Big:
Extended Edition DVD (Fox)
That Thing You Do!: Tom
Hanks’ Extended Cut DVD (Fox)
Revenge: Unrated
Director’s Cut DVD (Sony)
The DVD format has become such a cash cow largely because of double-dipping
titles. You already own (insert title here), how about buying
it again with all new extras? Why didn’t you just put it on there
the first time? So it goes. Sometimes, the studios make it worthwhile
for cinephiles by actually putting out something interesting. The director’s
cut is one such worthwhile concept, and these three titles exemplify what
makes the format great.
Big was a turning point for Tom Hanks, showing his range by playing
a child turned into a man-child. Penny Marshall’s film is charming
and funny. This extended cut adds several new scenes that are fascinating
to see since they work so well, but the movie is better in its original
version. Input from Marshall and writers Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg
(sister to Steven) sweetens the package.
Eight years later, Hanks had become
as popular as Harrison Ford and won two Oscars before he wrote, directed
and costarred in That Thing You Do!. The film was a nostalgic
look at the quick rise and fall of The Wonders in 1964. The fictional
band get more time before they become famous in the new cut and the mysterious
character Charlize Theron played in the theatrical version makes much
more sense here. Sadly, Hanks doesn’t do a commentary, but the set
is worthwhile if you’re a fan.
Tony Scott’s Revenge goes the other way by shortening the running time by 30 minutes to create a lean, violent, sexy, and ultimately better version of his romantic spaghetti Western. Kevin Costner’s wholesomeness is put to the test when his lust for the wife (Madeleine Stowe) of his friend Tibby (Anthony Quinn) sends all the characters to the edge. Tony Scott contributes the lively and informative commentary that we’ve come to expect from him.
By Nick Hyman
Big: Extended Edition:
That Thing You Do!: Tom Hanks’ Extended Cut:
Revenge: Unrated Director’s Cut:
www.sonypictures.com/homevideo
07/2007