Rating: 
Summary: Dark Masterpiece
Review: "This country is still growing up. Some diseases it's better to get while you're still young." (Maximilian Berkowicz)Perhaps it's inevitable that the definitive American gangster film would be made by a European. Sergio Leone, the Italian director whose Westerns "Fistful of Dollars", "For a Few Dollars More," and "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," redefined the Western and catapulted Clint Eastwood to stardom, here produces his masterpiece. This is a powerful epic that not only gives a new mythic dimension to the gangster film but adds a fresh perspective to the immigrant experience. Certainly this is not a film for all viewers (especially not younger viewers). Like any gangster film there is a great deal of violence. There are two rape scenes, one of which has been restored (gee, thanks) to its original length on the DVD, the tape and laserdisc cuts having been mercifully trimmed by about a minute. This scene is a legitimate part of the story, but it really doesn't need to go on so long. Unlike the Godfather films, where the characters are softened so that the audience can identify with them more easily (Mario Puzo was unhappy about this), Leone does not pull any punches. All the major characters show virtually no trace of morality. The bleak world depicted here is an extension of the brutal, lawless West seen in Leone's "Dollars" films, although it seems harsher here, perhaps because it lies closer in time and place to our own reality. So why do I admire this film so much? Because, violence aside, it's more powerful and compelling viewing than most films of the last twenty years. It's gritty, absorbing, fast-paced storytelling, a complex web of lust, greed, and betrayal across 50 years, of wealth lost and gained, and of two friends who ultimately achieve some understanding of what's valuable and what is not. The reconstruction of early 20th century New York is visually stunning, but this is almost incidental to the richly detailed performances of the five child actors who play the young gangsters-in-training. As they become adults, and the story is blended with Prohibition and the growth of the labor movement, this film gives us a harsh, quick-cut view of a nation in the throes of growing pains. (The quote above seems to me to contain the heart of what the movie is about.) At close to four hours, it's probably best to watch discs one and two on consecutive evenings. (I've always watched it that way, since I first rented the tape 20 years ago). You may find the first fifteen minutes confusing, as the flashback structure is complex, but relax --- it all makes sense. Try watching the beginning again after you've finished the picture. If strong violence makes you at all uncomfortable, by all means give this movie a pass. However, if you liked Goodfellas or Scarface, you should find Once Upon a Time in America a gripping, one-of-a-kind experience.
Rating:
Summary: Possibly the most underrated film of all time
Review: This DVD is essential viewing for cinema historians and film fans alike. The transfer is terrific as is the 5.1 sound mix which emphasizes Ennio Morricone's wonderous score. The extras are a nice bonus spread out over two discs (as is the film) with a special look at the films of Sergio Leone.
The edited VHS version was obviously not 1.85:1 so many have not seen a proper version to judge from. Grand cinematic storytelling by a master craftsman.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow, slow, slow
Review: The best way to view this movie would be with a fellow film buff with whom you could share many long, leisurely dinners (ala Noodles and Deborah) to discuss the story inconsistencies and dead ends, lack of character development, fascinating "history," luscious cinematography, violence, aging makeup gaffes or mystique, and whatever else Leone has thunk up to add to the messy charm of this failed masterpiece. It reminds me of "Gangs of New York," where there were just too many elements for us simple folk to keep track of, so you have to see it more than once, but do you want to spend another four hours of your life in that milieu? Well, yes, I guess, maybe when I'm retired.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Disappointed
Review: I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this review and I understand I am the minority here, and that's fine with me. Has never stopped me in the past from voicing my opinion, no matter how much it goes against popular opinion. The truth is that I wanted to love this movie so much. From seeing the commercials, it looked like something I would really enjoy. Sort of came across as another "Godfather" type movie, which was why I was so anxious to see it. About four hours later, I found myself COMPLETELY disappointed. I was so disgusted with how much I hated the movie. I gave it so many chances and I kept hoping it'd get better... but it didn't. "Once Upon a Time in America" is a slow and long movie that didn't rub me the right way. From the explosive cast in the film, you'd think there's no way it could go wrong. Knowing that De Niro was in it, I was positive that I would enjoy it to some extent. The overall premise is okay, that being that it's about two friends who grew up in the life of crime and what's changed many years later. A tale of betrayal, deceit, violence, and loyalty. All sounds good, right? That's what I thought. I found myself not caring for ANY of the characters in the movie. There should always be at least one person you should be rooting for, even in gangster movies. I thought that would be De Niro's character, but that's until he pretty much rapes a woman in a scene that just drags on and on (I actually had to forward it; I refused to watch the scene in it's entirety. I could've sworn I was fast-forwarding for five minutes). So, I pretty much wanted them all dead at the end of the film. The film keeps tricking you that it's going to get better and then it slows down again. It felt like I was watching ten different movies all at once. Granted, a lot of hard work went into this film. That much I can tell. It was very well-filmed, but it just didn't do anything for me. And I was upset that I had given up four hours of my life to that terrible movie. I kept thinking "It's going to get better, it's going to get better." Ten minutes left in the film, I knew that it wasn't going to get better. It even ends on a very confusing and unsatisfying note. If anything good came out of this movie for me, it's this; it makes me want to take back anything bad I have ever said about "Citizen Kane." Because after sitting through that torturous movie, I bet you I would LOVE "Citizen Kane" now. "Once Upon a Time in America" had potential but in the end it did absolutely nothing for me. I hated the characters, hated the story, and hated the resolution. My advice is to rent this first before purchasing. Yes, chances are you will like it more than I did, but still I'd recommend renting it first. I usually give films second chances, this is one I know I will NEVER see again. NEVER. EVER. PERIOD.
Rating:
Summary: Truly the best gangster movie you will EVER see!
Review: A long movie but...not long enough. I could watch this one forever. All star cast! Just try it, your gonna love this film.
Rating: 
Summary: Sergio Leone's Swan Song!
Review: This would be Leone's final movie. It's a tale of two movies. Warner Brothers did a horrible job promoting the movie by chopping almost an hour off for US release. They felt audiences were not going to see a 3+ hour movie. By doing so, they ruined what would have been a masterpiece. If you do watch this, make sure it's the 227 minute version. It's a classic! The 139 minute version is not worth paying for.
Rating:
Summary: Great Film; Great Transfer
Review: Most of what I'd want to say about this movie has already been nicely stated by other reviewers, so I'll just say that it's a favorite of mine for many reasons, and leave it at that. I do, however, want to make a few comments about the DVD. First of all, contrary to what a few people have stated below, this is a superb transfer in every sense of the word. This is a high-bit digital transfer and I saw none of the compression problems or digital artifacting issues that one reviewer claimed to see. Warners has thankfully not resorted to digitally stripping the grain from the movie to create the illusion of a "clean" print. It's an excellent print. About the unfortunate "break" between discs: Warners chose to break the film where they did in order to preserve the picture quality. Had they broken at the film's true intermission, it would have increased the amount of compression they'd have to have done on the first disc, and significantly lowered the picture quality. Yeah, the break stinks, but I'd rather have that than a lousy transfer of a wonderful movie. One other thing: a few reviewers have whined about the movie being slow. Yes, it's slow - but it's never boring. There's a difference.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable, on purpose
Review: One big-time reviewer said of this release, "this is what DVDs were made for." Absolutely right. After two decades of silly and heartbreaking truncated editions, this is the cut that finally makes sense out of a towering cinematic achievement. Richard Schickel's adroit commentary track should only be listened to AFTER you've seen the movie, but do listen, for he nails the flick. My only complaint [for which one star flies away] is with the ham-handed division between the two disks. Hey, Warner: we know you could have technically handed us the intermission at the point where it was originally intended. Warren Lieberfarb, where are you when we need you?
Rating:
Summary: Once...And Again
Review: Noted director Sergio Leone's 1984 crime epic, Once upon A Time In America, has had a strange hstory. When it was first released in the states, it had been decided that its nearly 4 hour international version, was to be re-edited. Under normal circumstances this is usually a good thing. But Once Upon A Time...is not a normal film. The problem with the US cut, was the fact that huge gaps, left many key plot points left unanswerd. Critics and audiences liked what they saw...for the most part, but they were still left scratching their heads. Thankfully, the whole story has finally found its way on to the DVD. While the film lives in the shadow of The Godfather trilogy, the movie has a great cast and puts a different take on the "crime epic" It's still quite a film to watch. Former Jewish crime boss David 'Noodles' Aaronson (Robert De Niro) recounts how he imigrated to this country, and how he got to lead a life of crime, and rose in the ranks. David meets Max Bercovicz (James Woods) in his childhood and the 2 become fast friends. As adults, friendship gives way to rivalry, as the men fine themselves at odds with one another. The supporting cast includes the fine talent of Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams, Tuesday Weld, and Joe Pesci. The film has richly diverse characters and Leone captures the early years of the 20th century to near perfection. I will admit though, the longer cut, does get a bit winded at times; but it's still superior to the shredded US cut. The film is quite graphic and may not be your cup of tea...consider yorself notified. The 2 DVD set spreads the epic film over both discs. The extras are pretty solid and give viewers plenty of perspective on the film. The audio commentary by film critic/historian Richard Schickel very well done, considering the film's running time, he keeps his comments interesting and engaging. Theatrical trailers, an extensive photo gallery, cast and crew list are the expected fare included in the set. Rounding out the bonus material is an excerpt fom the documentary Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone that puts the film into context as it relates to the director's work ethic. Fans and those curious about the film and its history should check this out
Rating: 
Summary: beautiful film, mediocre "special edition"
Review: There is no denying that this is one of the great films of all time. That said, the DVD version is a huge disappointment. The "special features" include a part of a documentary, commentary by a film critic who isn't particularly qualified to talk about it, and "cast biographies" that consist of a still screen listing other films by six or eight actors, including several(Burt Young, Joe Pesci, Treat Williams) who are only on screen for just a few minutes of a 4 hour film. The cut between disc one and disc two is horrible, especially since an "intermission" card comes up a few minutes into disc 2. Sloppy, disappointing work. Not worth the greatness of this masterpiece.
|
