So, as per the title, I spent $5.88 for “Altered States” with William Hurt (1980) on DVD. It is a 2-sided DVD with both Pan-n-Scan and widescreen, one per side, plus a few “extras” thrown in. I’ve never seen this movie, but vaguely recall that it was an “important” title.
My question is, did I waste my money?
Not a waste, but a steal. That’s a great movie (I have it myself). It defintely has the Ken Russell trademark tripped out wackiness (dig the hallucination scenes) combined with powerful performances from William Hurt and Blair Brown.
Thanks, gobear, I feel better now. I should note that this was new in the box in the bargain bin at Wal-e-World.
My guilty confession? I also picked up Blue Thunder and The Poseidon Adventure in the same bin, for the same price, each.
It’s a phenomenal movie. I’m jealous. The DVD’s they have at our local Wal-Mart are pretty pitiful.
Enjoy it, and I beg of you- watch it in the proper aspect ratio?
Cartooniverse
Cartooniverse,
Is there any other aspect ratio than wide screen??
It’s a Ken Russell movie, so naturally it’s a hoot.
Though it helps if you’re very, very drunk.
“I’m … eating … the goat …”
Ah, someone else has discovered the occasional charm of the $5.88 bin at Wal-Mart. I’ve gotten everything from gems like The Big Red One and Local Hero to fun “popcorn” like No Escape and Outland to guilty pleasure cheese like Trick Or Treat and collections of Our Gang comedies and old Popeye cartoons (worth it for the beautiful Fleischer Bros. toons, even with the annoying sound effects someone added later).
widdershins,
You found The Big Red One? You lucky scoundrel. I keep hoping to find a copy of Kelly’s Heroes someday. Just love that movie…
…or maybe even a VHS release of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum with Zero Mostel…
…or I’d really like to find Condorman for my kids…
…anyone seen any of these for sale, in the Wal-Mart bargain bin or elsewhere? (Yes, I think it’s perfectly good etiquette to hi-jack your own thread… 
)
I’m sorry, but you overpaid by approximately $5.87, despite the reviews by Dopers with some serious bona fides.
All you need to hear is the dialogue during one of the sex scenes early in the film. Psuedo-intellectual claptrap is annoying at any time, but during sex!?. If you are talking philosophy during intercourse you are having bad sex, period. This was undoubtedly a film written by a geek.
Eh, some people from the same era think Saint Elmo’s Fire is the defining film of their (my) generation.
YMMV
I’m sorry, but you overpaid by approximately $5.87, despite the reviews by Dopers with some serious bona fides.
All you need to hear is the dialogue during one of the sex scenes early in the film. Psuedo-intellectual claptrap is annoying at any time, but during sex!?. If you are talking philosophy during intercourse you are having bad sex, period. This was undoubtedly a film written by a geek.
Eh, some people from the same era think Saint Elmo’s Fire is the defining film of their (my) generation.
YMMV
My Wal-Mart must be getting the prime DVD material, I’ve seen Kelly’s Heroes in the 2 for $15 section with lots of other macho movies as part of a Father’s Day promo. Holiday over and the prices were still in effect last time I looked. Might have to pick it and Excalibur up if they still have the deal going on. I idolize Oddball way too much, and need to see Ex again to refresh my memories of hottie Helen Mirren.
It’s worth $5.87 just to see John Larroquette. (It is my least favourite Ken Russell movie, though-- I wouldn’t pay much more for it.)