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Summary: Oh, by the way...
Review: This DTS version DOES have the Kostner/Wilson commentary soundtrack that is contained in the non-DTS version. It also has both the Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks to chose from. What it doesn't have is non-english soundtracks. A small price to pay...
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Summary: This DVD is Awesome!!
Review: I already loved the movie and have seen it a number of times. But this is the first time I have seen it in DTS format (in my home, that is). The experience is awesome. You can definately tell the difference. In the prarie scenes, you can hear the wind and wildlife around you. When it is raining, it sounds like you are in the rain. I did an A/B comparison in several scenes between the DTS and Dolby Digital soundtrack, and the DTS soundtrack blows Dolby away. The only drawback of this DTS version of Dances with Wolves is that it comes on two disks. However, that's a small price to pay in my book for the superior quality. By the way, the AMAZON site doesn't say so, but this edition comes in Anamorphic Widescreen(16:9 enhanced), which is also a big plus. Bottom line, if you have the DTS equipment, this is definitely a buy!
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Summary: the dts version is impressive
Review: Having enjoyed this film in theaters when it was originally released, I was anxious to pick up the DVD to add to my collection. That left me with a decision to make, DTS or Dolby Digital? For those who have the appropriate equipment and really care to enjoy the true sound of this film, I strongly recommend the DTS version. I recently performed a comparison, between the 2 available digital surround sound formats of the DVD to see if I could notice anything. The difference was quite profound. I have to admit I was amazed at the clarity, and overall improved sound I found with the DTS version. Both editions sounded great, but if you like a true theater like experience, the DTS version is far superior. In case you were wondering, no I don't work or own stock in DTS.
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Summary: What is going on here???
Review: I am in a quandry - I have "Dances" on VHS, but it certainly deserves DVD treatment, being one of the absolute best movies of the 1990's. I have been waiting for the expanded edition, having never seen it. Now that it's released, I do not see any mention of a commentary, as the other version has. I think the commentary by Costner, and Jim Wilson would be fascinating, but have no intention of buying BOTH versions on DVD....Why must we choose between the commentary and the extra footage?!?! Which marketing genius came up with that one?
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Summary: The Way the West Was, Son
Review: "Dances" shows us quite a different West than the one John Wayne entertained us with in so many of his films. This one has the drama of real life and the historical truth of Dee Brown's book, "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee." The South Dakota location reinforces what it must have felt like to live at that time as so much of South Dakota remains unchanged. The scenery in this film is the reason that I have invested in DVD format. Even though this film was not released in DVD when I purchased my machine, I knew that someday it would be. The widescreen format is the only way to experience the impact or "snap" of the original work. I have been viewing the VHS version for years, often after visiting the areas in South Dakota where this epic was filmed, and its simply not the same as DVD. The cinematographer uses his full field of view when he composes each shot, and anything less is a poor compromise, especially in "Dances With Wolves." One of the special features of this release is a version of the film with voice-over commentary by Kevin Costner and Producer Jim Wilson. Their recollections of how the film was made are fascinating. It is interesting to learn of the historical details that were observed and how they were challenged to incorporate them on a tight budget. I found that even as many times as I have seen this film, I did not see many of the ones that Costner and Wilson revealed (such as the epaulet shot from Dunbar's shoulder in the opening Civil War sequence). This is truly a DVD experience not to be missed.
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Summary: Everyone should give this movie a chance
Review: I've recommended others should see this and a few of them have said they think it's too boring to watch. I think if you just concentrate on the movie, you end up getting drawn by the cinematography, the sound track, the acting, etc. Costner was excellent in this film.
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Summary: A Very GOOD movie
Review: While I agree that Kevin Costnor and Mac Donald did a wonderful JOB, I have to say WHAT ABOUT THE INDIANS! ! ! Once again. Graham Green (Kicking Bear) The Medicine Man. Was great! So was FLOYD Westernman The Chief. And Rodney GRANT! ( wind in his hair) The movie is riveting and exciting. The story told the Indian side very well, but still not completely. However, Kevin Costner took a chance and did a great job. I think everyone will love this movie.----Chief Eaglefeather Sancarlos
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Summary: FANTASTIC ,AMAZING,HEARTWARMING,INTERESTING...
Review: PRYOR PLANNING PREVENTED THIS MOVIE FROM FAILING COSTNER AND MC DONALD'S CARECTORS FIT RITE INTO THE TIMESPACE OF THIS DRAMA AS WAS CONTINUSLY UNFOLDING...IT WAS JUST LIKE BEING THERE AS A THIRD PARTY...BEING A PART OF WHAT WAS GOING ON .. MY HATS OFF TO THE SCREEN WRIGHTERS OF THIS AMERICAN SAGA, NOTHING WAS LEFT OUT ALL PARTS WERE PLAYED SEPERBLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR A FOLLOWUP MOVIE WHICH COULD BE AS VERY MUCH A HIT AS THIS ONE WAS. THANK YOU FOR GREAT INTERTAINMENT. UNCLEDAVE.
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Summary: One of the Most memoriable movies of this decade.
Review: Dances with Wolves is a classic story of rugged individualism and romance. The story's theme is rooted in the acceptance of an American Soldier taken in by a tribe of Sioux interested in learning of the intentions of an expanding foreign nation. Deeply rooted in a belief that the Sioux Nation could endure conflict, as done by their ancestory with the Spanish Conquers hundreds of years before, they believe life will continue unchanged. The climatic tension is released, as the John Dunbar is hunted by a government who thinks he has turned traitor, as he and his bride flee from the army. One is left to reflect on a way of life deeply rooted in myth, nature, and appreciation of life and the poltics of power.
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Summary: Dances with Wolves is a major accomplishment.
Review: Ranked #75 on the American Film Institute's top 100 and having swept the Oscars in 1990, Kevin Costner's directorial debut of Dances with Wolves remains one of the most essential and ambitious films to explore the American Frontier. Certainly, I couldn't think of another film of this decade that has so masterfully wove the American West's history in a more compelling and earnest portrayal. While Costner's vision does askew to the romantic and sentimental disposition of the bond between a white man and Indians, the story is so authentically told and photographed that's hard not to be swept away to John Dunbar's last frontier. Image Entertainment does a magnificent job in honoring the film with this quality assured THX transfer. The first thing I notice are the astonishing details and colors of the presentation. Everything is just so vivid and vibrant, making the opening scene of John Dunbar's nearly amputated leg so much more gruesome. The quality of the near decade old 35mm print is still terrific, much of which I am sure due to the efforts by the dedicated folks at Image. There is no trace of digital artifacts or dirt particles to mar the presentation. Images are razor-sharp and colors are fully saturated without any hint of degradation. Shadow details are clearly defined with deep blacks that look fantastic against the starry night skies. The Panavision scope picture is perfectly framed at 2.35:1 and also 16x9 enhanced. The layer switch occurs at around 1:24 and is near seamless. Not many films can show the frontier as more vigorous and audacious than through the lenses of Australian photographer Dean Semler (City Slickers, Waterworld). He understood the force of the landscape and captured that spirit on the screen. Through his images, I can almost feel myself stepping onto the prairie and be overwhelmed with the isolation and beauty of it. Then there is the memorable buffalo hunt, which surely is one of the most thrilling sequences ever on film. The DVD features an exclusive multichannel soundtrack from the original audio stems found in England as a result of an exhaustive worldwide search by Image. None of the previous laserdisc recording features a Dolby Digital track. That effort is much appreciated as the 5.1 channels fully engages the listener. The Oscar winning score by John Barry just get better with time. The soaring orchestration opens up like the landscape and encompasses the emotions and experiences of Dunbar throughout his journey. The John Dunbar theme like the character is simple and noble. The rest of the score is equally accessible and not overly wrought. The recording easily produces a spacious environment and reaches a dramatic tension of rolling percussion during the Pawnee attack. Sound effects are well integrated with subtle discrete surrounds. Imaging is excellent such as the sound of arrows flying through air and striking the victim. The buffalo hunt takes the viewer out of the living room and onto the path of a stampeding herd. The exciting sequence actively involves all speakers with deep bass extension. Dialogue sounds natural and the Sioux dialogue is perfectly subtitled beneath the picture. The Special Edition comes with an immensely enjoyable commentary track by Kevin Costner and producer Jim Wilson. The three hours flew by quickly listening to them recounting experiences and telling anecdotes. Dances with Wolves is a major accomplishment and Costner's best effort to date. And like the film, everything just felt into place with this highly recommended DVD production from Image.
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