| June 1, 2004 Rad
Bennett's Favorite Movies on DVD
Sitting here on the first real day of spring, I suddenly
thought that you might wonder what our favorite films are. Since I am the
DVD editor, it is only fair that I lead off. During the coming months we will present the
choices of the other writers. It will be interesting to see if we have any titles in
common.
All of the ones in this first listing are available on DVD
(or will soon be) and studios have been listed. And yes, Steven Spielberg aced the list.
Anyone have a problem with that?
...Rad Bennett
radb@hometheatersound.com
 The Adventures of
Robin Hood (Warner Home Video)
The swashbuckler for all time is now available in an
eye-popping transfer in a two-DVD set. |
 Back to the Future
(Universal)
The first movie is a classic time-travel jaunt, and
Universal’s anamorphic DVD transfer does it full justice. You have to buy the set and
get the other two movies, which aren’t as good, yet are still enjoyable. |
 Citizen Kane
(Warner Home Video)
The most "perfect" movie of all time, it is also
one of the most entertaining, and the Warner two-DVD set does it full justice. Pristine
black and white so good you won’t miss color. |
 Close Encounters of
the Third Kind (Columbia TriStar)
One of the most intelligent, exciting science-fiction
movies every made in a brilliant special-edition transfer, generally available at places
like Wal-Mart for $14.99. What a bargain! |
 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
(Universal)
The most moving film in this list. I defy anyone to have a
completely dry eye at the ending. The Universal special edition is magnificent, with sharp
images and nicely imaged sound. |
 Jaws (Universal)
One of the best horror-suspense movies ever made, with
classic performances by Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider. Drop-dead-gorgeous Universal
transfer. |
 Pinocchio
(Walt Disney)
My favorite animated film of all time; it captures the
charm of the original story in a manner that pleases both children and adults. The DVD is
sharply etched, with rich color. |
 Star Wars Trilogy
(20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)
The original three movies brought action-adventure, and
then some, to a new generation. The DVD quality remains unknown at this time, but there is
every chance it’ll be topnotch. |
 Singin’ in the
Rain (Warner Home Video)
The perfect musical comedy, containing the classic setting
of the title song. The two-disc Warner special edition has color that will impress even
the most jaded viewer. |
 The Wizard of Oz
(Warner Home Video)
The ultimate fantasy movie. The Yellow Brick Road has never
looked as inviting as on the newer Warner DVD, nor has the original "Over the
Rainbow" sounded any better. |
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