Rating: 
Summary: Die Hard is one fast spectacular wild ride.
Review: This is it the masterful film that started all terrorist films and gave them a genere. John McTiernan's fundimental action film is a classic action aventure film that made Bruce Willis an overnight star.New York City cop John Mclane is vacationing over the holidays to see his wife and spend time with his family ,his wife played by Bonnie Bedilia (Holly Gennero).But just as John Mclane is enjoying his vacation a group of terrorists , take over the 30 story highrise and declare war now tired and trapped, he is the only hope for his estranged wife and the other hostiges who are being held by Hans Gruber played by Alan Rickman. John has the experience for mortal combat and antiterrorist tactics his only support is officer Powell a officer that is on the scene. With only a handgun and what he seemingly gets from the terrorists he launches his own one man war with the terrorists. Bleeding and bruised he attacks dissapears and reappears to attack again and with the brains and intelligence of a cop if there's one thing John Mclane is it's that he's hard to kill and as tough as steel taking out the terrorists like flies in a spider web it's only a matter of time before Mclane makes the terrorist his prey. Bruce Willis plays John Mclane with style making him compareable with Clint Eastwoods Dirty Harry but infact this is the best cop movie since the likes of Dirty Harry. The specal edition has fun and interesting options such as an editing feature
where you can edit chosen parts of the film it's as if you have your own film school in Die Hard, other features are sound editing and a vault of deleted scenes and a branching version of the film.If you want an action classic then this film is the one your looking for amazing special effects and incredible action make Die Hard a must have for any DVD owner so get your popcorn buckle up and get ready to be blown out of your chair!.
Rating:
Summary: Extra power, extra punch for an already hard-hitting film
Review: Sure, this first installment of the Die Hard trilogy came to theaters 13 years ago, but to add freshness to this classic action ride, director John McTiernan and his crew technical craftsmen and producers have united to bring the power of INTER-action to the DVD viewer in their own home.You, the viewer, can examine and re-examine, review and re-edit bits and pieces of the film in the editor's workshop section. Believe me, you've never seen anything like this before. Besides being fun to have the power over what you're manipulating, an added appreciation for the craft of editing is easily achieved. The entire screenplay is also on the second disk, word for word as it originally was handed to the actors. This allows the views to see how the script evolved in the hands of those who made the film. The usual outtakes, bloopers, and deleted scenes are here (fairly standard nowadays), too. Commentary and behind the scenes words from those who were there are also here for your enjoyment. The best appreciated bonus is the amazing clarity of the digital transfer. Cinematographer Jan de Bont's dark and moody work is seen sharper and clearer than anything which could have been put on a silver screen in any cinema house. The full-bodied sound is spectrually sharp and defined. This is how all film experiences should be. If you're tired of DVDs which are little more than "theatrical trailer, feature, and scene selection" (and SOOOOO many are just that), then get your hands on this special set right away and see what the DVD experience is all about. For those who don't yet own DVD, this would be the perfect excuse to invest in a player. My only warning would be to not expect all these fabulous goodies on every DVD you buy--for now. I know this set is going to revolutionize the way companies package and "re-package" their upcoming DVD releases.
Rating:
Summary: Still works for me! Great DVD!
Review: I had to drag my airforce NCO boyfriend to see this when it came out- the dingus did not believe Bruce Willis could do action....boy was he mistaken! All these years later I still love Die Hard. It is one of those flicks that you CAN NOT turn off when it comes on TV. When I need a pick me up or am feeling peeved and need to see a movie where things blow up I turn to Die Hard. Bruce Willis as the conflicted husband and cop who needs to save his wife from the evil Hans and his henchmen terrorists is classic.
This DVD imprint is great! The quality is good and has stood up to repeated play. The bonus materials are fun and enhance the fans appreciation for the movie. A real must for any action fan's collection. My favorite classic film that stands next to Die Hard on my shelf are The Great Escape with Steve McQueen and James Garner and the original Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood.
Rating: 
Summary: too long
Review: this movie has some great action scenes, but is way to long. It is two hours and ten minutes. They could have easily trimmed it down to less than two hours.
Rating:
Summary: Die Hard (1988)
Review: Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedalia, Alexander Gudonov, Paul Gleason, William Atherton, Hart Bochner, James Shigeta, Reginald Vel Johnson.
Running Time: 132 minutes.
Rated R for extreme violence, language, and brief nudity. Fresh of his success with the popular television series "Moonlighting", Bruce Willis takes his stab at the motion picture business with full force. "Die Hard" works on many levels--mainly as an action flick with a powerful leading star that adds a touch of normalcy and humor--but it also discusses more important views such as the criticism of the culturization of Japanese technology that was taking place at the time as well as the horrific, ongoing threat of terrorism. It s a film that shows just how vulnerable any business or workplace really is to a terrible force but also how one man can stand up to the challenge and ultimately make a difference. John McClane (Willis) is a New York City cop who travels to the Los Angeles area to reconcile with his seperated wife (Bonnie Bedalia) and family, who left him to pursue a lucrative job with a Japanese financial industry skyscraper. While participating in a Christmas Eve party, the building is overtaken by German terrorists who want to use the hostage Japanese executives to break into the company safe. McClane watches as the head terrorist (played brilliantly by Alan Rickman) blows the brains out of the Japenese CEO realizes that the game is on. With the help of a gun-shy cop (Reginald Vel Johnson--yes, that's right--Mr. Winslow from "Family Matters") and to the annoyance of police chief Paul Gleason, McClane runs around like a chicken with its head cut off attempting to save the hostages. While on the explosive one-man war, Bruce Willis plays McClane in a very believable, humorous fashion--which is the quintessential reason for the film being one of the best of its kind. "Die Hard" is a non-stop frenzy of excellent action sequences, a superb and witty screenplay written by Jeb Stuart and Steven D. de Souza (adapted from the Roderick Thorp novel), and top-notch, edge-of-your-seat direction from McTiernan. The Five Star Collection DVD features a deleted scene and some excellent commentary from cast and crew. One of the best action films of the 1980's. A superb roller-coaster ride of thrills.
Rating:
Summary: "Yippee cay-yay!"
Review: I don't like typical action movies, but I love Die Hard! Off-duty cop (Bruce Willis) saves hostages and dispatches the sadistic bad guys against overwhelming odds - a simple plot, done many times since this 1988 thriller, but never done as effectively. The difference: This movie was well-written, well-acted, and well-directed. The script balances heart-pounding action with funny one-liners that always make me laugh out loud. Bruce Willis is wonderful as the Rambo-esque superguy who outwits, outplays, and outlasts the heavily-armed killers, and reveals just enough of his tender side to endear his character to the audience. Willis is backed up by outstanding supporting players who add depth and surprises: Reginald Veljohnson is the sympathetic cop Willis talks to via radio during his ordeal. Veljohnson is superb as the buddy who grounds the movie. Paul Gleason, whose forte is playing self-important fools, injects much humor into his role as Deputy Police Chief. Alan Rickman plays the witty, urbane gang leader with devilish flair. He is assisted by the talented Alexander Godunov as a ruthless killer. De'voreaux White shines in a small but important role as a helpful limo driver. There is even a funny bit with two FBI agents, both named Johnson (no relation). The production values are top quality, the action never stops, and each stunt is unique and utterly stupendous. I heartily recommend Die Hard to those who love action films and those who just love excellence in film.
Rating:
Summary: Die Hard - All other movies die behind it
Review: Don't make the same mistake that I made. Don't wait very long to watch this film, especially if you love those movies were things go "boom." Die Hard is just that kind of movie, and it's done in such a way that puts the many action movies being put out following it to shame. If you're a fan of the modern action flicks, then Die Hard sounds like old hat. A group of international terrorists, with one goal in mind and a bunch of hostages that will be their ticket to that goal. Only one man can stop them. The joy of this movie is that it seems every person who speaks in this movie is just as important as the main one, John McClane (Bruce Willis). Most characters have their own little quirks, and even the cronie terrorists seem to have a personality, something that you'll likely never see in action movies these days. McClane is a New York City cop entering the confusing atmosphere of Los Angeles, traveling to see his wife who had traveled out here to capitalize on a big promotion. Accompanied to the large building by Argyle (De'voreaux White in an unappreciated role, no doubt), McClane makes his entrance to the Christmas party. After finding that his wife has returned to her maiden name of Gennero, McClane meets with Mrs. McClane (Bonnie Bedelia), but the reunion is short-lived and rather unsatisfactory. As John kicks himself mentally, the terrorists make their entrance, led by a character later to be revealed as Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). From there, the movie lifts your spirits up, crushes them down, and then repeats. When it's all said and done, you'll have wrapped up quite the satisfying movie experience. Looking back on this movie 16 years after its initial release, it's easy to pass this off as a stereotypical movie. However, this movie created the stereotype of the daring hero who will never say die, the cunning terrorists who will send wave after wave of big, bulky thugs to take down the protagonist. When you see this movie, you'll truly appreciate the action genre again. This movie was created in 1988, but it could easily pass for today's standards, and probably would bank some good money if given a re-release to the big screen (iMAX, anyone?). Perhaps it's not worth a second look after your first viewing, since there isn't really much to pick up on in a second viewing, except truly sitting back and enjoying just how well this movie "clicked." However, for now all you can hope for is a big spankin' plasma TV, which is just as good to view this action classic. Rooting for the good guy has never been so much fun.
Rating:
Summary: The original "Die Hard": often imitated, never surpassed
Review: It seems clear now that the 1988 film "Die Hard" is one of the most important cinematic touchstones of our lifetime, simply because every action film since then can be reduced to being a variation on the theme (e.g., "Speed" is "Die Hard" on a bus). I am not going to claim that "Die Hard" is more than mindless entertainment, but rather that it is the standard by which all mindless entertainment is to be judged. One Christmas New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) flies out to Los Angeles to enjoy a nice, quiet Christmas with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), who is climbing up the corporate ladder of the Nakatomi Corporation. However John arrives at the company office party a few minutes before a group of terrorists, led by the urbane Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), takes over and holds everybody hostage. While the bad guys begin the long process of breaking into the building' vault, McClane becomes the proverbial "fly in the ointment," on the loose in the building and causing problems. The only person on McClane's side is Sgt. Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson), a cop on the outside who learns about what is really happening inside Nakatomi tower when McClane drops a dead body on his squad car. Also working against McClane are top cop and complete idiot Dwayne T. Robinson (Paul Gleason) and sleazy reporter Thronburg (William Atherton). What makes "Die Hard" work? First, the film had the virtue of making Bruce Willis a movie star. Prior to this point he had failed to make his success with television's "Moonlighting" translate to movies. Leading roles in "Blind Date" and "Sunset" were disappointing enough that the best part of Willis's cinematic resume was being a courtroom spectator in "The Verdict." But in John McClane he had a character that allowed him to get off his one-liners but was also involved in some big action sequences and still found time to use his brains on several occasions. I also like the adding insult to injury twist of fate that finds McClane barefoot when things start happening. The result was that suddenly Willis was promoted to the A list, which almost always makes a bigger splash than when the star is there to begin with. Second, there were the action sequences, the best of which remains McClane's jump off the exploding top of the building with a fire hose wrapped around his waist. Everything else pales next to that one, but the common theme you have with all of the key sequences is that McClane is an ordinary guy facing long odds in a series of extraordinary circumstances. Another common denominator is that for what McClane comes up with usually involves some thinking as well, such as using an office chair and a computer to create a detonator for plastique explosives. McClane might be unlucky, but he is not stupid. Add to this the fact that the action is pretty much non-stop once it gets started, and this is by no means a boring film. Third, there are actually some emotional elements to the story, with McClane obviously worried about his wife being held by terrorists being at the top of the list. But there is also the relationship between McClane and Sgt. Powell, even though it exists almost entirely over the radio (but has a nice double payoff in the film's denouement). The scene where McClane asks Powell to pass along a message to Holly provides a sense of despair that usually does not enter into one of these films. Ultimately, John McTiernan's film achieves a solid balance between characters and actions. If an action film succeeds on the basis of the villain, then Rickman certainly provides that (I like the way his character is introduced), and I have always thought that VelJohnson's show "Family Matters" was an obvious and intelligent effort to capitalize on how great of a character he created in this movie. Then there is Bedelia's Holly Gennaro McClane, who has it all, including a good right hook. You might not understand how those two ended up together in the first place, but can sure appreciate why he wants to stay married to her. Even the fact that "Die Hard 4: Die Hardest" is currently in pre-production can distract from the reputation of the original. Actually the two sequels are better than most of the imitators that have come down the road ("Speed" is definitely the best of that bunch). Besides making Willis a big time movie star it certainly set the bar higher for all the action films that have been made since 1988 and showed that you needed to have some heart and a sense of style to go with all the witty one-liners and explosive pyrotechnics. "Die Hard" is still a lot of fun to watch.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatet Action Film Of All Time
Review: Okay, let's get something straight. The 80's was a great decade of movies. But his movie just wrapped it up. This is, without a doubt, the greatest action movie of all time. New York cop John McClaine (Bruce Willis) is going to Los Angeles to see his wife, Holly, who wouldn't go with him to New York. There is an executive party, and some terrorists, led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) decide to crash it, trying to get o the hotel owner's safe. The only person they didn't capture was John. He then plays cat-and-mouse with the terrorists through the hotel. He starts killing them off one by one, pisses off Hans Gruber, and almost blows the whole building by dropping a rather large bomb down the elevator shaft. There are great effects, a great fight scene towards the end with one of the terrorists. There is also in my opinion the greatest line in an action move ever. "Yipee-kye-yay mother f***er. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS, BUY IT OR I'LL HAVE TO STRANGLE YOU!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A typical action movie
Review: This was only Bruce Willis' second film of his career, and the one that really made him a star, which spawned two sequels and another on the way. I was a tad disappointed. OK, you get to see Bruce in a teeny tiny vest, with muscles to rival Arnie's, and then he decides to rip that vest off cos it was getting too dirty and needed washed ... But what else is there really to look at? A lot of stunts, glamorising of guns (can't they punch or anything?), and not very much else. Bruce is hot in this film. Although, he's kinda ruined for me now after watching this - as he smokes throughout. Not a thing I like to see in films, but who cares. He's stressed, he's killed some bad guys, lets take out a cigarette. And gets his feet cut to smithereens. The great Bonnie Bedelia stars alongside him as his ever doting wife, who's just decided to go back to her maiden name - does this ever get explained? Maybe he's cheated or something. She was a great actress in Switched At Birth (TV movie) and she was OK here, although we didn't see much of her. Alan Rickman as the bad guy was pretty good. Although how Bruce didn't see through him when they met and swapped life stories and cigarettes was beyond me. Alan's character, Hanz, didn't even try to disguise his voice. Hello, see through that straight away. I did like this film, although not sure if its one of these films that is rewatchable. Maybe give the other two a go. Maybe.
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