filmmakers and authors (among them Steven Spielberg, William Friedkin and the late Sydney
Pollack) discuss the film at length, as well as Kubrick's genius, his approach to Burgess's text and language, his struggles with the writer's
future-slang, the challenges he faced while shooting Orange, his jack-of-all-trades filmmaking, his photography and use of evocative
lighting and classical music, the film's tone and tenor, the director's maddening perfectionism, and the well-publicized drama and spats that
erupted behind the scenes between Kubrick and McDowell.
Turning Like Clockwork (HD, 26 minutes): A grizzled McDowell hosts this newly produced look back at A Clockwork Orange
with yet another parade of renowned filmmakers, a discussion of the differences between cutting-edge films today and forty years ago, the
firestorm that swirled around its 1971 debut, the string of "the movie made me do it" crimes that proceeded its release and, eventually, a
thoughtful reflection on violence in cinema and society.
Malcolm McDowell Looks Back (HD, 11 minutes): This shorter, newly produced followup focuses solely on McDowell as he recalls
the film and its production, its ultimate release, his experiences with Burgess, and the many, many, many hours he spent with Kubrick
and Alex DeLarge. He also digs through old photographs with the bemused enthusiasm of an old man rummaging through trinkets from his
childhood, including one particular photo that reveals a hand-written alternate title Kubrick was considering at one point.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1 minute): Considering how much A Clockwork Orange disturbed its '70s audience, I can only
imagine how they felt when they first saw this rapidfire barrage of images set to a dizzying rendition of the William Tell Overture.
Disc 6 - Barry Lyndon
Like previous releases of the film, the Blu-ray edition of Barry Lyndon doesn't offer any substantial special features aside from a poorly
presented theatrical trailer. But while Lolita has an anniversary on the horizon, Lyndon doesn't celebrate a major anniversary
for another four years. In other words, filmfans probably won't see a more respectable supplemental package until 2015.
Disc 7 - The Shining
The Blu-ray edition of The Shining is unique in that it takes viewers on such an intimate, firsthand look at the production. Between
cameraman Garrett Brown and biographer John Baxter's audio commentary and Vivian Kubrick's 34-minute behind-the-scenes documentary,
it's as fascinating as they come. It isn't the broadest selection of features in the set, nor is it the longest. But it is one of the most arresting.
Audio Commentary: Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown and Kubrick biographer John Baxter deliver a non-stop, wholly engrossing
feature commentary that paints a vivid picture of Kubrick as both a thoughtful man and demanding director. The two discuss The
Shining and its most difficult shots at length, but also delve into Kubrick's handling of his actors, his interactions with the crew, his much-
publicized perfectionism, the development of the steadicam, and the story, characters and adaptation. Easily the best commentary in the
Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection, it's sure to delight many a cinephile and casual filmfan.
The Making of The Shining (SD, 34 minutes): Like many of the documentaries in the Kubrick Collection, "View from the
Overlook" is an absorbing trek behind the scenes. Unlike the others, though, this one was directed by Stanley's daughter, documentary
filmmaker Vivian Kubrick, and broadcast on the BBC shortly after the film's release. It provides an all-too-rare, all-access glimpse behind the
scenes, a fly-on-the-wall look at Kubrick in the director's chair, and serves up a number of choice bits, many of which reveal Kubrick's on-set
relationship with his cast and crew and examine his approach to key shots and sequences. Do not pass this one by, if for no other reason
than to see Kubrick and Shelley Duvall go head to head in a conflict of wills.
View from the Overlook: Crafting The Shining (SD, 27 minutes): A who's who of renowned filmmakers, authors, actors, film
historians and crew members unravel the mysteries of the production and its enigmatic director. It hurries through the film, vaulting past a
number of hot topics, but it's a serviceable, if not incomplete, analysis of the film.
Wendy Carlos, Composer (SD, 7 minutes): With nothing but good things to say about Kubrick, composer Wendy Carlos touches
on the score, its themes and its devilishly ominous atmosphere.
The Visions of Stanley Kubrick (SD, 15 minutes): A brief overview of Kubrick's filmography.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 minutes)
Disc 8 - Full Metal Jacket: Deluxe Edition
Full Metal Jacket's supplemental package outclasses those of Spartacus, Lolita and Barry Lyndon, but fails to do
much more. A full-length audio commentary is included, but it's spotty at best; a 30-minute documentary is on hand, but doesn't expand the
scope of the film as much as it could.
Audio Commentary: Together, author/screenwriter Jay Cocks and actors Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'onofrio and Lee Ermey would
have been a formidable platoon of steely eyed commentators. Recorded separately though, they never really gel as a unit. Nor do their
reflections on the film or its director. Worse, like their characters, D'onofrio and Ermey disappear at the halfway point. Still, it's a passable
commentary worth sampling, even if only during Full Metal Jacket's boot camp sequences.
Between Good and Evil (SD, 31 minutes): Modine steps in with his castmates to unravel the film's development, casting,
performances, behind-the-scenes conflicts, shooting challenges and, of course, Kubrick and his approach to the material, his actors and the
production as a whole.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 minutes)
Disc 9 - Eyes Wide Shut
Eyes Wide Shut doesn't so much deliver an account of the film's production as it does pay tribute to Kubrick's films and career. And
while that means it doesn't live up to its potential or dig into the nit and grit of one of the director's most evasive and evocative projects,
Warner's solemn epitaph of a supplemental package is well-suited to the director's final film.
The Last Movie: Stanley Kubrick and Eyes Wide Shut (SD, 43 minutes): This three-part documentary doesn't focus on
Eyes Wide Shut alone, but rather Kubrick's entire canon and life's work. While that will no doubt upset anyone hoping for a more
thorough trip down the darkly erotic rabbit hole, it's a terrific career-encompassing, made-for-TV doc nonetheless. Segments include "The
Haven/Mission Control," "Artificial Intelligence or the Writer as Robot" and "EWS, A Film by Stanley Kubrick," members of the Kubrick estate are
interviewed (many for the first time), and the documentary turns its attention to Eyes Wide Shut between minutes 27 and 35.
Lost Kubrick: The Unfinished Films of Stanley Kubrick (SD, 20 minutes): A look at the Kubrick films that almost were as well as the
various reasons they never materialized. Among the failed projects examined is a Napoleon biopic Kubrick tried to tackle after 2001
and a drama he hoped would be the definitive film about WWII and the Holocaust (based on Louis Begley's "War Time Lies").
Interviews (SD, 35 minutes): The bulk of the disc's Eyes Wide Shut material is, yet again, less about the film and more
about its director, his talent, his life and death, and his legacy. That said, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg wax beautifully,
candidly, openly and, quite often, emotionally about Kubrick and his films.
Directors Guild of America Award Speech (SD, 4 minutes): Jack Nicholson introduces Kubrick's videotaped acceptance speech for
the 1998 DGA D.W. Griffith Award.
Trailers and TV Spots (SD, 2 minutes)
Disc 10 - Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures and O Lucky Malcolm!
The final disc in the Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection is actually the second disc from the 40th Anniversary Edition release of
A Clockwork Orange. The draw will naturally be "Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures," a massive documentary that traces the course of
Kubrick's life, career and legacy. "O Lucky Malcolm!" is a nice addition and a fine film, but it only touches on Kubrick when discussing actor and
subject Malcolm McDowell's experiences on A Clockwork Orange.
Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (SD, 142 minutes): The first of two feature-length documentaries, "A Life in Pictures" is almost
worth the cost of admission alone. Covering everything from Kubrick's childhood to his final years of life to his legacy in film, it's as true a
companion piece as any, and one that brings Kubrick's entire canon -- A Clockwork Orange included -- into a more revealing light. Not
to be missed.
O Lucky Malcolm! (HD, 86 minutes): McDowell gets a "Life in Pictures" treatment all his own, albeit to lesser effect. McDowell isn't
as prolific an actor as Kubrick is a filmmaker and this second feature-length documentary is, not surprisingly, far less captivating. That's not to
say it isn't worth watching, mind you; just that it's best saved for a rainy day.
"You sit at the board and suddenly your heart leaps. Your hand trembles to pick up the piece and move it. But what chess teaches you is that
you must sit there calmly and think about whether it's really a good idea and whether there are other, better ideas."
Kubrick's films stand as a testament to his ability to sharply subvert convention and pursue his vision, no matter how much effort, time or
sacrifice was required. The Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection isn't a complete collection, but it showcases his mounting mastery as
a filmmaker, his progression as an artist and his evolution as a storyteller. Granted, those who already own the previously released Blu-ray
editions of the various films would be better served by purchasing standalone copies of Lolita, Barry Lyndon and the 2-disc 40th
Anniversary release of A Clockwork Orange, but those who haven't begun to assemble their own Kubrick Collection will be most pleased
with Warner's attractive box set.
Amazon's Blu-ray Gold Box Deal of the Day affects the Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection. Warner Home Entertainment's ten-disc set collects some of director Stanley Kubrick's most important films. Through today only, Amazon is offering the Limited Edition ...
Amazon's Blu-ray Gold Box Deal of the Day affects the Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection. Warner Home Entertainment's ten-disc set collects some of director Stanley Kubrick's most important films. Through today only, Amazon is offering the Limited Edition ...
One week following its Blu-ray release of the Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection, Warner Home Entertainment has announced that two of Kubrick's most beloved titles, 1962's Lolita and 1987's Full Metal Jacket, will receive deluxe Blu-ray treatment in 2012, ...
In preparation for the upcoming premiere of its fourth season, HBO is releasing True Blood: The Complete Third Season on Blu-ray today. The show, which is the most watch series on the premium channel since The Sopranos, continues to amass new viewers with every ...
Warner Bros. has announced the individual releases of Lolita and Barry Lyndon on Blu-ray. Both titles are currently available for pre-order exclusively on Amazon.com (for $14.99 and $13.99 respectively), and each one is scheduled to arrive on May 31st, the same ...
The Digital Bits has posted additional information regarding the upcoming Stanley Kubrick Limited Edition Collection, slated for Blu-ray release on May 31. The video transfers and AV specs for the titles already available (including A Clockwork Orange) will be ...
Warner Home Video has officially announced A Clockwork Orange: 40th Anniversary Edition for Blu-ray release on May 31, in a two-disc Digibook edition with new additional content. On the same date, the studio will also release the nine-movie, ten-disc Stanley Kubrick ...
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