Rating: 
Summary: At long last . . . . . THE EXTENDED CUT ON DVD ! ! !
Review: I actually wasn't as impressed with this film as I was the first time I watched it (and no, it's NOT because this is the supposedly "inferior" extended cut, which is the only version of the film I have ever seen). While I previously considered DANCES WITH WOLVES flawless, I see one particularly annoying flaw now: almost every single white man aside from Kevin Costner is either portrayed as stupid, cruel, or just plain crazy. Now I know this movie is supposed to be from the Indians' point of view, but it's also from John Dunbar's (a white man, obviously). Then again, this also signifies that he never truly belonged the White Man's civilization, which is why he only found piece on the open prairie and among the Lakota Sioux. Even so, this little factor is still pretty annoying at times.That said, it is definitely Kevin Costner's best film to date (though I eagerly await his latest Western and third film as a director, OPEN RANGE). He is one of my favorite actors, and he does his finest work here. What's most impressive about the film is how realisitc it is. The world of the Native Americans comes to elegant life with incredible detail (and it only cost $18.5 million to make). The love story works incredibly well, and the cast is dazzling; you're truly transported back to the American West/Civil War. All this if further enhanced by John Barry's Oscar-winning musical score. Well, I guess all other reviewers have already stated everything there is to love about this film, so I'll concentrate on the actual DVD. I was awaiting MGM's Special Editon DVD with great enthusiasm. But I was somewhat disappointed. For starters, the picture quality is nothing to cheer about. While sometimes it is stunning, it is all-too-often blurry and hard to focus on any objects. The sound quality is fine, however, but still far from perfection. The extras on the second disc are also disappointing. The massive retrospective documentary on the making of the film is kind of slow at times, and not all that intriguing. And since this is the highlight of the extras, it's all the more crushing. I haven't listened to any of the two commentaries yet, however. Somehow I just haven't gotten around to listening to two four hour-long comentaries. Go figure. Overall: The whole reason to buy this DVD is, of course, the masterpiece film itself. And while the extras aren't the best in the world, since I got it for $$$$ at Target I'm not all that upset. Definitely worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: Changed my life
Review: OK, this movie isn't a religious experience or anything, though it came awfully close when I saw it back in '91. "Dances With Wolves" was, at that time, the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Ever. Its leisurely pace, the subtitles, the wide-open spaces, the landscapes ... the physical aspects alone of this movie were enough to turn my head completely around. To say nothing of the score, the photography, the writing, the characters, the acting, and Kevin Costner's lovely, skillful, controlled direction. To me, it was the be-all, end-all. I still love "Dances." Revisionists are now saying that Costner's great film is too slow, too self-important, too benign, too whatever. I'm not real big on the idea that there's this huge jealousy factor at work against Kevin Costner, but in this respect, I'd have to say that people just seem to have something against the man, and they seem to begrudge him even "Dances With Wolves." No matter. This is one of the best movies of the 1990s (or, I guess, late 1980s). It was obviously inspired by the great epics of the past (not the least "Lawrence of Arabia") and paved the way for "Unforgiven" and "Braveheart." Costner stumbled with "The Postman," and has made more than his share of terrible movies, but he's got the goods as a director. "Dances With Wolves" will more than stand the test of time.
Rating: 
Summary: DVD OPTIONS - DTS IS OUT THERE ...
Review: The Region 1 /2 SE versions are just a tad disappointing .Check out the Japanese/German editions if you can - 4 discs with both theatrical & extended versions in DTS & with full commentary . In english so don't worry there ! Only trouble is getting hold of them when you live where I do - England ! So why shortchange us Brits & you guys in the US with a second rate production .
Rating:
Summary: Warm Up For Oscar Night With This Best Picture Winner
Review: This review refers to the DVD edition(Image Entertainment) of "Dances With Wolves".... This film has everything you could ever want to be thoroughly swept away to antoher time and place. A period piece, set during the time of the Civil War, it has action, romance, adventure, a marvelous script,mesmerizing cinematography, and a score that will take your breath away. It's a three hour epic tale, that you may wish would never end. Kevin Costner leads a fine cast as Lt. John Dunbar, who's dreams of seeing the frontier before it vanishes is realized when he is assigned a deserted post with only a tribe of Sioux Indians as his neighbors. Dunbar and this tribe of peaceful and proud Sioux, are at first wary of each other, but eventually he is taken into the fold and becomes very much a part of their lives. The deep friendships and bonding that evolve, and the romance with "Stands With Fist"(Mary McDonell), a white woman raised by the tribe and is now very much a Sioux, are touching, poignant and even sometimes a little humorous. The adventures, and the heroism of both Dunbar and his new family will keep you involved the entire length of the film. The film won seven Academy Awards in 1990, including Best Picture and Best Director(Costner). The sweeping score by John Barry is so beautiful, you may just want to order the soundtrack as well.Dean Semler's photography are visions you won't soon forget(both of these also with Oscars for their work on the film). Fine performances by Graham Greene,Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman,Rodney Grant,Tantoo Cardinal really add to the authenticity of the time and place, and Maury Chaykin's appearance is always a welcome addition to any film. This DVD edition by Image presents a beautiful picture in widescreen and fabulous sound in Dolby Dig 5.1. There are subtitles throughout the film, as a good part of the dialouge spoken is Sioux, and the titles are clear and distinguishable. This edition does not include any special features, but there is also a special edition out that has many features and there is also an edition that is recorded in DTS. At this time, this one is only available through the merchants, the special edition is not too much more pricewise for what you get..but the choices are there for you. A great way to warm up for the upcoming Oscar season..enjoy...Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie - 237 Minute Version is FAR Superior.
Review: No movie before or since has gotten to me the way "Dances With Wolves" has (it would have been even better if some guy in the theater hadn't blurted out the climax: "Hey, this is the part where..." UGH!). Though not without its flaws (the idea of a white cavalry officer deserting to join a Sioux Indian tribe--and then actually succeeding--is a bit of a stretch in the historical context) the movie is so good that you don't care! This is what movie magic is all about, the suspension of disbelief, and Costner is a master here. The photography is breathtaking, the acting outstanding, and the musical score...well, I think it speaks for itself (BRILLIANT!). A truly remarkable picture, and when one considers this as Costner's directorial debut...WOW! Is it any wonder everything he has made since, regardless of its quality, has seemed anti-climactic? If you love epic tales that don't put you to sleep, this is the one. Also, if you haven't seen the Expanded Edition at 237 minutes you are truly missing out. I hope it is released on DVD soon. If this movie doesn't bring a tear to your eye then you need your heart examined! Five stars.
Rating:
Summary: I've waited for this DVD for years!
Review: Sit down and get comfortable, cause you're going to be there for the long haul. With an additional 56 minutes, the film is just under 4 HOURS LONG. Not that that's a bad thing. The original DVD is now out of print, and has been for some year or two now. When I heard that, I was shocked. This is one of the best films ever made, and at least with this one, the 'powers that be' took notice, and gave it 7 oscars. This is an epic of a film that sees John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) during the US civil war. He's given his choice of assignments, so he chooses Ft. Sedgewick, "the westernmost fort in the realm". He arrives to find it deserted. Dunbar begins interacting with the local Sioux indians in what is some of the best film ever shot. The characters are rich and full of life, and the indian culture is portrayed as both beautiful and violent. This film shows a different side of the indians than most other films, a very refreshing side. This DVD set contains TONS of extras, more than I could describe here. They are well worth the extra price, and make a great addition to the film. The added hour of footage gives more insight into the characters and really make this film better believe it or not. The scenes were originally cut for obvious film-length reasons. All that said, I feel that this film is one of the best movies ever made, and that everyone should watch it at least once. I think it gives a bit of insight into the plight of the native americans, and shows us how their culture existed in harmony with nature before Europeans came. There are many messages in this film. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.
Rating:
Summary: A Heartbreaking Journey into the Wilds of The Dakotas.
Review: Kevin Costner may have made some movie duds, but he makes of for it in sensational movies. Dances with Wolves is one of my most favorite films of all time. It is so sad. It makes you feel bad for settling in America. The film has great perfomances throughout the entire film. The plot takes you into another world. The cinematography is also some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The realism of the indian tribe and the way people lived in the 1800s is wonderful. Everyone should see this movie at some time in their lifetime, I highly reccomend it.
Rating:
Summary: Changed my life
Review: OK, this movie isn't a religious experience or anything, though it came awfully close when I saw it back in '91. "Dances With Wolves" was, at that time, the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Ever. Its leisurely pace, the subtitles, the wide-open spaces, the landscapes ... the physical aspects alone of this movie were enough to turn my head completely around. To say nothing of the score, the photography, the writing, the characters, the acting, and Kevin Costner's lovely, skillful, controlled direction. To me, it was the be-all, end-all. I still love "Dances." Revisionists are now saying that Costner's great film is too slow, too self-important, too benign, too whatever. I'm not real big on the idea that there's this huge jealousy factor at work against Kevin Costner, but in this respect, I'd have to say that people just seem to have something against the man, and they seem to begrudge him even "Dances With Wolves." No matter. This is one of the best movies of the 1990s (or, I guess, late 1980s). It was obviously inspired by the great epics of the past (not the least "Lawrence of Arabia") and paved the way for "Unforgiven" and "Braveheart." Costner stumbled with "The Postman," and has made more than his share of terrible movies, but he's got the goods as a director. "Dances With Wolves" will more than stand the test of time.
Rating:
Summary: MYTHOLOGY
Review: Indians are a favorite pet of the liberal establishment. "Dances With Wolves" is a fine movie. Most of them are. Nobody ever said these people are not brilliant. There is no real lie in "Dances" that I can see, but it does seem stylized. The Indians are pictured as peaceful, spiritual conservers of the land. Real-life Indians had every potential of being violent savages without anybody's prompting. Just ask the Mexicans who were systematically robbed by them every harvest until American mountain men with guns were recruited to provide a little security. The soldiers are dumbellionites, as are most of the whites that Kevin Costner "escapes" from in his effort to find the real West. While Indians certainly knew how to preserve the land, an act of necessity for them, they took plenty from it without replenishment. Whites stripped and mined the land, but they also came up with ingenious technologies that re-generated the land. STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM
Rating:
Summary: a worthy film to anyone's catalog
Review: Whether Kevin Costner likes it or not, his career will be inexorably tied to this masterpiece of cinematography. Written as a novel basically just for this film's screenplay by Michael Blake, this is a journey for all ages to see. There are attempts to validate the accuracy of the history or intention of this movie. I believe it would be missing the point. There are no villains or heroes (though Dunbar may be tried to be portrayed in such a light), just a view of how people of a different ethos try to survive amongst each other where suspicions and distrust run high.
As an actor, this is Kevin at his best. Though solid in 'Open Range', Dance With Wolves gave Costner more of a spectrum of emotion to handle. He dealt with many situations here with a believable sense of drama. I do have one tiny detail with his character. He speaks his narration like he is proof-reading his junior-high school essay. Very flat and monotone. But maybe it done that way to enhance the onscreen action. Who knows?
An intergal element to the movie was to cast exactly the right people to support the film. And no film in recent memory in my opinion handled that privilege better than here. Everyone from Kicking Bird, Stands With a Fist, Wind in His Hair right down to characters such as Smiles-A-Lot, Corporal Spivey and Black Shawl performed without flaw. The script enabled everyone to let their roles come alive.
The extended scenes not in the original release, while not essential, do heighten what Blake tried to get across in the story. More importantly, I did not feel the movie dragging with the additions. I like to think of it a more movie for the dollar.
The extras on the DVD are standard fare and do not penalize one's interest in the film's production. The people interviewed were frank and fun to listen to. So go ahead and pick up Dances With Wolves. It's a well-paced movie that lets a spare four hours go by regretlessly.
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