Rating: 
Summary: Cut Alamo not good enough!
Review: Have to say I was totally appalled by the way MGM UA released this classic movie on DVD. Have the Director's Cut on VHS and it's a completely different experience, fleshing out many scenes which appear abrupt in the edited version, especially between Flaca and Crockett, Bowie and Travis - and relating to Travis himself. The death of The Parson (Hank Warden) which is a very moving scene, does not appear, and the viewer especially misses out on Dimitri Tiomkin's Overture, Entre Acte, Intermission and Exit Music. Also missing is the birthday sequence, the fight in the Church over gunpowder doesn't make any sense, and Flaca seems to make a very sudden exit. Even the TV versions run longer than this!
Of course, even with these unacceptable drawbacks, the movie remains Duke's immortal homage to freedom and The Republic.
The DVD also includes a featurette "John Wayne's The Alamo", which will be very interesting to all students of Wayneasia and of this movie in particular.
I would suggest that John Wayne fans and Clubs should petition MGM to release this classic properly as it was meant to be seen, perhaps even with the addition of "Spirit of the Alamo", which Duke also did that year, and give us, the viewing public what we are entitled to - complete versions of all our beloved movies, and not a cut rate edition. Surely the studio could come up with some archival footage re the Premiere of the Picture, maybe even an expanded two disk set - just like they have with other notable Hollywood epics.
The Director's cut on VHS is the one with five stars
Rating: 
Summary: Cut, slash, and run baby!
Review: This movie is just great...period. The frictional dynamic between John Wayne, Widmark, and Laurence Harvey, all fighting for the same cause has never been duplicated. Before or since.I can't believe they are remaking this classic. And when I saw that Billy Bob Thornton was picked to play Crockett I almost fell out of my chair laughing. I dont think so! This is an immortal film. One of the very few that still brings a tear. And the DVD does justice to the original theatrical release. 5 Coonskins.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: Before I write my short review, I will follow up on reviewer kgh from San Antonio Texas and his mention of James Bowie marrying at San Antonio's San Fernando Cathedral. The following is the translated entry of that marriage which appears in the 1831 San Fernando Cathedral marriage book. The marriage was performed by a Mexican priest...note the spelling of the names which the priest entered. They would spell unfamiliar words as they sounded to them. Parenthetical information inserted by translator John Ogden Leal, former Bexar County Archivist. Entry 338, page 48, April 29, 1831...BUY,(Bowie) Don Santiago, (James), from Lusiana, (Lousiana) of America of the North, legitimate son of Don Ramon Buy (Bowie) and Dona Alvina Yons, (Jones), to Dona Ursula de Beramendi of this city, legitimate daughter of Don Juan Martin de Beramendi and Dona Maria Josefa Navarro. Godparents: her parents the Beramendis. Witnesses: Don Jose Angel Navarro and Don Juan Francisco Bueno. The translator went on to list Father Refugio de la Garza as the priest who performed the marriage. As for "The Alamo", any fan of John Wayne films will love this one. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is short on historical fact, but aren't most films, those based on historical events? Perhaps with the exception of "Apollo 13". The stirring music, the drama, the sequence of events, all brought together by Wayne. When one takes into account the historical significance of this monumental event so many years ago and combine it with all the above, we have one heck of a good film. Again, though not historically accurate, young viewers not familiar with the Alamo legend will get a good grasp of what happened that day in Texas history. I love it and highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Alamo as we'd like to remember it
Review: Hey, let's face it. This movie is NOT historically accurate. But is that such a bad thing? Since none of the men survived the attack, and since the accounts from surviving women and children (as well as Mexican soldiers) conflict in many respects, it is difficult to paint a truly accurate picture of what happened there. What matters, however, is the fact that the Alamo has become a symbol of Texan (and American) independence, of the spirit of sacrifice which makes our country great. The movie does an excellent job of portraying this. John Wayne shines as Davy Crockett. He is complemented by a terrific cast. And the set for this film (considering when it was made) is outstanding. The movie cover says Wayne spent a fortune on this set, trying to make it as accurate as possible (it's not accurate, but hey, it looks good). The battle is also very well done, and the hoards of charging Mexican troops add much to the overall effect of the film. This is not a 'factual' account of the battle of the Alamo; but, then again, do we REALLY want an accurate account? Some people think Davy Crockett surrendered, and that Bowie was killed while lying in bed (and NOT fighting). Personally, I enjoy the glorified image of the Alamo that this movie portrays--I think it does much to inspire and encourage us to stand up for what we believe, against all odds.
Rating:
Summary: A classic epic film!
Review: This is much more then just a western. It is a classic movie epic in the every way. The Duke turns out one of his best performances, as well as putting together this film. Richard Widmark is great as well. It is the wide release theatre edition of the film, so don't expect the longer directors cut. This film is one of the all time greats. It's a shame it didn't win Best picture in 1960. It is one of the greatest films ever made. Classic film buffs need this.
Rating:
Summary: A Duke Classic
Review: The Alamo is a true western/historical classic that John Wayne wanted to make for years before the actual release. The movie tells the story of the days leading up to and during the famous siege of the Alamo. Many people say it isn't accurate or its boring, but it is really anything but. The movie is full of patriotic speeches that at times slow it down, but they are still very enjoyable. As for historical accuracy, The Alamo goes on its own way. Many things seen in the movie never actually happened, but it contributes to the overall feeling of the picture. All the performances are truly great. John Wayne portrays Davy Crockett with Richard Widmark as James Bowie and Laurence Harvey as William Travis. The cast is full of Wayne regulars who also give great performances; Chill Wills, Patrick Wayne, Ken Curtis, Denver Pyle, Hank Worden, Chuck Robertson and many others. Other good parts include Joan O'Brien as Susannah Dickinson and Linda Cristal as Flaca, the woman who captures Crockett's heart. The only out of place actor is Frankie Avalon as Smitty, the youngest of the defenders of the Alamo. Overall, The Alamo is one of my all-time favorite movies. The set built in Bracketville is truly amazing. The final assault on the old mission is one of the best battle scenes ever made. The original, un-cut VHS version is much better than the DVD since it adds almost 30 minutes to the movie that are missing elsewhere. There are several scenes that are very interesting that I don't think should have been cut. However, the DVD does have an interesting documentary about the making of The Alamo. Excellent score by Dmitri Tiomkin, excellent performances, great battle scenes. Do not miss this movie!
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't even finish watching it....
Review: Having seen the Alamo many times (at least 25) I was glad to see it out on DVD. Since am upgrading from VHS, I bought it. Put it in and soon realized that they had put the basic version on the disc. I took it out and haven't touched it since. Keep hoping they will release the good (Director's Cut} Version soon.
Rating:
Summary: The Alamo
Review: Contrary to all those who think accuracy is paramount, might I remind them that entertainment is Hollywoods bill of fare. Yes, "The Alamo" is a cheesy film, full of this and full of that, but it's entertaining, and that's what counts. As a San Antonian, no one knows the impact of the Alamo. People from afar may suggest this and that, but unless they live in this city, have been to the Alamo, please.. John Wayne and Davy Crockett have nothing in common, nor do Jim Bowie and Richard Widmark. But their portrayals were good, it was and is, an entertaining film. By The way, Jim Bowie married his wife at our San Fernando Cathedral, which is still an fully operating Catholic church. History? Come here, see it, live it... Enjoy the movie for what is is, not for what historians might think it should be. Let that for PBS.... And regardless, some 170+ men died at the Alamo...remember them as those who fought for Texas's freedom.... I am also reminded of something a great producer in Hollywood said, "Movies are for entertainment, messages are for Western Union". In other words, enjoy the entertainment...
Rating:
Summary: You're in bad shape when the VHS tape is better than the DVD
Review: Not to belabor the obvious, but what dummy decided to put the short version of this movie out on disc, when the full version is availible on lousy VHS from the same company? Gimme a break!
Rating: 
Summary: Good but. . .
Review: I saw this film when first released way back when. While John Wayne wanted to do a definitive account of the Alamo, this unfortunately was not it. Any film depicting a historical event is always subject to new facts being uncovered and this one is no exception. Much shown is based on fact and much is Hollywood embellishment. Either way it is a good movie. The only problem with it is, why did they release the theatre version instead of the Director's Cut (as the VHS version is). You buy the DVD thinking it would be better than the older tape version, but not this time but I bought it anyway. You should too.
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