Rating: 
Summary: down by law
Review: ...
Main actors are.
- John Lurie who also wrote the music for the movie. (John Lurie wrote also the music for 'Get Shorty')
- Roberto Benigni: Known by his great movie 'Life is beautiful'
and
- Tom Waits: known by his great music.
To see them together in an early independent black and white movie from director Jim Jarmush is a pleasure.
The bad thing of the DVD is, that it doesn't have any additional features, languages or subtitles.
Rating: 
Summary: Best when viewed at least once a year
Review: After six or seven viewings, Down By Law has lost none of its appeal. In some ways the enjoyment is enhanced by the anticipation of some comment or gesture. It's hard to think of a movie that had better chemistry between three men, and if Jarmusch ever chanced to make a sequel, I'd be waiting at the delivery truck. A truly seemless masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat interesting, saved by Roberto
Review: Down by Law, Jim Jarmusch's 1986 film has a premise that has been used by countless filmmakers: Guys who should never be friends end up in prison together, try to make a break for it, and end up as better people. The atmosphere is this film works; one can feel the foggy Louisiana bayou creeping up around them as these characters slog their way around. The problem is the acting; better, that Tom Waits and John Lurie, while doing an admirable job, are not natural actors, but musicians. It is Roberto Benigni, who many now recognize as a tremendous talent, who saves this film. In this, his first English-language performance, his character (aptly named Roberto) is charming, witty, and valiantly puts comradeship and friendship above all else. Benigni and the great Louisiana locations are the best reason to see this film.
Rating:
Summary: Not only moody, but moody New Orleans
Review: Great movie, inspired casting, subtle direction. "Down By Law" also perfectly crystalizes the lower echelon life experience in New Orleans, which is pleasantly surprising given that it's so elusive, and, that none of the principals are natives. Although Tom Waits did spend a lot of time here - I saw him and Rickie Lee Jones perform together while they were living here in the 9th Ward, so maybe that counts for something in terms of him getting into character. BTW, just as an aside, I saw this film again with Italian friends in Italy in a cinema last year and the Italians LOVE this movie. Not just because of Benigni (like any big star in his home country, there are mixed feelings about him) but because the film is so wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Not only moody, but moody New Orleans
Review: Great movie, inspired casting, subtle direction. "Down By Law" also perfectly crystalizes the lower echelon life experience in New Orleans, which is pleasantly surprising given that it's so elusive, and, that none of the principals are natives. Although Tom Waits did spend a lot of time here - I saw him and Rickie Lee Jones perform together while they were living here in the 9th Ward, so maybe that counts for something in terms of him getting into character. BTW, just as an aside, I saw this film again with Italian friends in Italy in a cinema last year and the Italians LOVE this movie. Not just because of Benigni (like any big star in his home country, there are mixed feelings about him) but because the film is so wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: It's a sad and beautiful world . . .
Review: I can't say enough good things about the "Down By Law" Criterion DVD! The high-definition digital film transfer is wonderful and it really shows off Robby Muller's breathtaking b/w camera work. The DVD has 2 discs and the packaging is well done. The first disc contains the film itself and the second disc is packed full of goodies such as the insightful "Thoughts & Reflections" from director Jim Jarmusch, a "2002 Video Interview" with director of photography Robby Muller, "1986 Cannes Film Festival Press Conference" with Jarmusch and cast members John Lurie, Roberto Benigni & Nicoletta Braschi that is fun to watch, a great "1986 Interview" with John Lurie + his hilarious commentary on the interview, a bunch of film "Outtakes" which feature some great never before seen bits (especially with Lurie!) a terrific Tom Waits music video for "It's All Right With Me" also directed by Jarmusch and 3 wonderful recorded phone conversations from 2002 that Jarmusch had with Waits, Benigni and Lurie about making "Down By Law", etc. The extras on the DVD give an intimate view of this very personal film and are amazing to watch and listen to. It's so complete that I can't imagine what else could be added to the Criterion release to make it more perfect. Many years from now when Jarmusch and the cast have left this sad and beautiful world, this gem will no doubt be a priceless look at one of the best American films ever made by one of America's best directors. Fantastic! One of the best films Criterion has released.
Rating:
Summary: It's a sad and beautiful world . . .
Review: I can't say enough good things about the "Down By Law" Criterion DVD! The high-definition digital film transfer is wonderful and it really shows off Robby Muller's breathtaking b/w camera work. The DVD has 2 discs and the packaging is well done. The first disc contains the film itself and the second disc is packed full of goodies such as the insightful "Thoughts & Reflections" from director Jim Jarmusch, a "2002 Video Interview" with director of photography Robby Muller, "1986 Cannes Film Festival Press Conference" with Jarmusch and cast members John Lurie, Roberto Benigni & Nicoletta Braschi that is fun to watch, a great "1986 Interview" with John Lurie + his hilarious commentary on the interview, a bunch of film "Outtakes" which feature some great never before seen bits (especially with Lurie!) a terrific Tom Waits music video for "It's All Right With Me" also directed by Jarmusch and 3 wonderful recorded phone conversations from 2002 that Jarmusch had with Waits, Benigni and Lurie about making "Down By Law", etc. The extras on the DVD give an intimate view of this very personal film and are amazing to watch and listen to. It's so complete that I can't imagine what else could be added to the Criterion release to make it more perfect. Many years from now when Jarmusch and the cast have left this sad and beautiful world, this gem will no doubt be a priceless look at one of the best American films ever made by one of America's best directors. Fantastic! One of the best films Criterion has released.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best DVDs in my Collection!
Review: I have to admit, I bought this blind for three reasons: 1- The premise sounded humerous, 2- I like roberto benigni, and 3- It's a criterion 2-disc set. I have to say, this is one of the better blind purchases I made. Not only is the film very funny and sad at the same time (one of the better films from the mid 80's), but the DVD is one of the best I own. Criterion did a great job with the supplements here, and they are actually interesting (unlike most DVDs, where interviews consist of directors and actors talking about how great it was working with each other -- ie Minority Report). I have to admit, it was very cool seeing the Cannes film festival in '86. If you follow the festival, you know how presitigious it is, and how great it must be for everybody involved. You really get the feeling here. I also think its amusing how Roberto Benigni loves his wife so much that he puts her in all his movies, even when he's not the director! On top of that we get phone conversations between the cast (I think it's interesting hearing these phone conversations). Interviews, stills, production photographs, isolated music track, a music video and much more. I still haven't gone through all these extras! Bottom line is this - if you're intrigued by the concept, like I was, and have reasonable expectations, this will be one of your favorites. It's certainly not for everybody, but it's very good nonetheless. I also want to point out how great the transfer is, and how beautiful the photography is in this picture. Now it's time to hit the "order now" button!
Rating: 
Summary: I love black and whites but this grows a little long
Review: I love when a film has such bad lines even the actors seem to be laughing through them. The comic humor is there in this black and white that came out on DVD recently. I've read that the more you know about 'films' the more you will like it. I don't have to be a film concierge to know what i don't like. It's a little too looooooooong and drawnnnnnnnnn out. Black humor doesn't have to be injected that slowly to be effective.
Rating:
Summary: Almost as good as Stranger
Review: I loved Down by Law. It's a good place to start if your just getting into Jarmusch. It's more accessible than Stranger Than Paradise. The humor is broadrt and there's a firmer story line. However, Stranger Than Paradise is his masterpiece.
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