Hi, does anyone here got this DVD yet?
could you please write a review? sound, picture, and story.. thanks!

I just watched this last night. Both the picture and sound quality are excellent (a Disney anamorphic title -- yipee!). The picture was crisp and clear and I noticed no flaws or digital artifacts.

The DVD has no extras except the trailer. However, I found the trailer to be excellent -- really made me want to see the movie. How did this not get a wider release? Hell, I would have gone to the cinema to see this one if I had seen the trailer first...

Anyway, the movie itself was very good. Great story, set design (the usual slimy Cronenberg stuff), and some neat twists. Not something I will probably watch again soon, but I'm glad I saw it. Recommended.

[This message has been edited by bboisvert (edited 10-26-1999).]

uh.. no wide screen version? Man! I'm only getting wide screen version DVD now. Any rumor that they would release a wide screen version really soon? Thanks!

hotister -- eXistenZ IS the widescreen version -> 1.77:1 aspect ratio. Oh, and welcome to the forum!! Glad to have you!

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Stephen Ansley ---- Arlington, VA
>My home page< - >My DVD list<

It is really cool. Picture and sound are beautiful. If only, Disney would put out more anamorphic.

Anyway, I am very happy that this great but rather overlooked film got such a first class presentation.

If you're a fan of David Cronenberg's work or cerebral sci-fi you'll probably love it.

The Alliance Atlantis version of eXistenZ has three audio commentaries (David Cronenberg, Peter Suschizky and Jim Issac) along with a lengthy documentary on the artwork done by Carol Spier.

Movie Nut
Uh, how can I get this Alliance Atlantis version in the States without the outrageous shipping charges. Any ideas? Thanks!

I thought existenz was a pretty good movie, but it has zero replay value for me. Once I saw it once, I had no reason to see it again. The problem is, since its more 'cerebral', there isn't much action going on in the movie. You are basically watching it for the story. The problem is, the story thrives mostly on twists and surprises. Once they are all revealed and you know what is coming next, the movie is a bit boring. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for a rental, but not a purchase.

For the most part I have to say I agree w/ Jeraden. However, I believe, along with the 13th Floor and Matrix, it makes a nice addition to my collection. I also think I'll have to watch it at least once more to see everything that I missed the first time around. Two strikes aginst it though... The ending was a bit predictable, Dafoe didn't play as large of a role as I would have liked http://forum.dvdtalk.com/ubb/frown.gif

WRT the original question; the sound and picture were really good, the story was so so. It was thought provoking, but more in an bubblegum/pop psychology (eXisteZial http://forum.dvdtalk.com/ubb/wink.gif) sense. All in all better than the 13th Floor, but not as rewatchable as the Matrix. Maybe after a repeat viewing I'll change my opinion....

Edited to delete spoiler

[This message has been edited by nemein (edited 12-07-1999).]

I thought the movie stunk. The plot was rediculous, laughable at best. Just didn't do anything for me, I almost didn't even finish watching it. Picture and sound were okay, but as far as the movie goes, I'll never watch it again.

I liked it and thought the end was great, but I wouldn't buy it. I agree that it doesn't have much replay value -- because most of what keeps your interest is the "whats going on" factor -- and once its revealed (kind of).. there's little (in my opinion) to go back for.

I would recommend renting it however.

mcifani, For the most part the action and the kung-fu, which is actually very good for a Hollywood release. In all fairness though I think eXistenZ does have some replay value.

What I really want to do is get my hands on though is the Canadian version w/ the commentaries. Why did they do that anyway, two R1 releases w/ vastly different content?

Matrix has replay value because the movie doesn't completely rely on the audience trying to figure out what's going on. Existenz (in my opinion) completely relies on this... Once you see the end, it just seems like watching the beginning again would be a chore (i'm being harsh -- i did like the movie). What I mean is...the main thing that intrigued me and kept my interest in Existenz was the whole "what's going on?" factor.

And yes.. the Matrix is an action movie -- so if you liked it -- its usually going to have replay value.

For those of you looking for the Canadian version, there's a guy on Ebay I've dealt with before getting the North Versions (Pulp Fiction, Goodwill Hunting) that I can recommend, he's selling Existenz in a Dutch auction, 19.99, and $3 shipping, here's the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=213646893">Link</a> to Existenz, he also has an Army of Darkness limited to 4000, don't know what that is, says its the Canadian version of our 30000 edition...anyway...hope I don't take any heat for this, again, I don't personally know the guy and I'm not trying to endorse him over anyone else, just pointing out he's got them and I've successfully dealt with him...

I'm actually kind of shocked to see people say this movie has replay value. By *far* the worst movie to be put out all year (that I've seen, anyway).

The plot was pretty insipid. If you want to see a much better movie based on a similar plot line, get Jacob's Ladder. The special effects (in particular the organic virtual reality devices) were awful - rather than look organic those things looked like they were made out of the same type of plastic used in fake doggy poop. Same with the explosions at the end - they looked more like fireworks than artillery.

It doesn't help that I've never really seen Jennifer Jason Leigh shine as an actress. This movie didn't really let her shine, either.

At least the DVD version was well made - sharp picture, good sound, etc. Good disc, bad movie (glad I rented it).

Take care all.

Sand

wayneb + others -

DVD Box Office in Canada sells the Alliance version, and they have a "free shipping" promotion going on right now. Unfortunately, that's the only promotion available -- no special discounts, coupons, etc. -- so you'll pay $US 22 plus for the DVD (as I just did). One positive: they'll charge your credit card in US$, avoiding any service charge from your credit card company.

nemein -

Buena Vista is in the process of eliminating the whole "enhanced Canadian version" thing entirely -- after all, how else can they sell "Shakespeare in Love" and put out a higher priced SE version 6 months later? In October, announced Canadian releases of "From Dusk til Dawn" and "Chasing Amy" were cancelled, supposedly due to Buena Vista pressure (although the story on "Chasing Amy" is more complicated than this).

"eXistenZ" is an exception because it is a Canadian film and thus subject to different licensing regulations. Unfortunately, there are not a whole lot of films coming out of Canada, though.

This movie didn't work for me. I usually like Cronenberg, but have to agree with Sand: I didn't buy the "organic" stuff either. The
plot was predictable; as soon as I learned that it deals with VR, I knew it's gonna play off VR vs. reality. Very disappointing.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PoorBoy:
I thought the movie stunk. The plot was rediculous, laughable at best. Just didn't do anything for me, I almost didn't even finish watching it. Picture and sound were okay, but as far as the movie goes, I'll never watch it again. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Too bad, I just rented this movie yesterday and didn't like it that much. Well, the plot is sort of similar to Matrix or the fifteen floor but man, for some reason (the pace?) I just didn't like it that much. http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/frown.gif

Great movie, far better then MATRIX!!!!


This movie has ton of replay value, the chemistry between the two main people in this movie is awesome!! This movie seriously makes you sit and look at the black screne minutes after you watch it for the first time.. not many movies do that!!

Out of the 80 or so movies I own this has got to be the worst! I think Ebert gave it a thumbs up but I cannot figure out why.

This movie taught me a lesson....rent before you buy, unless you are somewhat sure you know what's in box. I purchased this because Jennifer Jason Leigh has been in some pretty good films and there were decent reviews.

It may get better as the movie rolls along, but I had to stop watching about the time Willem Dafoe came into the picture. The props looked to be from aisle 3 in Toys R us and the acting was at the level of a high stage play. A movie like this requires you be receptive to what's shoveled your way. It never captured me and seemed as phony as a used car salesman's smile.

The good side is that a lot of people did like it. Take a chance and rent it.