Rating: 
Summary: Great Film but is it the Greatest of All Time
Review: Without a doubt, Citizen Kane is one of the great films made. However, the propaganda machine which is the AFI 100 Greatest American Movies has created a maelstrom around this film which will never end - much like the maelstrom the movie created during its production. Ironic.The operative word in the AFI list is "American", and you also have to ask yourself who are and what is the criteria of the AFI Board that made this list. The fact the the AFI list excludes any and all foreign films (except some of David Lean's work which shouldn't be considered an American film anyway) AUTOMATICALLY handicaps it, if not making it an out right mockery of the concept of a "Greatest Films" list. No films by Fellini, Truffaut, Kiewslowski, Kurosawa, Godard, early Hitchcock, Tarkovsky, Fassbinder, Herzog, Bergman! Come on now, those are the filmmakers who helped take film from a maudlin form mass entertainment to a true art form. If one was to examine subsequent lists presented by AFI, you'll understand how hackneyed and meaningless their 100 Greatest American Film List. It's all subjective anyway - filmmakers, particularly, will rate Citizen Kane higher than the typical movie-goer of today for several reasons discussed in other reviews of the film. Kane will have it's place because its a much-talked about film. With that being said, the film and the DVD version are great. Period. Greatest of All Time, under what criteria. Don't bash the film because it's not to your taste - some might argue that Michaelego's Sistine Chapel is the greatest work of art of all time, others might say any number of works by Picasso or perhaps Mozart's symphonies. To recognize quality is what counts. To dismiss Kane as slow, boring and stupid (which it is CLEARLY not) shows that the viewer/reviewer is lacking in artistic experience. Would one condemn the early Renaissance works of Giotto because they don't do full justice to the human form the way Carravagio does? The movie is great because consessieurs of the craft recognize that it is great. Perhaps that's all that counts.
Rating:
Summary: If I hadn't been rich, I might have been a truly Great Man!
Review: There is a reason Citizen Kane appears somewhere on just about everyone's Top 10 List of all-time great movies, and it isn't that movie reviewers and movie lovers have gone sappy & sentimental or "politically correct" in their estimation of this film. It is simply because it is still, over half a century later, an astonishing piece of work. Absolutely stunning, using every trick & device ever invented in movie making, and coming at them with such freshness and originality, decontructing and reconstructing them into something new & unique, that the word "genius" was invented to describe such efforts. I dislike how that word genius is bandied about so much today describing everything from gifted natural athletes to clever comedians and politicians. I rarely use it myself. But, if this wasn't a work of genius, I don't know what would qualify. This is such a grown-up movie, telling an archetypal American story, but with brilliance in every frame and every line of dialogue. Is is so mature a work, made under the strictures of the Hayes code, that it makes most of what we see today, without virtually any limits, look like the work of children. AND it was made with such economy! Really a low-budget project, through sheer brilliance a Big Story is told modestly, without a wasted shot or line of dialogue, by terrific editing and intelligent construction. Intelligence is what you see everywhere in Citizen Kane, especially in its humor...and funny it is as well. I could go on, but why bother? If you don't "get it" if you find it "boring" nothing I say will change your mind. I will say this, if that is your reaction, you know nothing about film-making. Citizen Kane is an exhaustive primer in brilliant film-making. Welles threw in the kitchen sink! That it was a 25 year old's first movie , while not important to your enjoyment or appreciation of the film, is finally just awsome. The continual inventiveness in scene after scene is dizzying. The DVD has lots of goodies. An excellent documentary on the background of the struggle to make and release the film and William Randolph Hearst's (somewhat understandable) effort to destroy it. There are comments and even regrets by Welles...he was a young man tearing down an old man and there is cruelty in it. There are 2 very different and excellent commentary tracks by Peter Bogdanovich and Roger Ebert. The former more a friend's recollections, the latter an intense analysis of the art of the film-making. All in all, a very nice package.
The restored film is beautiful. One of my oldest memories is sitting in front of a B&W television mesmerized by the opening of Citizen Kane. I must have been 10, and I don't recall if I watched it all, and certainly wouldn't have understood it all, but I was completely entranced by the sheer look of the film. I had never seen anything like it. It was pure Magic! And "magic" it remains to film lovers the world over. Nuff said.
Rating:
Summary: Raising Kane
Review: Okay, so I stole the title of this review from Pauline Kael. Sue me. Yet without Ms. Kael's revivalist view of "Citizen Kane," this work of art would never have finally achieved the prominence it so deserves on the mantle of great cinema. I'd practically worn out my VHS of the movie, which was not made from an exactly pristine print of the film, so when I watched the DVD it was like seeing the movie again for the first time. This new digitally remastered version is almost too gorgeous, too perfect to put into words. Glancing through the other reviews I saw mention of James Caan, Marlon Brando, and car crashes, none of which you will find in this movie...fortunately. And as for the movie being "slow," well, if you want slug-brained manic action, rent the "Die Hard" series. "Kane" takes its sweet time unfolding a story as complex as a rose, and like a rose, it blooms with intense beauty to reveal a breathtaking finale. This is filmmaking perfection: flawless and deliberate, ingenious and inspiring. It is a movie of "firsts" from which countless filmmakers have borrowed. Long before Tarantino was juggling timelines and Stone was mixing media, Welles was treading the fine line between reality and that which imitates it. Once a movie (or any item) is labelled "the best of all-time," there is a cynical tendency for us to second-guess such an accolade. But "Kane" withstands the test of time and its rewards are even greater and more gratifying than they were the year it was released (and largely overlooked). For those who appreciate the art of filmmaking in its finest form, "Kane" is a wonder to behold, especially when one considers the multi-faceted role that young Welles had in its creation. It is hard to imagine a 25-year-old artist in this day and age who could co-write, direct, and star in a film that would literally rewrite the lexicon of cinematic language as we know it. "Citizen Kane" is that rare thing of beauty that comes along once in a few lifetimes, and this new DVD, with its informative bonus disk, belongs in the library of everyone who knows that car crashes, explosions, pretentious digital FX, and Keanu Reeves do not a movie make.
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece gets an almost worthy DVD release !!!
Review: There are some who do not believe that Citizen Kane is the greatest film ever made. Some people understand that the film has some remarkable technical innovations, yet still find the film less than compelling. I can't really explain this reaction to the film, but it exists. Perhaps if we understood why someone doesn't like Citizen Kane we would also unravel other great film mysteries such as who would pay full price to see Tom Greene in something like Freddy Got Fingered and who can't wait to see Bio Dome 2. Not everyone is going to agree it is the greatest film ever made or the most entertaining and once you start calling anything The Greatest of them all a bit of skeptism is likely to rear its head. One thing is certain, most will appreciate Greg Toland's beautiful use of light and shadow and photographic genius. And the more you know about how innovative some of the shots were and what lengths it took to accomplish them, you'll appreciate the effort even more. The life of the fictional Charles Foster Kane is examined in detail. It all starts with a quest to find out the significance of the last word kane uttered as he died -- Rosebud. And all of the film techniques used in the film still seem fresh, the symbolism all works perfectly. In fact the film is constructed not unlike some massive reality television specials that might be called... The Unauthorized Biography of Charles Foster Kane. Of course it would be those reality television specials that are poorly mimicking some of the ideas and structures of Citizen Kane and not the other way around. In other words we're talking about a film that can enjoyed as entertainment, not something that one only appreciates without feeling an affection or warmth toward it. You can praise the film until you are sick of praising it and still find something in the film, a shot, a camera angle, a dissolve, an actor's look, a line of dialogue, that will take your breath away. Except for the barest hint of edge enhancement this is the cleanest, crispest and most beautiful black and white film you've ever seen on DVD. And it doesn't look overly processed or mechanical. In fact there are some dark scenes where for the first time I was able to see some details I've never seen before. The audio is Dolby Digital 1.0. Rather than artificially enhance and try to remix the soundtrack it was merely cleaned up and presented as clean and crisp as possible. It might have been nice to have heard a stereo version of Bernard Herrman's magnificent score, but it would seem utterly un-natural to long time fans of the film to have an artificially enhanced stereo surround soundtrack (and the elements probably don't exist to do it anyway). There's a lot of extras on the DVD's from newsreel clips to secret Easter Eggs to find and enjoy. There is a generous selection of stills which are automated but can be paused if desired. One of the still galleries contains additional commentary from Roger Ebert. THE POST PRODUCTION section has four subsections including Deleted Scenes which offers photos, sketches and storyboards that show scenes which did not make the final cut of the film or were abandoned even before they were shot. If you highlight the sled on the features menu you will see the 5 minute interview with Ruth Warrick who played Emily Norton Kane. She talks about working with Welles and how the film was shot under strict security so no one would know exactly what was being shot or how it was all going to be put together when it was finished. Click on the sled on the last page of the second section of the production notes for a brief 3 minute interview with director Robert Wise. Wise was the editor on Citizen Kane and he tells the story about meeting Welles for the first and one of the first screenings of the film for very nervous executives and lawyers. On Disc 2 you will find the full length documentary The Battle Over Citizen Kane which was originally aired on P.B.S.'s American Experience Program. It tells the backgrounds of both William Randolph Hearst and Orson Welles. How their paths crossed, how the two men clashed and how Hearst became obsessed with stopping Kane and destroying Welles' career. Kane bombed at the box-office but was then nominated for 9 Oscars, however it won only one and afterwards RKO withdrew the film from the market and put it in it's vault for several years. Hearst's campaign to ruin the film and Welles was pretty effective but he also hurt his own career and reputation in the process. The first of two feature length commentary tracks is from director Peter Bogdanovich. Bogdanovich's comments range from discussing the film's technical achievements and analyzing the storyline to recounting conversations he had with Welles about the film. We learn Kane is not his favorite Welles film. Roger Ebert's feature length commentary is even more interesting, informative.If you are not quite sure why the film is so highly regarded this commentary will clear it up for you. Ebert spends a lot of time talking about the innovative cinematography (deep focus photography), editing, the special optical effects used to create the imagery in the film and the lighting. He goes into some detail about the symbolism used throughout the film and how the film was actually very low budget. Citizen Kane is a masterpiece and this DVD celebrates that by showing off the film at it's very best. The extra's allow those who have not read several books, or seen documentaries about the film or Hearst and Welles to 'catch-up' with critics and film-buffs. Christopher Jarmick,is the author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder a critically acclaimed, steamy suspense thriller.
Rating:
Summary: Great film; the best b&w cinematography in film history
Review: The 60th anniversary restoration of Citizen Kane on dvd is reconstructed from the best remaining film elements, and is absolutely gorgeous (especially breathtaking for those of us who might have been used to seeing the film on scratchy, broken up prints from tv). The disc also contains two feature length audio commentaries, one by Welles friend, confidante, colleague, and biographer Peter Bogdanovich, and the other by Roger Ebert.
The Bogdanovich commentary combines directorial insights, many from conversations with Welles, inside perspectives that emanate from Bogdonavich's 18 year association with Welles, mixed with an odd, underlying haughty tone. Why is not clear to me, but might be related to a certain protectiveness of Welles' legacy. He is never critical of Welles, and presents him in only the best light as friend and artist. Both have some experiences in common, although each career arrived at their respective stations for different reasons: Welles career never recovered from the Hearst blacklist (plus Hollywood's spite and jealously of the extraordinary contract the RKO gave him with unprecedented artistic freedom without having previously directed a film), and Bogdanovich never recovered from decades of mediocre work after a brilliant start ("Last Picture Show" is a great American film). However, the content is very interesting, and at times captivating. Despite my objections, I found his insights illuminating, and certainly added to my enjoyment and appreciation of the film.
The Ebert commentary (IMHO) is more disciplined and complete, and essentially similar to Roger's shot-by-shot analyses that he performs at The Virginia Film Festival (this year at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville from October 25-28) and like venues. The presentation includes vignettes about Welles and the making of the film, plus Ebert's usual mise-en-scene analysis, which is both entertaining, accessible, and instructive.
I have always enjoyed Kane, but this pristine print makes viewing the film a nearly new experience. Because Kane is such a great classic, folks can forget how entertaining it is: there's something for everyone - drama, noir, irony, slapstick, humor, and even a song and dance number! Happily, there are two discs: the first contains the film, the two audio commentaries, and some other features. The second includes and excellent special (originally aired on PBS) on The Battle Over Citizen Kane which chronicles the war between William Randolph Hearst and Orson Welles.
In any case, this is one of the great films, and a must for any collection.
Rating:
Summary: It IS the greatest American movie
Review: This is an astounding movie -- made even more so by the fact that Orson Welles was only 25 when he made it. The camera angles are incrediblely fun to watch. The "deep focus" technique of having everything in focus in the foreground and background (no matter how far back) is amazing. And the story never ceases to captivate me -- not to mention depress the heck out of me. There have been over 270 reviews of this movie, so I'm not going to provide any insights regarding plot or actors. I will comment on one of the DVD's bonus material, though. (I've watched the movie twice -- in one day! -- since the DVD arrived so I haven't delved into all of the bonus stuff yet.) The Roger Ebert commentary track is extremely enlightning, despite the fact that he never stops talking and you can't hear in the movie what he's referring to. Be that as it may, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for the film once you know all the behind-the-scenes stories. This movie may take a bit of concentration, a bit of stamina (it seems longer than it really is) and a bit of appreciation for the technical aspects, but it's one that you really must see -- if only to be able to say afterwards, "I just watched the greatest American film ever made!"
Rating:
Summary: Voted #1 Movie (AFI) in last 100 years. WHY? Read on ......
Review: Citizen Kane is considered by many cinematic experts and the AFI (American Film Institute) to be the GREATEST AMERICAN film of the last 100 years and maybe of all time. With this SPECIAL DVD EDITION set we now can understand the complexity and genius of the film and the characters it portrays. Many hundreds of reviewers have made comments, given opinions and their ideas about this epic "CITIZEN KANE".
I only want to add my observation and enlightenment to this #1 Classic Film. I was curious to learn why this was voted and acclaimed to be the BEST AMERICAN FILM in the last 100 years.
My advice and conclusions are:
1.) Make this a project (as if it was for school or research).
2.) Understand the world of 1941.
3.) Understand the Characters both real and within the world of Citizen Kane.
4.) Discover the meaning of "ROSEBUD".
This DVD set provides all the background and character development (DISC 2). Once you move into this world you will be ready to enjoy and digest the movie (DISC 1). This DVD set is a great educational tool to the world of the cinematic genius of Orson Welles and the power of money. A newly ReMastered Picture and Sound DVD provides the vivid black & white world of "Citizen Kane". After watching & studying all the Special Features, I was ready to graduate to the movie itself. Now it is to me A Classic, a one time event in the history of cinema.
This is a great experience and with the right investment in time you may to consider "CITIZEN KANE" one of the best films ever to bloom from a "ROSEBUD" and why.
Rating:
Summary: The News That Stays News
Review: So much praise has been heaped on "Citizen Kane" that it seems pointless to add any more adjectives to describe it. Suffice it to say that Welles's slightly ficitionalized portrait of the rise and fall of one of America's first media barons remains as engaging and enjoyable today as it must have been 60 years ago. "Citizen Kane" is a masterpiece of expressionist filmmaking - from its dramatic deep-focus cinematography, to its brilliant compression of dramatic time, and its creative use of staging and matte shots. But its also a still relevant picture of the contradictions of the American dream - how our native American idealism is compromised and undone by our unyielding drive for power and fortune. It is, as Ezra Pound would say, "the news that stays news." Warner Brothers has created a handsome edition of this great film. The print quality is about the best we're likely to get for a film this old and the extra disc has a not-bad documentary about Welles' battle with William Randolph Hearst, on whom the movie was based. "Citizen Kane", and the documentary about it, provide a fascinating look at the intersection of art, commence, and power. An essential DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Rosebud, baby!
Review: A truly great movie, even after 60 years since its release. A powerful story about the rise and fall of a once-great millionare who has his survivors scrambling for the meaning of his last words. Revealing more plot details would be sheer cruelty. The DVD presentation is near perfect, and while I would have liked a 5.1 surround sound remix, the mono soundtrack works fine with me. Not to be skipped.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning quality DVD! The movie ain't too bad either. :-)
Review: The print and transfer on this DVD are nothing short of stunning-- I've never seen the film look this good. (Makes me sad for all of the classics that only exist in scratchy old dupes; not to mention the ones that don't exist at all any more.) The extras-- documentary, commentaries, etc.-- are also excellent. You simply can't ask for a better video presentation (well, short of an HDTV disk). As for the movie itself, well, I like Welles' followup, "The Magnificent Ambersons" a little better, but I have no problem with calling Kane the greatest film ever made. If you've never seen it (which is likely, since you're reading this), be warned that there's no one thing you'll see that'll make you see the greatness. In fact, that's kind of what the movie itself is about: looking for simple answers when life is much too complex for that. Also understand that there's a difference (or there *can be*) between a film that you think is the "greatest" and one that is your "favorite". There might be movies I watch more often than Kane, but I still think it's (at the very least) one of the top three or four greatest. To use a lame analogy, the music you think is the "greatest" is probably not what you've got in your CD player right now. Here's some of what to look for in Kane, if you've never seen it:
The amazing cinematography (the Ebert commentary provides a lot of insight into it, but watch the movie first), which is still a major influence today.
+ The acting, all of which is great.
+ The screenplay, which gives us a large number of multi-layered characters, tightly woven together in a structure that was (and maybe still is) as unique in its day as "Memento" is today.
+ The editing, which working in tandem with the cinematography and screenplay is not only revolutionary, but cleverly brings more depth to the film by guiding us through it in a very deliberate way. I guess I'll stop here. Again, my advice, though I know it's hard to do, is to just watch the film with an open mind, not with a stubborn "OK, let's see what's so great about this God damned movie" attitude. And think about it afterward. Maybe even watch it (or parts of it) with the Ebert commentary. Enjoy!
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