Crash (2004 Paul Haggis): Director's Cut ----> 4/4/06

[abintra]

http://www.dvdtown.com/discdetails/crashdirectorscutedition/18240/

Disk 1:
Director’s Cut Widescreen Feature
DVD Introduction by Director Paul Haggis
Feature Commentary with Paul Haggis, Don Cheadle and Bobby Moresco
Trailers
Disk 2:
Deleted Scenes (optional with Director’s Commentary)
Behind the Metal and Glass Making of CRASH
On Paul Haggis Featurette
L.A. "The Other Main Character" Featurette
Unspoken Featurette
Bird York “In the Deep” Music Video
Music Montages
Script-to-Screen Comparisons
Storyboard-to-Screen Comparisons

[digitalfreaknyc]

What's the difference between this one and the other release? anything left out?

[kar10]

Hopefully it has a new transfer because the current release is terribly grainy.

[TheMovieman]

The original release has:

- Director Intro
- Commentary by Haggis, Cheadle and Moresco
- Crash: Behind the Scenes
- Trailer

That's it...

I loved this movie so sadly there is enough extras that I will buy this version and sell of my old copy.

[Amel]

this is what pisses me off. There was never any talk that the initial release was anything but a director's cut. This is purely to cash in from the awards publicity.

[cerial442]

this is what pisses me off. There was never any talk that the initial release was anything but a director's cut. This is purely to cash in from the awards publicity.

Nothing offical was said, but there was some talk of one on here.

[Amel]

Nothing offical was said, but there was some talk of one on here.
I read the Crash thread regularly so I either overlooked it or forgot about it. Damn. I guess I'll wait & see exactly what's different before I pick it up. Again.

[kms_md]

whew ... almost picked up the original release today. i can wait for the DC.

[Droog]

Figures. Just bought the other yesterday.....:(

[onebyone]

I briefly hoped this was for the Cronenberg movie, and then my hopes were dashed.

[Julie Walker]

Hopefully it has a new transfer because the current release is terribly grainy.

This is not the VHS days when bad transfers were used for films on a regular basis and no care was taken of them. Newer films usually use new transfers(since they're new) and look the way they are/were intended.

So people should not freak out when a modern film is made to be intentionally grainier than most films. And in this films case..it wasn't 'too grainy' that it was distracting. In fact I hardly noticed it as being 'too grainy'. So I guess people just expect pristinely crystal clear 3D sharp as hell digital quality picture today...over a natural film look.


If they did try to make the film look 'less grainy',it would look worse and not natural. Thus ruining the atmosphere of the film the director and cinemtographer worked hard to set up.

[Fok]

And the studio's wonder why people download movies

[PopcornTreeCt]

Being that this is Lion's Gate and they fuck up all their releases nowadays. I'd rush out and buy the one currently on the market.

[Eric D.]

Being that this is Lion's Gate and they fuck up all their releases nowadays. I'd rush out and buy the one currently on the market.

Exactly. Watch them botch the aspect ratio on this one or something to that extent.

[Geofferson]

Curious to know of what the added (or excised) scenes are.

[darkshadowdog]

*sigh* Just got the original release a few days ago... Oh well, I only payed $13.78 for it...

[CKMorpheus]

The movie is already perfect, what else could they add? Regardless, this is on my 'to get immediately' list.

[dcprules]

After seeing that this film was nominated for so many awards, I just recently put it in my must watch ASAP pile (I've had the disc since it came out, but just haven't gotten around to watching it). Now (if I like it, which I'm assuming I will) I'm gonna have to go buy it again in two months. It does look like a nice DVD, though.

[Mr. Cinema]

This one will also have "NOMINATED FOR 6 ACADEMY AWARDS, INCLUDING BEST PICTURE AND BEST DIRECTOR" on the cover.

:thumbsup:

I'm picking this up. More Crash footage = good thing.

[Doug Schiller]

If they only could make it shorter, I may be able to make it through it!
It happened with Dark Water, who knows?

[Mr. Cinema]

The back of the current release says the running time is 122 minutes, when it's actually more like 112. I'm guessing the 122 will be the "director's cut" runtime.

[Giles]

maybe this cut of the film will change my opinion of the film, in that I thought the theatrical cut had some plot holes.

[Schuyler]

Maybe this cut of the film will add genuine characters instead of cyphers.

[Giles]

Maybe this cut of the film will add genuine characters instead of cyphers.

good point

[digitalfreaknyc]

Maybe this cut of the film will add genuine characters instead of cyphers.

:crap:

Again, regardless of what horse the Academy rides in on ;), this is still the best movie of the year.

[RockStrongo]

Ill buy this one....then change the case to a 3 disk holder and put my current copy in there....I would want the theatrical just in case the director's cut is not all that great.

Sounds great though!

[Doug Schiller]

I guess if movies like Chicago and Driving Miss Daisy can win Best Picture, why not Crash?
I can't comment too much on the other films because I haven't seen them yet but Crash couldn't come out of my DVD player fast enough.

[RockStrongo]

I guess if movies like Chicago and Driving Miss Daisy can win Best Picture, why not Crash?
I can't comment too much on the other films because I haven't seen them yet but Crash couldn't come out of my DVD player fast enough.

Is this the Movie Section? I thought I was in the DVD section. :rolleyes:

If people want to discuss how much they hated this film, please go there. This thread is to discuss the director's cut dvd release. Enough with the :crap:

[illennium]

:crap:

Again, regardless of what horse the Academy rides in on ;), this is still my favorite movie of the year.

Edited for clarity. Crash started out strong, and the cinematography was good throughout, but I expected a different film, one that explored the invidious racism lurking in most if not all of us. As it was, it was content just to condemn only overt bigotry rather than potentially alienate a large segment of its audience. It was just too cheap, easy, and PC. Footage from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina said infinitely more about the state of race relations in this country.

Worth seeing for the performances (especially Ludacris), cinematography, and score, but how this could end up on anyone's top 10 list is beyond me.

[Mr. Cinema]

The movie has 6 Oscar nominations. Deal with it. Threadcrap someplace else.

[slop101]

I think that this is still the best movie of the year. Corrected.

[slop101]

The movie has 6 Oscar nominations. Deal with it.
Yeah, because everyone knows that the Oscars are the standards for quality... :rolleyes:

[Giles]

Yeah, because everyone knows that the Oscars are the standards for quality... :rolleyes:

:lol: ... if Oscar says it's good, then it must be good.. (whatever)

[Mr. Cinema]

Just stating the facts about the movie's success, that's all.

I put more stock in the Oscars than some others do. :shrug:

The majority they reward are good films. Just because they leave out some doesn't discredit them.

[jmj713]

Yeah, because everyone knows that the Oscars are the standards for quality...

Then what is?

[illennium]

The majority they reward are good films. Just because they leave out some doesn't discredit them.

I agree to a certain extent. I'd say that if you look at the five Best Picture nominees each year, you get a good sense of what major American cinema was about that year. If you just look at the winners, then I think it looks arbitrary and political, and that's what drives many to discredit the Oscars.

I accept what the Oscars are without being resentful. I know that my favorite American films will almost never win, but I also think that the Oscars capture something important, which is the general American film climate of a given year.

[illennium]

Then what is?

It depends what you're looking for. One source might be top ten lists from good critics. By good I mean a critic who is a true cineaste but also not an elitist who will overlook quality mainstream movies like Munich, The Constant Gardener, and King Kong.

[RockStrongo]

:lol: ... if Oscar says it's good, then it must be good.. (whatever)

No, your thinking of the People's Choice Awards.



;)

[dvd_luver]

LionsGate, I just heard the cash register go, ka-ching.

Thankfully, I haven't got this yet. I will wait for this.

[PopcornTreeCt]

Edited for clarity. Crash started out strong, and the cinematography was good throughout, but I expected a different film, one that explored the invidious racism lurking in most if not all of us. As it was, it was content just to condemn only overt bigotry rather than potentially alienate a large segment of its audience. It was just too cheap, easy, and PC. Footage from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina said infinitely more about the state of race relations in this country.

Worth seeing for the performances (especially Ludacris), cinematography, and score, but how this could end up on anyone's top 10 list is beyond me.

I don't think that's what it was about. Crash never condemned racism. Everyone in the film was guilty of some sort of racism but everyone was also portrayed as decent human beings. Basically, saying we are all good and bad. I thought it was pretty excellent once I watched a few more times and started discussing it. It really just says people have their prejudices but that's not all they are. The only issue I had was the Mexican guy. While his storyline was certainly the most powerful his character was flawless. I suppose maybe the director's cut might add a few scenes to balance his character out.

[Doug Schiller]

Threadcraps go both ways. I wasn't the first post on the movie's quality. I was just commenting on the "best movie I have ever seen" comment.
But, I agree with the spirit of the rules and will bow out. If the producer's can double dip this film, bless their hearts!

[illennium]

I don't think that's what it was about. Crash never condemned racism. Everyone in the film was guilty of some sort of racism but everyone was also portrayed as decent human beings. Basically, saying we are all good and bad. I thought it was pretty excellent once I watched a few more times and started discussing it. It really just says people have their prejudices but that's not all they are. The only issue I had was the Mexican guy. While his storyline was certainly the most powerful his character was flawless. I suppose maybe the director's cut might add a few scenes to balance his character out.

You're right, I misspoke when I used the word "condemn." I agree that the film doesn't condemn racism. I really just meant "address," as in this is not the sort of racism that interests me. I'm more interested with the casual racism that I see everyday from people who don't consider themselves racist. It's not the fault of the movie that I wanted or expected a different film that deals with those issues, but I also see it something of a wasted opportunity.

[compulsive dvd]

Is Lions Gate going to keep the 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio or open it up to 1.78 to fit their current trend.

[Mr. Cinema]

I seriously doubt they would crop this film.

[robsul82]

Well, if Cinderella Man made $100M at the box office? It'd be that against Brokeback Mountain for all the marbles. Believe you me, Fox News would be James J. Braddock 24/7. Traditional family values vs. gay cowboys. Red State America vs. Blue State America (which would be funny, as Braddock was a big FDR-backing Democrat). Alas, the Oscar race that didn't happen.

[ReduxGuy]

Wasn't some of those features on the exclusive Crash 2-disc from Best Buy?

[gutwrencher]

I briefly hoped this was for the Cronenberg movie, and then my hopes were dashed.

:lol:

No doubt. I could always use a nice fat 2 discer of Crony's film!

As for the Crash in question....I'll take an upgrade but will wait on further info.

[Comedyman90]

Wow I am glad I didn't buy this yet. Nice.

[Libby]

knew this was coming, glad I held off. Thanks for the update.

[bis22]

D'oh! I had no idea this was coming and just got the current release.

[The Bus]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Publication

January 31, 2006 – There was a “Crash moment” at the 78th Annual Academy Award ™ nominations this morning as Lionsgate’s (NYSE and TSX: LGF) challenging and thought-provoking contemporary drama Crash scored a total of six Academy Award ™ nominations, including Oscar™ nods for Best Picture, Best Director (Paul Haggis), Best Screenplay (Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco) and Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role (Matt Dillon). Crash also earned Academy Award ™ nominations for Best Film Editing (Hughes Winborne) and Best Original Song (“In The Deep,” music by Kathleen “Bird” York and Michael Becker, lyric by York).

To celebrate this moment, Lions Gate Home Entertainment is proud to present the DVD release of CRASH on April 4th 2006 with a new director-approved ES Nitro-Widescreen transfer.

CRASH Synopsis:

Nominated for 6 OSCAR(TM) ACADEMY AWARDS(R), including Best Director, Picture, Supporting Actor (Matt Dillon), Original Screenplay, Editing and Original Song!

Diving into the diverse melting pot that is Los Angeles, Crash tracks the volatile intersections of a multi-ethnic cast of characters as they careen in and out of one another’s lives and struggle to overcome their fears. In the grey area between black and white, victim and aggressor, this film poignantly demonstrates that there are no easy answers.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Ludacris, Thandie Newton, Michael Pena, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate

Written by: Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco

Produced by: Paul Haggis, Don Cheadle, Mark R. Harris, Bobby Moresco, Cathy Schulman, Bob Yari

Directed by: Paul Haggis

DVD Features:

Director’s Cut Widescreen Feature Now Featured with LIONS GATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXTREME-SCREEN technology! Due to recent feedback from consumers regarding their desire to make their movies "more widescreen" and have "black oars" Lions Gate is proud to announce new EXTREME-SCREEN Super-Nitro-Widescreen techonlogy. This simply gives you your best option to see the best movies right in your own home! Knowing that more is better, we've amped up the widescreen to a "DIRECTOR'S NITRO RATIO" of 4.47:1. CRASH will be the first movie to debut with this technology.

Now, LIONS GATE will be the first to deliver top quality super-HD entertainment value for the home market!

http://www.fantasticdamage.com/blog/crash0.jpg
Regular

http://www.fantasticdamage.com/blog/crash.jpg
ES Technology with DIRECTOR'S NITRO RATIO 4.47:1

Lionsgate is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.

www.lionsgate.com

* * * * *

For further information, contact:
Sarah Greenberg
310-255-3856

sgreenberg@lionsgate.com
For corporate inquiries, contact:
Peter D. Wilkes
310-255-3726
pwilkes@lionsgate.com

[gryffinmaster]

Director’s Cut Widescreen Feature Now Featured with LIONS GATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXTREME-SCREEN technology! Due to recent feedback from consumers regarding their desire to make their movies "more widescreen" and have "black oars" Lions Gate is proud to announce new EXTREME-SCREEN Super-Nitro-Widescreen techonlogy. This simply gives you your best option to see the best movies right in your own home! Knowing that more is better, we've amped up the widescreen to a "DIRECTOR'S NITRO RATIO" of 4.47:1. CRASH will be the first movie to debut with this technology.
... huh? I'm really not sure whether to laugh or be sick at the possibility of a production company's thought process leaning towards this.

Will the 2-disc DC version have BOTH versions? If so, I'm on board. :thumbsup:

[man*machine]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Publication

To celebrate this moment, Lions Gate Home Entertainment is proud to present the DVD release of CRASH on April 4th 2006 with a new director-approved ES Nitro-Widescreen transfer.

DVD Features:

Director’s Cut Widescreen Feature Now Featured with LIONS GATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXTREME-SCREEN technology! Due to recent feedback from consumers regarding their desire to make their movies "more widescreen" and have "black oars" Lions Gate is proud to announce new EXTREME-SCREEN Super-Nitro-Widescreen techonlogy. This simply gives you your best option to see the best movies right in your own home! Knowing that more is better, we've amped up the widescreen to a "DIRECTOR'S NITRO RATIO" of 4.47:1. CRASH will be the first movie to debut with this technology.

Now, LIONS GATE will be the first to deliver top quality super-HD entertainment value for the home market!


Haha! Great stuff! Personally, I found this film to be one of the most pretentious and holier-than-thou preachiest films ever made, not to mention atrociously artificial. However, in my quest to avoid thread-crapping, I will simply say that I am THRILLED with this new revolutionary "extreme-nitro-ratio" technique by Lion's Gate to reduce the amount of image we get to see on this film. But those screen-caps still show too much. We need much wider, wider, wider - and we have to cut out that audio track, too. Less is so much more in this case. Thank you Lion's Gate. I'll pick this one up pronto!

[Drexl]

If they only could make it shorter, I may be able to make it through it!
It happened with Dark Water, who knows?

You know what? It's listed as running 101 minutes. The link for the original DVD has it at 122 minutes. Maybe you'll get your wish!

[steebo777]

Interesting... I'll wait and see on this disc. I liked the movie alot, but I don't know if it is worth owning.

[Mr. Cinema]

You know what? It's listed as running 101 minutes. The link for the original DVD has it at 122 minutes. Maybe you'll get your wish!
That 122 minutes if incorrect. The movie is about 112 minutes. The back of the cover is a typo...I'm pretty sure.

[indiephantom]

My hopes have been dashed. Thought this thread was about the Cronenberg film, but it's the crap one.

[Mr. Cinema]

Can we add 2005 Version to the title so no one has to come in and threadcrap that it's not the Cronenberg version?

[Julie Walker]

So is the 'extreme widescreen' thing a joke..or is that press release legit? It's scary how stupid some studios can be!

[man*machine]

To avoid any further embarrassment here to any who still question it, it's pretty obvious The Bus' fake press release above was simply a JOKE relating to Lions Gate's prior modification of aspect ratios.

[gryffinmaster]

To avoid any further embarrassment here to any who still question it, it's pretty obvious The Bus' fake press release above was simply a JOKE relating to Lions Gate's prior modification of aspect ratios.
... or is it? :eyebrow:

They might be doing some last minute packaging changes since this amazing movie got notched up for a Best Picture Oscar. If it's like Sin City's deal with both the director's cut and the original cut included, then it sounds good to me. :thumbsup:

[NatrlBornThrllr]

Y'know what, fuck studios and their constant re-releases. I'll stick to the version I have, thank you very much.

-JP

[scott1598]

Y'know what, fuck studios and their constant re-releases. I'll stick to the version I have, thank you very much.

-JP
true that.
is that 4.47:1 thing for real? next thing you know the whole screen will be black and just audio and this will be the distributors preffered ratio and charge $29.95!

[dx23]

http://www.davisdvd.com/images/covers_big/crash.jpg

[Mr. Cinema]

mine

[Julie Walker]

So is this just a 2 disc SE then and not a directors cut? It doesn't say anything on the cover.

[woemcats]

I like how it says "Six Academy Award Nominations!" with an exclamation point.

I probably would have advertised best screenplay on the top there instead of best supporting actor.

[eau]

Nice :up:

[Patrick Mirza]

Official disc specs are now up. (http://www.davisdvd.com/news/news.html)

I'm still trying to figure out the runtime issue. My LG contact stressed that this is not a "Director's Cut," but their press materials list this disc as "unrated."

I'll get some confirmation hopefully this week.

[gryffinmaster]

Mmmmmm ... yup, that's a double dip.

[Drexl]

Uh, why do the specs say 1.85:1? Don't tell me they're pulling a "Lord of War" again...

[phraseturner]

I'm looking at the back cover of the first DVD release and it lists the aspect ratio as 1.85:1. Was this projected @ 2.35:1 theatrically?

[abintra]

I'm looking at the back cover of the first DVD release and it lists the aspect ratio as 1.85:1. Was this projected @ 2.35:1 theatrically?

The back cover is erroneous and is indeed 2.35:1.

[Patrick Mirza]

LG's new press materials were also wrong with the 1.85... the new disc is in 2.35:1.

[phraseturner]

The back cover is erroneous and is indeed 2.35:1.

The reason I had the case within reach here on my desk is because I was about to ebay it in anticipation of this upcoming release. However, when I purchased it, I got it at Best Buy to get the exclusive "Bonus Disc". The contents are:

Introduction with writer/director Paul Haggis
Storyboard compares
Script to screen compares
Music montage
Photo Gallery


Anyone know if these goodies will migrate to the new upcoming release?

[phatboy]

about time...glad I held off

[bunkaroo]

Well if they did a different cut for the re-release they couldn't very well proclaim it as Oscar-nominated, as it technically wouldn't be the same film.

I have the first release (which I will be watching for the first time this weekend). If the reviews of the SE say the A/V comparison is the same, I'll stick with what I have. Way too soon for a double-dip on this.

[abintra]

The reason I had the case within reach here on my desk is because I was about to ebay it in anticipation of this upcoming release. However, when I purchased it, I got it at Best Buy to get the exclusive "Bonus Disc". The contents are:

Introduction with writer/director Paul Haggis
Storyboard compares
Script to screen compares
Music montage
Photo Gallery


Anyone know if these goodies will migrate to the new upcoming release?

I don't know for certain but the specs would suggest all but the photo gallery will.

Music Montages
Script-to-Screen Comparisons
Storyboard-to-Screen Comparisons

Would it sell for more by including the bonus disc? If not, or if it is minor, you could consider holding on to that just in case. Otherwise, determine how much it is worth to you not to sell it in case those materials don't transfer and if you want them.

[Easy]

That 122 minutes if incorrect. The movie is about 112 minutes. The back of the cover is a typo...I'm pretty sure.
Well, that is still longer than the 101 minutes listed for the "director's cut". Am I really reading this correctly? The director's cut is shorter?

[Sierra Disc]

Hmm, is this still coming out April 4? I haven't picked up the old version yet, but now that it's the big winner wonder if it'll get delayed...

[gryffinmaster]

Hmm, is this still coming out April 4? I haven't picked up the old version yet, but now that it's the big winner wonder if it'll get delayed...
It isn't that difficult to slap "Winner of 3 Academy Awards, Including ..." on the cover. Unless they do some cast interviews regarding its win, then that date should *hopefully* stay accurate. :fc:

[Giles]

It isn't that difficult to slap "Winner of 3 Academy Awards, Including ..." on the cover. Unless they do some cast interviews regarding its win, then that date should *hopefully* stay accurate. :fc:

It would be quite ballsey of Lions Gate if they tried to apply 'Winner Best Picture' on this new cut of the film, when it was technically the theatrical cut of the film that the Academy members viewed and felt was Best Picture worthy.

[gryffinmaster]

It would be quite ballsey of Lions Gate if they tried to apply 'Winner Best Picture' on this new cut of the film, when it was technically the theatrical cut of the film that the Academy members viewed and felt was Best Picture worthy.
I agree - if it's recut.

See, I've read those two separate bits of info discussed earlier in this thread - one, that the release will be a director's "cut", and the other that it will be a director's "edition". It's labeled as a "Director's Cut Edition" on DVD AF, but has it been confirmed whether it will be edited for this release?

[ReduxGuy]

Thay already have Nominated for 6 Oscars on it.

They'll change it in a heartbeat.

Of course, I find the 4/4 release cruel as it's the same day Brokeback comes out on DVD. However, I know on DVD, Brokeback will crush Crash like a bug.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Thay already have Nominated for 6 Oscars on it.

They'll change it in a heartbeat.

Of course, I find the 4/4 release cruel as it's the same day Brokeback comes out on DVD. However, I know on DVD, Brokeback will crush Crash like a bug.

I wouldn't be so sure.

[Cinemaddiction]

I wouldn't be so sure.

It will for sure in the rental arena. Most rental stores don't provide alternate cuts of movies for rent/sale. "Brokeback", being fresh, has the upper hand.

[Giles]

Most rental stores don't provide alternate cuts of movies for rent/sale.

including Netflix

[BSTNFAN]

The reason I had the case within reach here on my desk is because I was about to ebay it in anticipation of this upcoming release. However, when I purchased it, I got it at Best Buy to get the exclusive "Bonus Disc". The contents are:

Introduction with writer/director Paul Haggis
Storyboard compares
Script to screen compares
Music montage
Photo Gallery


Anyone know if these goodies will migrate to the new upcoming release?

I am in the same boat. Can anyone confirm what I will be missing from the new edition, if I stick with the original plus the Best Buy bonus disc?

[dvd_luver]

I still can't believe this won best picture at the Oscars. I thought Brokeback Mountain was a lock after Ang Lee won best director. Shame, it could have went to either film, both were incredible films. I always thought it would come down to Brokeback and Crash for best picture. Crash got the nod because I think that most academy members felt more comfortable with the pick. Brokeback Mountain though was clearly the best film out of the five nominated. More academy members I think saw Crash though, so that is why it won.

At first even I was a little turned off to go and see Brokeback Mountain. I am glad I went because it was a classic picture. You can now add it to the best picture victims list, like Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption etc.

[hailmyname]

the cut in the film can be very amazing indeed. this has been tried earlier with the movies and trust me it leads to good overall film.

[darmok]

i hate it when studios try to get smart but screw up the artwork. they put them in the rear-view mirror, making them hold each other behind the wheel like that -- it just doesn't make any sense!!

[Wick]

Yeah, I'm also not sure if it should have won Best Picture. However, I think it's a great film, nonetheless. It was good to see that Ang Lee at least won Best Director.

[mike7162]

So, which cut deserves the Oscar? What if the DC completely throws off the balance of the film. Is it still Oscar worthy? More isn't neccessarily better. Which cut goes in the vault for future generations? My head hurts.

[Richard Malloy]

It would be quite ballsey of Lions Gate if they tried to apply 'Winner Best Picture' on this new cut of the film, when it was technically the theatrical cut of the film that the Academy members viewed and felt was Best Picture worthy.
It might be even ballsier if they put "Oscar Winner for Best Achievement in Editing" (a shockingly undeserved win, IMO) on the re-edited DVD!

[Cygnet74]

the cut in the film can be very amazing indeed. this has been tried earlier with the movies and trust me it leads to good overall film.
we trust you. All Hail!!!!

[Mr. Cinema]

The director's cut of Amadeus has the Best Picture award on the cover. This one can too.

[RockStrongo]

The director's cut of Amadeus has the Best Picture award on the cover. This one can too.

I agree...Gladiator EE is another one.

This is the director's cut of the 2005 Best Picture. Its not hard to understand.

[dsa_shea]

It might be even ballsier if they put "Oscar Winner for Best Achievement in Editing" (a shockingly undeserved win, IMO) on the re-edited DVD!

I don't feel that the editing in this movie was good enough to win the Oscar for it either. The movie is really good, but I also feel like many people jumped on the wagon and rode it.

[dx23]

From yahoo news and E! online:

"Crash" Hits Theaters Again
By Natalie Finn

Audiences are getting another chance to see a big-screen Crash.

Fresh off its Best Picture Oscar, the film is heading to more than 150 theaters Friday for an encore run. The length of the engagement is "open-ended" pending its performance, says Steve Rothenberg, president of theatrical distribution at Lionsgate.


Crash, set over the course of 36 hours in a Los Angeles teeming with tension and deep-rooted prejudices, originally opened in May 2005 and grossed $53.4 million domestically. The film was released on DVD in September and sold 3.8 million copies by Feb. 1, according to Lionsgate.


Some 17,500 copies of the DVD were sold Monday, more than half of last week's tally of 33,000 copies, and it currently ranks number two on Amazon.com's top sellers list in the wake of its three Academy Award wins, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, and earlier accolades, such as the Screen Actors Guild Award for its ensemble cast.


Whether the film's awards will translate into ticket sales is iffy. Large theater chains such as Regal, AMC and Century have a policy against playing films that are available on video.


And even hugely popular films do not necessarily attract repeat theatergoers, especially when people can be at home watching the same thing from their living rooms. Gladiator, which grossed $187 million in theaters and then went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, was rereleased afterward but only scraped up $1 million on 577 screens, according to Variety.


Crash does have shock value in its favor. The racially charged drama scored the evening's biggest upset Sunday when it beat out frontrunner Brokeback Mountain for the top award. The film has also made headlines for the behind-the-scenes legal wranglings of its producers.


For the homebodies out there, a special edition DVD of Crash is scheduled to hit stores in April. Lionsgate has also said that there are talks for an FX series based on the film that will reprise the roles of its major characters.


Now that's quite a pileup.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20060308/en_movies_eo/18514

That's quite a lot of DVDs sold at amazon.com, but it irks me that Lionsgate is milking this to the bone. A Crash TV series? WTF?!!!

[dvd_luver]

A Crash TV series? WTF?!!!

Now that is pushing it. They scored an upset over the better film at the Oscars (Brokeback Mountain) and now they want to milk this cash cow to the very last drop.

Shame on Lionsgate, releasing it back into the theaters is fine, nobody will go since it's $9.99 at most retail stores, but a TV series. Ugh!

Come on already.

[RockStrongo]

Shame on Lionsgate, releasing it back into the theaters is fine, nobody will go since it's $9.99 at most retail stores, but a TV series. Ugh!

Come on already.

Yeah, because we all know how that stupid MASH tv series failed. ;)

Im kidding with ya.

There are sooo many tv series in talks that dont make it though. I really dont think this one will make it either. UNLESS, its a really good series. FX doesnt usually make crap.

[gryffinmaster]

There are sooo many tv series in talks that dont make it though. I really dont think this one will make it either. UNLESS, its a really good series. FX doesnt usually make crap.
For some reason, it reminds me of a reverse Traffic situation - film to TV instead of TV to film and in regards to "controversial" subject matter. Crash's got a great basis for story - but a TV series would be overkill, IMHO.

[RockStrongo]

Crash's got a great basis for story - but a TV series would be overkill, IMHO.

I would agree with that.

Besides, FX already has "The Shield" (cop show based in LA area) and "Black and White" (show that deals with racism). They dont need a new hybrid.

[ReduxGuy]

Ok, now Lionsgate is being downright selfish and showy and quite a bit arrogant.

[RockStrongo]

Ok, now Lionsgate is being downright selfish and showy and quite a bit arrogant.

Nah....not yet. They are just maximizing profits and exploring options. No big deal.

Now, when they release Crash action figures and a video game, then they are being arrogant. ;)

[redrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/DAdude/crashdir.jpg

[ReduxGuy]

Where's a garbage can when I need one?

Seeing that sticker makes me want to vomit.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Where's a garbage can when I need one?

Seeing that sticker makes me want to vomit.

When you find that garbage can, let me know.

I have some :crap: i need to clean up.

[jdslater1]

Thank god they put that quote at the bottom! Without that, I was kinda wondering if anyone liked the film.

[DGibFen]

Shame on Lionsgate, releasing it back into the theaters is fine, nobody will go since it's $9.99 at most retail stores, but a TV series. Ugh!


The only theater in Louisville, KY showing it is the cheapest theater in town (3.50 a ticket). Perhaps that is Lionsgates strategy with this re-release.

[RockStrongo]

The only theater in Louisville, KY showing it is the cheapest theater in town (3.50 a ticket). Perhaps that is Lionsgates strategy with this re-release.

Yeah, I dont have any problem with them re-releasing it in theaters. Some people love watching movies on the big screen. Since this won, im sure there are some people out there who would want to go see it at the theater.

[Mr. Cinema]

Thank god they put that quote at the bottom! Without that, I was kinda wondering if anyone liked the film.
Don't worry, plenty of people like the film. Combining theatrical and home video totals, the film has earned about $180 million, on a $6.5 million budget. Plus, it appeared on many top 10 critics' lists.

[Tarantino]

People hating on Crash for winning best picture? You don't say?

= J

[Eric D.]

You know it really is kind of funny how much people are dumping on this film now since it took the prize from their precious Brokeback Mountain. All I know is that when this first came out, almost everybody seemed to love it. Very interesting.

[jdslater1]

Mr. Cinema, the point of my post was that with the large awards lists at the top, I find it even more overkill ( and a little pointless ) to have a critics quote!
Thats all.
I enjoyed the film, but about half way through the film you go "ah! everything in life is connected to everything else ( smacks forehead )".
I'm sure I wasn't the only one.

[dsa_shea]

The movie was good because of the way the plot was written and how it all tied together at the end. That and the acting is what made this a good movie. How they would tie this into a tv show and keep the feel of the movie seems very improbable at best. I think some people would watch an episode or two, and unless it turns out to be like the movie, would give up quickly.

[me12321]

Didn't "In the Heat of the Night", a Best Picture winner, later become a television series?

Of course that wasn't until a good 20 years after it won the award...

[Vandelay_Inds]

Still no info on what the difference between the "director's cut" and the regular version is? Given how dishonest these studios are, I'm leaning towards just buying the affordably-priced vanilla disc.

[digitalfreaknyc]

I don't know what to buy at this point, to be honest. With the BR version coming out soon, i'm wondering what will be on that one, extras-wise. I guess I'll just wait this one out.

[Vandelay_Inds]

Just ordered the regular DVD. The way these studios lie and screw everything they touch, there's no point in waiting and paying more for a "Director's Cut" that may very well only include three more minutes of ending credits.

[dvd_luver]

Given how dishonest these studios are, I'm leaning towards just buying the affordably-priced vanilla disc.

I did, and have no plans to upgrade to this new 2 disc set. Remember, it's the theatrical version that won the Best Picture Oscar, and not this new Director's Cut. So, you can either choose Milky Way or the upcoming Snickers bar packed with more peanuts and caramel. lol. :)

[digitalfreaknyc]

Anyone pick this up?

Wonder if this will be the version on Blu-Ray.

[CliffStephenson]

This is printed in the insert of the 2-disc Crash. I thought it might be relevant...

It is difficult to call this a director's cut, as I cut the first version that was released in theaters, and was happy with the result. Well, happy? Frankly I would be recutting the film between the 7 and 9 p.m. showings at any cineplex if given the chance.

But at a certain point you have to lock the picture, and that time came quickly for us - being an independent film, we had to get the print to the Toronto Film Festival in order to sell it to a distributor. We did, and Lionsgate bought it and we were thrilled. I was thrilled. Until I watched it one more time, and realized that in all the rush perhaps I'd cut it just a tad too tight.

But locked is locked, and being a small budget movie we didn't have the money to open it up again and let me toy with it. Until this DVD release, and I want to thank Tom Ortenberg and Lionsgate for the opportunity.

You won't see earth-shattering changes; we didn't leave a lot on the editing room floor. In order to shoot this film in 35 days, we cut the script to the bone before we rolled camera, removing about a dozen pages from an already lean script. I think all those script cuts actually helped.

What you will see restored here are more "moments" than scenes; chunks of dialog here and there.

For example, I expanded the "under the bed" scene with Daniel and his daughter (Michael Pena and the amazing Ashlyn Sanchez) to its original length, did the same for the conference room scene with Don Cheadle (Graham), William Fichtner (Flanaga) and Nona Gaye (Karen), gave my Korean couple (Alexis Rhee and Greg Joung Paik) their dialog back in the hospital, reinserted a small scene with Ryan Phillippe's character, Officer Tommy Hanson, that I thought illuminated his building frustration with doing the right thing, and added some dialog to his final scene in the car with Larenz Tate's character, Peter. Lots of little moments like that. And I let the movie "breathe" in some spots - well, a little; as I mentioned, we didn't have the money to shoot anything other than essential scenes. And I believe there is a lot to be said for shooting under such constraints. There was urgency to the pace of the production that crept onto the screen.

Anyway, now I'm happy with it. But if you see a guy at your local video store, pulling DVDs off the shelf and trying to explain to the manager that he will have them back the next day with just a few changes, you'll have a pretty good idea who it is.

I hope you enjoy it.

My best,
Paul Haggis

[ReduxGuy]

Paul Haggis, the villainous slime.

Not to hate on Crash, but every time I hear that name... :mad:

[gryffinmaster]

I'll wait for a review with a comparison on content, sound (dts-es), etc. before picking it up. :up:

EDIT: Because I thought the theatrical version was terrific, I'm not certain if an extended will be worth it unless the content doesn't seem "jammed" in to the movie. Original won the prize for a reason.

[dvd_luver]

This is printed in the insert of the 2-disc Crash. I thought it might be relevant...It is difficult to call this a director's cut, as I cut the first version that was released in theaters, and was happy with the result. Anyway, now I'm happy with it.
My best,
Paul Haggis

This won best picture? After reading that, it makes me wonder what really is the point to this Director's Cut, aside from the Director thinking his film is breathing a little bit better. It was breathing fine at the Oscars.

[digitalfreaknyc]

My God. You guys seriously need to get over this shit.

I'm looking forward to picking this up.

[souvenir]

I just read that Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon and Paul Haggis will be doing a signing for the new DVD at Rocket Video in LA on April 5th (7:00 p.m.). Thought it might interest some people.

[tofferman]

I found this release was already out at the local Walmart for $19.44. Interesting that they shrinkwrapped the slipcover as well. Perhaps this is a new packaging trend going forward (at least for dvds with slipcovers) to further curtail store shrink. As always with Walmart, YMMV.

[Robert]

Saw it at my walmart for the same price.

[Peep]

I'm curious at to anything on the original release -- besides the theatrical cut :) -- (or on the Best Buy bonus disc) that will not be contained on the 2-disc version.

[Giles]

so, wait I'm a little confused here, what is the running time of the first DVD compared to this (DC) version?

[dvd_luver]

This may shock some of you here, but I actually purchased this today. I will stop my bitching for now. :)

[scott1598]

so, wait I'm a little confused here, what is the running time of the first DVD compared to this (DC) version?
i think it's 15 minutes, but i am not sure. that seems like a lot. i would like to know if it makes a difference. i haven't seen ANY reviews anywhere.

[Randy Miller III]

I'll hopefully get a review copy by the end of the week, but from what I've read, the DC is 115 minutes and the theatrical cut is 113. I don't know if anything's been trimmed, but it doesn't look like they added much.

EDIT: Here's (http://homevideo.about.com/od/dvdsvideosbytitle/p/crashdvddircuta.htm) one of the websites that stated the running time.
Now that it's out, I'm sure we'll hear for certain very soon.

[scott1598]

I'll hopefully get a review copy by the end of the week, but from what I've read, the DC is 115 minutes and the theatrical cut is 113. I don't know if anything's been trimmed, but it doesn't look like they added much.

EDIT: Here's (http://homevideo.about.com/od/dvdsvideosbytitle/p/crashdvddircuta.htm) one of the websites that stated the running time.
Now that it's out, I'm sure we'll hear for certain very soon.
i just checked my theatrical dvd case and it says 122min. what's up with that?

[Giles]

i just checked my theatrical dvd case and it says 122min. what's up with that?

yeah, that's why I asked, I noted at Best Buy on the back the DC states 115min.

[Mr. Cinema]

The back of the single-disc version states the running time is 122 minutes. INCORRECT. The film is really about 112 minutes. So this new cut contains about 3 extra minutes.

[TheMovieman]

i just checked my theatrical dvd case and it says 122min. what's up with that?

It was a mistake. IMDb has the runtime at 113 minutes as well...

Has this happened with any other releases, and by 9-10 minutes?

[Mr. Cinema]

I'm pretty sure the running time of some other movies has been listed wrong. I just can't think of them.

I loved Crash, but I'm not sure I'll get this set. I have the 1-disc of course, but I think I'll rent this one and see if the added footage is worthy. Disc 2 sounds nice, but the first release had a decent amount of extras. Too bad I didn't see it on Blockbuster's online rentals.

I did look at it at Circuit City while buying Narnia. It comes with a slipcover and they have a gold sticker on the slipcover saying "Winner of 3 Academy Awards, etc...." The Oscar noms are printed in the upper left and the Globes, I believe, are on the upper right corner.

[TheMovieman]

I'm pretty sure the running time of some other movies has been listed wrong. I just can't think of them.

I loved Crash, but I'm not sure I'll get this set. I have the 1-disc of course, but I think I'll rent this one and see if the added footage is worthy. Disc 2 sounds nice, but the first release had a decent amount of extras. Too bad I didn't see it on Blockbuster's online rentals.

I did look at it at Circuit City while buying Narnia. It comes with a slipcover and they have a gold sticker on the slipcover saying "Winner of 3 Academy Awards, etc...." The Oscar noms are printed in the upper left and the Globes, I believe, are on the upper right corner.

The reason I got it is because, at least around here, you can't rent it (or get it on Netflix as far as I could tell). Do places (like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video) ever carry re-releases like this?

Also, the original only had a featurette and a commentary, I think that was it so this one is an improvement (if you like special features, that is).

[scott1598]

It was a mistake. IMDb has the runtime at 113 minutes as well...

Has this happened with any other releases, and by 9-10 minutes?
then that is false advertising and i will write and complain and demand a new DC as compensation!

[dizzlle01]

I just read that Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon and Paul Haggis will be doing a signing for the new DVD at Rocket Video in LA on April 5th (7:00 p.m.). Thought it might interest some people.

Im interested in going and wondering where you read this at and is there a site where it tells you to go for autograph sessions.Thanks

[Randy Miller III]

then that is false advertising and i will write and complain and demand a new DC as compensation!
Good luck with that one, slugger. :rolleyes:

[CKMorpheus]

Just watched the DC of Crash last night and I notcied a few slight changes. But it didn't seem like it would add on even two minutes. It did fit though, and I'm glad it was added, you get to see just a bit more of the relationships between the characters and it does add to the film. But to all those Directors Cut purists who think there need to be additional scenes and maybe even a new sub-plot will be disapointed. This helps the acting breathe and is by no means any better or worse than the original release. In fact I'm glad it isn't that huge of a difference, I can sell my old release and not worry about wanting to see the Theatrical Cut, because they are so similar. I feel like I payed for all the extras, which are great BTW.

[dvd_luver]

I can sell my old release and not worry about wanting to see the Theatrical Cut, because they are so similar..

CKMorpheus, thankyou so much for your input on this Directors Cut of the film. It sounds like this one is the way to go for Crash on dvd.

[gryffinmaster]

In fact I'm glad it isn't that huge of a difference, I can sell my old release and not worry about wanting to see the Theatrical Cut, because they are so similar. I feel like I payed for all the extras, which are great BTW.
Now that's the answer I've been looking for. :up:

[phraseturner]

When this director's cut 2-disc was first announced, and there were entries on the features listing on disc 2 that said:

--Script-to-Screen Comparisions
--Storyboard-to-Screen Comparisions

Many assumed, as I did, that they would be the same as those on Best Buy-exclusive bonus DVD.

However, the Storyboard Compares on the BB bonus disc are:

Westwood Carjacking
Chinatown

The Script Compares are:
"I Just Had a Gun"
"Helping Hand"

...plus a Music Montage, Photo Gallery and the director's DVD intro.

Now the disc 2 of the new Director's Cut has a Script-to Screen Comparison listing, but those are:

sc 26 int. cameron and christine's room--night

sc 78 int. d.a.'s conference room--day

The Storyboard-to-Screen Comparisions are:

ryan, christine and the crash site

farhad shows up at daniel's

...also, neither of the the 2 Music Montages are the same as the 1 on the Best Buy bonus disc. And the photo gallery from the BB bonus disc is not on the 2nd disc of the Director's Cut at all.

Finally, the Paul Haggis DVD intro is different...

So, if you want everything Crash-related, you should keep the Best Buy bonus disc, or seek it out if you don't own it.

[digitalfreaknyc]

This may have been answered already but are all the extras from the original release included?

[Peep]

When this director's cut 2-disc was first announced...

So, if you want everything Crash-related, you should keep the Best Buy bonus disc, or seek it out if you don't own it.

Thanks!! That was exactly the level of detail I was looking all over for. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet (as I have a sealed Best Buy 1+bonus disc), but now at least I have the info needed to make the decision.

Maybe I'll wait to see what comes out on Blu-Ray. :)

[Randy Miller III]

Good evening, folks!

The review is up a bit early for all you night owls (and West Coasters).
I hope it clears up a few questions, though you've all done a great job so far. :up:

http://dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=21037

[dvd_luver]

Outstanding review Randy Miller III, many thanks for it.

[gryffinmaster]

Great review, Randy. :up:

[Randy Miller III]

You're welcome, guys. Glad you liked it.