Straw Dogs -- director: Sam Peckinpah
#1
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Thread Starter
Straw Dogs -- director: Sam Peckinpah
I was at Best Buy today and saw the Criterion edition of Straw Dogs. After reading the description on the back I must say I'm intrigued by this film. I was just going to pick it up as a blind purchase but the $39.00 price tag made me reconsider.
So I thought I'd bring it up here and see what you guys think of the movie. I've always been a fan of Dustin Hoffman and I'm actually pretty ashamed of myself that I've never even heard of this movie until today.
So let me know what you think? Is it a good blind buy? Would it hold up on repeat viewings? etc.
Thanks
So I thought I'd bring it up here and see what you guys think of the movie. I've always been a fan of Dustin Hoffman and I'm actually pretty ashamed of myself that I've never even heard of this movie until today.
So let me know what you think? Is it a good blind buy? Would it hold up on repeat viewings? etc.
Thanks
#2
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
I don't think I would recommend it as a blind buy. It is however, an excellent film. Let me explain...
Primarily, this is a Sam Peckinpah film and if you are familiar with any of his other major works, you know his major themes deal with the role/duty of men. His politics are not exactly PC and while I have some qualms about them, I think his films are well-made and thought-provoking.
Straw Dogs was quite controversial when it came out and I was left genuinely disturbed when I first saw it a year or two ago. So, I wouldn't recommend it to people randomly. I do, however, have the Criterion version of this and I'm happy with it. I would say check a local rental store - they might have a barebones version for rent. If you're not into renting, I'd advise you to shop around - $39 is way too high.
Primarily, this is a Sam Peckinpah film and if you are familiar with any of his other major works, you know his major themes deal with the role/duty of men. His politics are not exactly PC and while I have some qualms about them, I think his films are well-made and thought-provoking.
Straw Dogs was quite controversial when it came out and I was left genuinely disturbed when I first saw it a year or two ago. So, I wouldn't recommend it to people randomly. I do, however, have the Criterion version of this and I'm happy with it. I would say check a local rental store - they might have a barebones version for rent. If you're not into renting, I'd advise you to shop around - $39 is way too high.
#3
Moderator
IMO, this is a fantastic movie. I'm not going to tell the reasons why, because in doing so, it would be difficult not to spoil it for you. I agree with MrN though, it is not for everybody and I too would not recommend it as a blind buy.
#5
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Got mine at DVD Planet. They have good prices for Criterions.
I bought Straw Dogs blind, but I've seen other Peckinpah films so I knew what to expect. I'm glad I purchased it, and my friend was glad I purchased it because it is a film he would not buy himself. I recommend you rent it first unless you've seen other Peckinpah films.
I bought Straw Dogs blind, but I've seen other Peckinpah films so I knew what to expect. I'm glad I purchased it, and my friend was glad I purchased it because it is a film he would not buy himself. I recommend you rent it first unless you've seen other Peckinpah films.
#6
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Yeah, it looks like I'll try to find a place that has it for rent. If I like it I'll buy it at DVDPlanet. $25 sounds a lot better than best buy's $40. Thanks guys.
#8
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Well, the Criterion is available for a limited time only, and an out of print Criterion typically means $$ in the future. So even if you don't like it, it's worth keeping for a while.
(I hated the movie the first time I saw it, but I'm going to be giving it another try soon.)
(I hated the movie the first time I saw it, but I'm going to be giving it another try soon.)
#9
Moderator
Yes - good blind buy. This was one of the more powerful films of the 70s (and there were lots of them) IMO. One of Peckinpah's finest and a great example of violence in film.
#12
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I find this movie mind-blowingly DULL, which surprised me coming from Peckinpah. Literally, NOTHING happens for most of the film.
My other objection about the film was...
My other objection about the film was...
Spoiler:
#14
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Watched this last week, and quite enjoyed it.
I wrote a little about it at my website:
http://www.captainsoftheworld.com/mo...ves/000842.php
I wrote a little about it at my website:
http://www.captainsoftheworld.com/mo...ves/000842.php
#15
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Originally posted by Groucho
I find this movie mind-blowingly DULL, which surprised me coming from Peckinpah. Literally, NOTHING happens for most of the film.
My other objection about the film was...
I find this movie mind-blowingly DULL, which surprised me coming from Peckinpah. Literally, NOTHING happens for most of the film.
My other objection about the film was...
Spoiler:
WRT your objection,
Spoiler:
Last edited by audrey; 07-19-03 at 05:37 PM.
#17
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How are the bonus materials on Straw Dogs CC?
i've seen many posts on the movie itself, but not so much on the bonus mats..i just saw the movie and thinking about buying as referenced below..so i could use some dets on all else...
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by scott1598
Also, would like some convincing to pick up DVD for $32.99 at Best Buy..i won't be eager to see again, but it is Criterion, but i guess not OOP as i thought someone had mentioned..but given i liked it i might pick it up..just not 100% yet. thanks again.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by scott1598
Also, would like some convincing to pick up DVD for $32.99 at Best Buy..i won't be eager to see again, but it is Criterion, but i guess not OOP as i thought someone had mentioned..but given i liked it i might pick it up..just not 100% yet. thanks again.
#18
DVD Talk Special Edition
Literally, completely and totally worth buying for the Peckinpahumentaries alone. If you like him, or generally 70's cinema, they are must watch. A trailblazer and a collection of brillant, funny, sad, tragic and magic stories about the man. Awesome stuff, highest recommendation.
#21
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PAL UK Edition:
Release Information:
Studio: FreeMantle Home Entertainment
Theatrical Release Date: December 29, 1971
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
Edition Details:
On location documentary (7:43)
2 Audio Commentaries:
1) Garner Simmons, David Weddle & Paul Seydor.
2) Katy Haber
Interviews:
1) Susan George (24:18)
2)Dan Melnick (20:18)
3) Garner Simmons (22:26)
Isolated stereo Jerry Fielding score with additinal cues
US theatrical trailer WS N.A.(1:41)
3 US TV spots (1:00 , 0:30, 0:10)
2 US radio spots (1:00 , 0:30)
On location stills, publicity stills, posters and lobby cards
Text: History about censors, reviews, filmographies, film facts, letters/correspondence.
DVD Release Date: Oct. 7th, 2002
Keep Case
Chapters 15
Criterion
Release Information:
Studio: Home Vision Entertainment / Criterion
Theatrical Release Date: December 29, 1971
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
Edition Details:
• Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen
• Commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince
• Theatrical trailer, TV spot(s)
• New high-definition digital transfer of the uncut version
• Isolated music and effects track
• "Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron": documentary of reflections by members of Peckinpah's family, his friends, and his collaborators (82 min.)
• Dustin Hoffman on the set of Straw Dogs (26 min.)
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Video interviews with actress Susan George and producer Daniel Melnick
• Peckinpah Responds: select correspondence to critics and viewers
• Reprinted 1974 interview with Peckinpah
• Essay by poet Joshua Clove
• Widescreen anamorphic format
DVD Release Date: March 25th, 2003
Keep case
Chapter stops: 24
______________________
Release Information:
Studio: FreeMantle Home Entertainment
Theatrical Release Date: December 29, 1971
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
Edition Details:
On location documentary (7:43)
2 Audio Commentaries:
1) Garner Simmons, David Weddle & Paul Seydor.
2) Katy Haber
Interviews:
1) Susan George (24:18)
2)Dan Melnick (20:18)
3) Garner Simmons (22:26)
Isolated stereo Jerry Fielding score with additinal cues
US theatrical trailer WS N.A.(1:41)
3 US TV spots (1:00 , 0:30, 0:10)
2 US radio spots (1:00 , 0:30)
On location stills, publicity stills, posters and lobby cards
Text: History about censors, reviews, filmographies, film facts, letters/correspondence.
DVD Release Date: Oct. 7th, 2002
Keep Case
Chapters 15
Criterion
Release Information:
Studio: Home Vision Entertainment / Criterion
Theatrical Release Date: December 29, 1971
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
Edition Details:
• Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen
• Commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince
• Theatrical trailer, TV spot(s)
• New high-definition digital transfer of the uncut version
• Isolated music and effects track
• "Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron": documentary of reflections by members of Peckinpah's family, his friends, and his collaborators (82 min.)
• Dustin Hoffman on the set of Straw Dogs (26 min.)
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Video interviews with actress Susan George and producer Daniel Melnick
• Peckinpah Responds: select correspondence to critics and viewers
• Reprinted 1974 interview with Peckinpah
• Essay by poet Joshua Clove
• Widescreen anamorphic format
DVD Release Date: March 25th, 2003
Keep case
Chapter stops: 24
______________________
Last edited by Giles; 01-13-04 at 09:47 PM.
#23
DVD Talk Legend
Just watched Straw Dogs...
And honestly, I don't see what the big deal is...I thought it pretty much sucked. I'd gotten the Criterion DVD at a used DVD shop a while back for twelve bucks and I'd just never popped it in...so last night I did.
The story...not that interesting. The characters...all pretty weak, I couldn't relate to them at all. Maybe the movie's just dated, who knows.
One thing I didn't understand,
and I didn't have the time to watch the special features (maybe it's explained there? Or in the commentary?
Also, this is Sam Peckinpah...
I just thought it was boring and it just didn't live up to the hype. Maybe it just doesn't stand the test of time.
The story...not that interesting. The characters...all pretty weak, I couldn't relate to them at all. Maybe the movie's just dated, who knows.
One thing I didn't understand,
Spoiler:
Also, this is Sam Peckinpah...
Spoiler:
I just thought it was boring and it just didn't live up to the hype. Maybe it just doesn't stand the test of time.
#24
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I thought it was alright, but I will probably never watch it again, I felt uncomfortable and tense the whole time watching it. This was probably intended but it's not my kind of movie.