Curious Case of Benjamin Button (US - DVD R1)
Paramount Home Entertainment sends over artwork for the films 1-disc release
Title: Curious Case of Benjamin Button (IMDb)
Starring: Brad Pitt
Released: 5th May 2009
SRP: $39.99 (DVD)
Further Details:
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced 1-disc DVD ($29.99) and 2-disc DVD ($39.99) releases of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the 5th May. As far as we know, no extra material will be included on the 1-disc DVD. The 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray releases will include commentary by director David Fincher, and a 4-part The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button documentary which covers the casting of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the decision to change the location of the story to New Orleans, costumes, visual effects, and more. We've attached our first look at the official package artwork below:
News by Tom Woodward
Starring: Brad Pitt
Released: 5th May 2009
SRP: $39.99 (DVD)
Further Details:
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced 1-disc DVD ($29.99) and 2-disc DVD ($39.99) releases of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the 5th May. As far as we know, no extra material will be included on the 1-disc DVD. The 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray releases will include commentary by director David Fincher, and a 4-part The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button documentary which covers the casting of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the decision to change the location of the story to New Orleans, costumes, visual effects, and more. We've attached our first look at the official package artwork below:
News by Tom Woodward
Advertisements
Taylor
Member
Join Date: October 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 546
1-disc artwork is terrible. Collectors edition is great.
Report
Quote
| Reply
Cate Blanchett = living goddess!
Does anyone else think the 1-disc coverart is better than the criterion 2-disc?
2-Disc cover art is miles better than the s**ttacular one-disc.
god this was a good movie. granted, you have to be in the mood to sit through 3 hours of a movie, but it's one of those movies that you don't want it to end. Brad Pitt's such a big tabloid celebrity that you forget that he's such a good actor.
i'm a little disappointed that it didn't win most of the Oscars it was nominated for, but i think Slumdog deserved them a little more (that movie's fantastic too)
i'm a little disappointed that it didn't win most of the Oscars it was nominated for, but i think Slumdog deserved them a little more (that movie's fantastic too)
GRJR721 wrote: The lesson here is never to aim to make a great movie before locking in the framework for a good one. To aim for greatness otherwise invites all kinds of risks - the possibility of reaching high and crashing, of mistaking the somber for the serious, of creating the form of greatness without the content. In short, there's the danger of making something as pretty and vacant as "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
Visually, the film, from director David Fincher, is flawless. The story begins in 1918 and extends into present day, and, at every point, the art direction and clothing meticulously re-create the respective eras. The digital cinematography subtly evokes earlier photography. The stars are major and Oscar ready. In every way, the movie looks like somebody's idea of a great movie, just as its length - 167 minutes - proclaims its importance. But the proclamation is untrue, and all the trappings are in the service of a story that's emotionally false and fundamentally unimportant.
I mostly agree. This is a fantastic techinical achievenment, and there are moments of magic, but overall, it left me a bit cold.
I actually like the 2-disc art better; well, at least the picture. I don't like that the 2-disc has more "Criterion Collection" stamped on it than it does the film's title. Especially on the front, that's just odd, and looks like it ought to be a sticker that you peel off.
Visually, the film, from director David Fincher, is flawless. The story begins in 1918 and extends into present day, and, at every point, the art direction and clothing meticulously re-create the respective eras. The digital cinematography subtly evokes earlier photography. The stars are major and Oscar ready. In every way, the movie looks like somebody's idea of a great movie, just as its length - 167 minutes - proclaims its importance. But the proclamation is untrue, and all the trappings are in the service of a story that's emotionally false and fundamentally unimportant.
I mostly agree. This is a fantastic techinical achievenment, and there are moments of magic, but overall, it left me a bit cold.
I actually like the 2-disc art better; well, at least the picture. I don't like that the 2-disc has more "Criterion Collection" stamped on it than it does the film's title. Especially on the front, that's just odd, and looks like it ought to be a sticker that you peel off.
I think the cover for the 2-Disc looks like its more suited towards serious DVD buyers/watchers where as the 1-Disc is for casual movie watchers who dont really care about extras 
Sometimes Criterion's gotta pay the bills, and owning a stake in a 2-disc DVD that will sell like Benjamin Button is what you gotta do. I dunno what kind of defense could be made for the so-so film, other than the groundbreaking effects, but there's no arguing that Michael Bay and David Fincher are singular cinematic voices, and that Armageddon is a pop-cultural landmark. These are probably the reasons why Criterion is doing the release.
How come real David Fincher classics, like Fight Club, aren't recognized?
Criterion doing the two disc?! wow.
Jin256 wrote: How come real David Fincher classics, like Fight Club, aren't recognized?
A lot of Fincher's movies have received Criterion-worthy extras from their respective studios. Se7en (NL 2-disc Platinum Series), FC (Fox's 3-disc edition), Zodiac (Paramount's 2-disc edition), Panic Room (Sony's 3-disc edition). The only other Fincher film I see getting a Criterion release would be "The Game."
But Michael Bay, a visionary director? Excuse while I clean up water from my computer monitor from laughing so hard. "Benjamin Button" may not be an instant classic, but it's leagues better than Bay's puketastic "Armageddon" and "The Rock" Criterion releases.
A lot of Fincher's movies have received Criterion-worthy extras from their respective studios. Se7en (NL 2-disc Platinum Series), FC (Fox's 3-disc edition), Zodiac (Paramount's 2-disc edition), Panic Room (Sony's 3-disc edition). The only other Fincher film I see getting a Criterion release would be "The Game."
But Michael Bay, a visionary director? Excuse while I clean up water from my computer monitor from laughing so hard. "Benjamin Button" may not be an instant classic, but it's leagues better than Bay's puketastic "Armageddon" and "The Rock" Criterion releases.
Jesus christ there's a lot of b***hing going around here. The movie was far from perfect, but it was damn entertaining to see Button's progression through life.
And as for the Criterion issue everyone seems to have, are you kidding me? "Why is this movie getting the Criterion treatment? THIS movie should get it!" How about we all just agree Criterion does an awesome job all the time, and every move should be done my them? I mean s**t, I'm sure there are people that hate some of the flicks they've put out besides this, the Wes Andersons and Bays. So why all the hostility? Grow up.
And as for the Criterion issue everyone seems to have, are you kidding me? "Why is this movie getting the Criterion treatment? THIS movie should get it!" How about we all just agree Criterion does an awesome job all the time, and every move should be done my them? I mean s**t, I'm sure there are people that hate some of the flicks they've put out besides this, the Wes Andersons and Bays. So why all the hostility? Grow up.
I find it weird that Criterion is releasing this and yet, there's no news of it whatsoever on their website (which announces all their releases until june)
This is a great film. Fincher's best, no. But good enough for me to enjoy. So the 2-Disc BD will be done by Criterion then?
Loved the film.
Totally ripped off at the Oscars.
First Day buyer.
Totally ripped off at the Oscars.
First Day buyer.
You people are ridiculous, this film barely got the praise it deserved, if anything it's underrated. It had a few flaws but so did Slumdog & now that was overrated.
Oh and I wish they used the coverart with Ben's mom holding him as a baby instead. And no director's cut or deleted scenes? I'm disappointed.
Oh and I wish they used the coverart with Ben's mom holding him as a baby instead. And no director's cut or deleted scenes? I'm disappointed.
I loved this film as well and I am surprised to see that it is also getting a criterion release! I actually love the artwork for both and I'm assuming that the 2-disc blu-ray art (the edition I will be buying) will be similar to the criterion.
mc_serenity wrote: But Michael Bay, a visionary director? Excuse while I clean up water from my computer monitor from laughing so hard.Not what I said. I said he was a singular cinematic vision. Like him or hate him, I know when I'm watching a Michael Bay film. Who he is defines the films he makes, and his bombastic, hyperactive, gloss-dripping-off-the-screen style is unique to his own indulgent brand of moviemaking. You may think it's c**p, but it's c**p with his fingerprints on every blown-out, oversaturated frame.
CRITERION'S RELEASING THIS!!! This news just made my friggin day!
I enjoyed the movie. It does rate low in Fincher's filmography, but I will still pick up the Criterion release sometime.
While quite a few people say that Fincher's best is Zodiac or Seven, I still feel that Fight Club is the most enjoyable of his movies. I watched Fight Club more number of times than I watched Zodiac and Seven put together... in fact, more than all his other movies put together!
While quite a few people say that Fincher's best is Zodiac or Seven, I still feel that Fight Club is the most enjoyable of his movies. I watched Fight Club more number of times than I watched Zodiac and Seven put together... in fact, more than all his other movies put together!
Well I mean Se7en is brilliant but yet it's a f*cking depressing movie. I wouldn't want to watch it to many times, despite its sheer brilliance, same thing with Requiem for a Dream. You wanna spaced out between each viewings. Zodiac is only out on home video for like a year. Fight Club is fantastic too to say the least. Anyway, I'm just rambling on over nothing lol.
I just want to say I didn't hate the movie, I actually really liked it. But Criterion worthy? No.
loved this film....possibly my favorite by fincher, though zodiac is close. i'm f**king ecstatic that it's getting a criterion blu-ray release...didn't see that one coming.
I thought The Wrestler was better, and IMO was also more deserving of a Criterion release.
And I also didnt like that BB won over Hellboy 2 for best make up.
And I also didnt like that BB won over Hellboy 2 for best make up.
mc_serenity wrote: A lot of Fincher's movies have received Criterion-worthy extras from their respective studios. Se7en (NL 2-disc Platinum Series), FC (Fox's 3-disc edition), Zodiac (Paramount's 2-disc edition), Panic Room (Sony's 3-disc edition). The only other Fincher film I see getting a Criterion release would be "The Game."
The Game and Se7en were both released by Criterion on LaserDisc in the 90s. Many films they released on LaserDisc they sadly no longer have the rights to (since all the major studios realised the potential of special editions, and started doing their own).
Id love to think the release The Game on DVD and BD though.
The Game and Se7en were both released by Criterion on LaserDisc in the 90s. Many films they released on LaserDisc they sadly no longer have the rights to (since all the major studios realised the potential of special editions, and started doing their own).
Id love to think the release The Game on DVD and BD though.
Normally this is the kind of movie that I would just buy the 1-disc for when the price goes down, but I want the criterion.
a.c.norca wrote: I find it weird that Criterion is releasing this and yet, there's no news of it whatsoever on their website (which announces all their releases until june)
Either Criterion is slow to update or it must be the deal Criterion and Paramount made when they made the deal to co-distribute "Button" on home video. If you look on an online shop that has the preorders for both editions of "Button," both the 2-disc Criterion and Blu-ray have the similar Paramount UPC code as opposed to Criterion's UPC code.
My guess is that Paramount agreed with Criterion to make the 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray, but with the stipulation that it use the same UPC code style Paramount does (and not have it for preorder in Criterion's online store). I don't know the specifics of it, just speculating out of curiosity.
Either Criterion is slow to update or it must be the deal Criterion and Paramount made when they made the deal to co-distribute "Button" on home video. If you look on an online shop that has the preorders for both editions of "Button," both the 2-disc Criterion and Blu-ray have the similar Paramount UPC code as opposed to Criterion's UPC code.
My guess is that Paramount agreed with Criterion to make the 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray, but with the stipulation that it use the same UPC code style Paramount does (and not have it for preorder in Criterion's online store). I don't know the specifics of it, just speculating out of curiosity.
Odd that they mention the 3 Academy Awards on the cover considering they were in such minor categories as Art Direction, Makeup and Visual Effects. So glad this didn't beat Slumdog Millionaire, I love Fincher as much as anyone but this was Forrest Gump 2, hard to believe it's a Criterion title.
U2psycho wrote: Odd that they mention the 3 Academy Awards on the cover considering they were in such minor categories as Art Direction, Makeup and Visual Effects.
Umm, I wouldn't consider BUTTON'S three oscar wins minor, especially for a film relying heavily on it's breathtaking visuals.
Umm, I wouldn't consider BUTTON'S three oscar wins minor, especially for a film relying heavily on it's breathtaking visuals.
Am I the only one that believes there will be a double dip?
FOLLOW DVDACTIVE
Follow our updates
OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Reviewer Agony
Boo
UK - DVD R2
Smart Cavalier, The
UK - DVD R2
Moonlight Jellyfish
JP - DVD R2
Garfield: The Movie
AU - DVD R4
Texas Chainsaw (2013, 2D)
US - BD RA
Hot Articles
Star Wars: The Changes - Part One
DVD | BD
Star Wars: The Changes - Part Three
DVD
Star Wars: The Changes - Part Two
DVD
Avatar Preview
DVD | HD | BD
Old Films on Blu-ray: Are They Worth It?
BD
Released Soon
Predator 3D
UK - BD RB
Big Trouble in Little China
UK - BD RB
Jurassic Park 3D
UK - BD
Tenebrae
UK - BD RB
Justified: Season 4
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Most Talked About
Man of Steel
UK - BD
World's End, The
US - BD RA
Lionsgate/Miramax Steelbooks
US - BD RA
Riddick
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Machete Kills
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
