I hope this hasn't been asked a thousand times; I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything.

Is there a real quick way to tell the difference between LE and SE on a given movie, and even CE, without reading super lengthy reviews and trying to contrast them? (I know what the acronyms stand for)

For example, "From Hell LE" is available on CH but not the SE version. I want to know if I'm wasting my freebies by getting the LE instead of waiting for the SE, if they'll every have it available.

milkydoo,

All that SE, CE, LE, PE stuff is really just a meaningless gimmick now. Not ALL movies are released in all forms and not all studios use all the terminology. An example....There is a T2 1st issue, a T2 Ultimate Edition, and now they are making even another. Usually, it's either the studio realizing the 1st issue was a big POS, so they make a new one with a better transfer and more bonus material.

From Hell LE is probably the only issue...I doubt there is an SE and an LE for it...and if there is....I'd have to wonder why.

When you are shopping, just make sure you look up all the editions and usually (not all the times) the newest is the best. Make sure the DVD you get is anamorphic video.

So....in short....SE or LE usually is the movie with anamorphic video and bonus features. Most of the newer DVDs go straight to LE or CE.

Hope that helps.

VTS

......looking back at your post..I am not sure I answered your question at all.....*LOL*....sorry.

Try using the DVD Profiler database to see the differences between any given DVD's. They usually check off the features each one has.

http://www.dvdprofiler.com

VTS

LE=SE=CE. They're basically all the same. It's just a label added to the dvd by the studio and doesn't mean all that much. There have been LE's, CE's, SE's, Ultimate, Extreme, Tricked Out, Platinum, Vista, Five Star, Deluxe, Anniversary Editions, etc. There's no way to tell the difference between dvds just by looking at the label. You'll have to read the packaging or reviews to see.

You forgot Director's Edition.

Like the LE of Saving Private Ryan which isn't limited at all.

...and our latest entrants (and my personal favourites):
The EXTREME Edition
The IMMORTAL Edition

I wish they'd make appropriat use of these B.S. terms they throw at us. As far as I know, the Lawrence of Arabia, Fight Club and Moulon Rouge are all labeled SE, but in reality, those 2 disc sets are destined to live as 1 disc sets, so if they'd called stuff LE and actually stick to it, they might generate even more sales.

You know, I remember when my English teacher EMPHASIZED that sometimes, you can hash and re-hash an adjective only so much, before everyone pukes.

I guess we're not at that point yet. But it's getting close.

There is no standardization in reference to these terms. Usually, you can discern them to mean "a less-than-bare-bones" edition containing extras. How many and how good they are, totally depends. Some special editions, collector's, etc. are packed; others are pretty lean. Some have really good bonus materials like in-depth documentaries, commentaries, etc. and others throw a couple of 5 min. promo fluff pieces on (like the kind you tend to see on Access Hollywood or Entertainment Tonight) and call it a Special Edition with multiple "documentaries". The only real way to weed through all this is to read the reviews (I know it's a bit time consuming, but you'll be happier in the long-run) or converse with people in the know to find out what's what. Actually, if you're looking for a real quick guide, try just reading the specs on just about any online retailer, like Amazon.com (using the 'Click here for more technical details' tab) or IMDb.com (using the 'DVD details' tab). That should suffice for a quick reference.

In addition to IMDB, www.allmovie.com also has good listings of the differernt editions of a given DVD.

Long story short, limited edition is *supposed* to mean that sometime in the future they will no longer be made. From Hell was limited... my Total Recall Mars Tin is limited... Memento is supposed to be limited but its still out there. West Side Story is limited i believe and i can see that being phased out without the giant book. Those are just the ones i have... but yeah, Limited is often not so limited.

Simply put: LE = SE = CE = Advertising Gimick.
Cha-ching.

Usually Limited Runs of titles will offer something that a regular edition, special edition, collector's edition, director's edition (not director's cut mind you) will not have, like a book, artwork (not always the case).

I would give you my feelings on "Special Edition" titles, but thats for another thread.

Now I am confused. Is there any director edition DVD that is not a director's cut?

Red Dragon 2 Disc is labeled a Director's Edition, and is still the theatrical cut.