I'm contemplating buying Basic Instinct on DVD, but I know there are so many versions out.

So, my basis on whichever one I buy depends on these:

A) Which has the most features?

B) Does the new version have the theatrical trailer, because the trailer for BI is one of my favorites?

The one with the Ice Pick case is without a doubt the best version to get.

there is also a version that is the same as listed above just without the ice pick. you can pick that version up at best buy for 5.99

Agree with the two above, either of the two above are great.

The Ultimate Edition seems to have the most extras, the biggest plus is that it is the unrated version, much better than the R version. The Ice Pick version was tough to find unrated, most stores carried the R version. If you can live without the ice pick pen go with the Ultimate Edition....

The Unrated Special Edition DVD case which included the ink pen, (a miniature replica of an ice pick used in the movie) is discontinued. A newly repackaged Unrated Special Edition DVD without the ink pen is currently available at a very cheap price as stated above, and a Theatrical Trailer is also featured as well. The most current Ultimate Edition has some similarities, but less concerning extra features than the Special Edition in comparison, so either one, will be a good choice of purchase. Me personally, I would choose the previous Special Edition release.

Yeah, agreed, if you already own the previous SE there is no reason to rebuy this.

Well, I went to a mom and pop store and found a new copy of the Director's Cut - Special Edition for 12 bucks and picked it up.

new or old? the new ue does not have the "feminist critic commentary" which i hear is a good listen.

The one with the commentary by Camille Paglia, who states the film as one of her favorites.