Titanic [VHS]

Having garnered 11 Academy Awards in 1998, a reported production budget of over US$200 million (thus making news headlines in 1997) and earning over US$1 billion in box-office receipts worldwide (quite a percentage of those are due to repeated theatrical viewings), Titanic (1997) has finally been given the enhanced DVD edition many have been looking for.Having "suffered" a mediocre vanilla (single) DVD release in 1999, the title has finally been given better treatment (better film-to-video transfer and extensive bonus materials) by Paramount Home Entertainment for Region 1 or regions using the NTSC video system and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (Other regions or regions using the PAL video system) before 2005 ends.Paramount Home Entertainment will be releasing a single 3-disc Special Collector's Edition (SCE) for Region 1 (US) whilst Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will be releasing 2 editions: 2-disc Special Edition (SE) and 4-disc Deluxe/Definitive Collector's Edition (DCE) for the international markets.On Disc 1 & 2 of 2-disc SE (R2/R4), 3-disc SCE (R1) and 4-disc DCE (R2/R4)The feature film Titanic (1997) will be split onto first 2 discs (as per LOTR Special Extended Edition sets) when the enhanced DVD edition is release during the months of Oct - Dec 05 worldwide due to the limitation of the DVD format.For all editions of all regions, the feature film (HD transfer) is presented in 16 x 9 Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35 : 1) with the usual Dolby Digital Surround EX 5.1 soundtrack, there is also the DTS-ES 6.1 soundtrack included. Hopefully, the part of the feature film on the first disc ends on the appropriate scene for a short toilet/snack break.The bonus materials included in the first 2 discs of the DVD set (Applicable for all regions) are listed as follows:3 AUDIO COMMENTARIES WITHDIRECTOR, JAMES CAMERON (Run Time 194m 46s)CAST (Kate Winslet & Gloria Stuart) AND CREW (Producer Jon Landau and Executive Producer Rae Sanchini) (Run Time 153m 47s)HISTORICAL LOOK ON TITANIC BY DON LYNCH & KEN MARSCHALL (Run Time 194 min 46s)BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE VIA BRANCHING (Run Time 62m 16s) / Spread over first 2 feature discs.POD 01 - DEEP DIVEPOD 02 - UPSIDE-DOWN - WRECK MINIATUREPOD 03 - ESCONDIDO UNDERWATER SETPOD 04 - TWO ROSESPOD 05 - SINKING SIMULATIONPOD 06 - 1912 - MORPH TRANSITION VFXPOD 07 - SOUTHAMPTON FLOPPOD 08 - A VIEW FROM THE PUB VFXPOD 09 - LEAVING PORT VFXPOD 10 - MELTING POTPOD 11 - THE MILLIONAIRE'S SUITEPOD 12 - THE ENGINE ROOMPOD 13 - TITANIC AT SEAPOD 14 - DIGITAL PEOPLEPOD 15 - THE MILLION DOLLAR SHOTPOD 16 - THE BIG EXTERIOR SHIP SETPOD 17 - ROSE SUICIDEPOD 18 - BIG SHIP SET VFXPOD 19 - TUX STORYPOD 20 - THE GRAND STAIRCASEPOD 21 - COSTUME DESIGNPOD 22 - FIRST CLASS DINING ROOMPOD 23 - DINNER SHOOTPOD 24 - THIRD CLASS PARTYPOD 25 - A WOMAN'S PLACEPOD 26 - THE ETIQUETTE KIDPOD 27 - THE BOILER ROOMPOD 28 - FLOODING HOLD MINIATUREPOD 29 - ICEBERG/DECK VFXPOD 30 - BOILER ROOM FLOODINGPOD 31 - FIRST CLASS LOUNGE MINIATUREPOD 32 - SHOOTING IN STEERAGEPOD 33 - KATE'S ACTION COSTUMEPOD 34 - CRANE AS HELICOPTERPOD 35 - LIFEBOATS 13 & 15POD 36 - FLOODED FIRST CLASS DINING ROOMPOD 37 - STAGE 2 SINKING SETPOD 38 - FAKING A TILTPOD 39 - THE SINKING RISERPOD 40 - SHIP EXTENSIONSPOD 41 - FALLING FUNNELPOD 42 - GRAND STAIRCASE FLOODINGPOD 43 - MINIATURE HALL FLOODINGPOD 44 - JUMPING STUNTSPOD 45 - TILTING POOP DECKPOD 46 - DECK SLIDERSPOD 47 - DIGITAL STUNT PEOPLEPOD 48 - SINKING VIDEOMATICPOD 49 - SHIP SPLIT MINIATUREPOD 50 - VERTICAL POOP DECK STUNTSPOD 51 - THE TOILET PAPER SHOTPOD 52 - FINAL PLUNGE VFXPOD 53 - UNDERWATER GREENSCREENPOD 54 - INTERIOR TANK SHOOTPOD 55 - BREATH SHOTSPOD 56 - EXTERIOR TANK SHOOTPOD 57 - ICE MAKEUPPOD 58 - OPEN LIFEBOATS AND THE CARPATHIAPOD 59 - CARPATHIA MEDALPOD 60 - THE FINAL SHOTPOD 61 - MAKING THE MUSIC VIDEOMY HEART WILL GO ON MUSIC VIDEO (Run Time 4m 42s)ALTERNATE ENDING "BROCK'S EPIPHANY" WITH OPTIONAL COMMENTARY BY JAMES CAMERON (Run Time 9m 15s)Bonus Materials on Disc 3 (R1) and Disc 3 or 4 (R2/R4)29 DELETED SCENES (COMPLETE SCENES WITH FINISHED EFFECTS) WITH OPTIONAL AUDIO COMMENTARY (Run Time 45m 57s)#1 - I'LL BE THE FIRST#2 - ROSE FEELS TRAPPED#3 - BROCK'S DILEMMA/ ROSE VISITS THIRD CLASS#4 - ROSE'S DREAMS#5 - COME JOSEPHINE...#6 - EXTENDED SNEAKING TO FIRST CLASS#7 - EXTENDED ESCAPE FROM LOVEJOY#8 - A KISS IN THE BOILER ROOM#9 - WIRELESS ROOM/ THE CALIFORNIAN#10 - HOW 'BOUT A LITTLE ICE?#11 - FLIRTING WITH ICE#12 - THE FIRST S.O.S.#13 - ISMAY PANICS#14 - MOLLY BROWN'S ROWING SCHOOL#15 - IRISH HOSPITALITY#16 - IDA STRAUS WON'T LEAVE#17 - FAREWELL TO HELGA#18 - BOAT SIX WON'T RETURN#19 - RELEASE THE HOUNDS#20 - ROSE GETS A HUSBAND'S LETTER#21 - JACK AND LOVEJOY FIGHT#22 - GUGGENHEIM AND ASTOR#23 - I'M NOT GOING#24 - CORA'S FATE#25 - EXTENDED JACK AND ROSE IN THE WATER#26 - OUT OF THE QUESTION#27 - HOW DARE YOU!#28 - CHINESE MAN RESCUE#29 - EXTENDED CARPATHIA SEQUENCE1912 NEWS REEL WITH OPTIONAL COMMENTARY BY ED MARSH (Run Time 2m 11s)CONSTRUCTION TIMELAPSE SEQUENCE WITH OPTIONAL COMMENTARY BY ED MARSH (Run Time 4m 19s)DEEP DIVE PRESENTATION NARRATED - BY JAMES CAMERON (Run Time 15m 29s )TITANIC CREW VIDEO (Run Time 17m 26s)A SHIP'S ODYSSEY (THE TITANIC CREW VIDEO)SHIP'S TOUR MONTAGE WITH OPTIONAL COMMENTARY BY ANDERS FALK (Run Time 7m 33s)VIDEOMATICS AND VFX (Run Time 8m 38s)VIDEOMATICS INTRODUCTIONSINKING SEQUENCEDEEP DIVEVFX SHOT BREAKDOWN: "ENGINE ROOM"VFX HOW-TO FOR "I'M FLYING"VFX HOW-TO FOR "FIRST CLASS LOUNGE"TITANIC SINKING SIMULATIONSTILL GALLERIESTITANIC SCRIPTMENTSTORYBOARD SEQUENCESPRODUCTION ARTWORKPHOTOGRAPHSKEN MARSCHALL'S PAINTING GALLERYBY THE NUMBERSBIBILOGRAPHYBREAKING NEW GROUND - THE MAKING OF TITANIC TV Special (Run Time 42m 50s)TITANIC FEATURETTES - ELETRONIC PRESS KIT (Run Time 18m 10s)NEWSPOD #1: STORY FOCUSNEWSPOD #2: ACTOR FOCUSNEWSPOD #3: BUILDING THE SHIPNEWSPOD #4: POPULATING THE SHIPNEWSPOD #5: SINKING THE SHIPNEWSPOD #6: JAMES CAMERON FOCUSNEWSPOD #7: DEEP DIVE FOCUSCONCEPT POSTERS AND ONE SHEETSBonus Materials Exclusive to 4-Disc (R2/R4) Release - Not Applicable for Region 1 ReleaseHBO FIRST LOOK THE HEART OF THE OCEAN (Run Time 27m 30s)TITANIC IN 30 SECONDS WITH BUNNIES (Run Time 0m 47s)MTV MOVIE AWARDS TITANIC SKIT (Run Time 4m 21s)TITANIC (1997) S.E. - EASTER EGG - SNL SKIT WITH BILL PAXTON AND JAMES CAMERON (Run Time 4m 47s)TRAILERS & TEASERS IN WIDESCREEN OR FULL FRAME (Approximately 25 minutes)TITANIC TV SPOTS IN FULL FRAME (Run Time 5m 26s)DESTINYOPPOSITE WORLDSKNOW THE LEGENDNOTHING YOU EXPECTHEART WILL GO ONSEE IT AGAIN:15HONOREDTITANIC - SINKING SIMMULATIONRTLT TV SPOT - GERMANSOUND QUALITY2-DISC SET - 2.0 / 5.1 / 6.1 DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND WITH DTS3-DISC SET - 2.0 / 5.1 / 6.1 DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND WITH DTS4-DISC SET - 2.0 / 5.1 / 6.1 DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND WITH DTSPICTURE QUALITY2-DISC SET - WIDESCREEN ANAMORPHIC 2.35:13-DISC SET - WIDESCREEN ANAMORPHIC 2.35:14-DISC SET - WIDESCREEN ANAMORPHIC 2.35:1

I recall feeling so strongly positive towards only two other films in my life, after seeing them initially, and those moments were after seeing "Apocalypse Now" back in 1980 and "Close Encounters" back in 1977. "Titanic" became the third and like the previous two, it has remained a definite top ten for me at the very least. While I did not care for the "Redux" version of Apocalypse Now, or the various versions of CE3K, DVD's for purchase which contain all the good parts of both, are available and this particular Titanic DVD adds TONS of extra goodies, making it a must buy for any fan or even semi-fan of the film. And at a great Amazon price. In fact, I did buy this DVD and sent it off as a gift to my sister, who loves the movie as much as me.For all of its hype, awards, and budget (over $200 million), in many ways, this is a very "personal" film from director James Cameron (Terminator 2, The Abyss, Aliens, etc.), and never do the eye-popping special effects (of which there are plenty) get in the way of the very special adventure and exquisite and deep "love story" being told. That utterly and unashamedly romantic aspect, despite what some may think of such a blockbuster "disaster" movie, is at the heart of "Titanic," and it is as powerful, convincing, and passionate, as the actual FX representation of the sinking of the ship, which only begins halfway through the movie itself. Both halves however, stand on their own, and neither is less compelling and involving for the viewer. Add the two together, and what you've basically got is over three hours of absolutely spellbinding entertainment. To see "Titanic" in a way, is not so much like watching a movie, as it is to "experience" the best that cinema can possibly offer.I will not attempt to summarize the plot here (ship sails, ship sinks, okay?), to list various technical aspects of the production, nor even dwell on the historical event this fictional film uses as a backdrop for the story it tells. Such information can be found elsewhere. And what has been said since its release by fans, has not already been said? My only purpose is to present my astonishment in this work, how like the original Apocalypse Now and Close Encounters (and a few other top ten films on my list including 2001, The Apartment, The Music Man, etc.), this is basically just a perfect Hollywood film, frame to frame, and scene to scene. And to encourage anyone who loves this movie to buy this extra-packed DVD goodie.Throughout, director Cameron's techniques seem flawless. It really does seem as if every piece of film, every scene, was carefully shot and edited in as exacting, interesting, accurate, involving, and exhilarating manner as possible. In addition, James Horner's brilliant music (in many different styles to boot) gives virtually every scene, regardless of the content, extra depth, feeling, and romance. Not to mention the great title tune hit, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. The theme of the song reverberates throughout the film and I'd strongly suggest buying the film's soundtrack as well.The movie is fascinating and completely involving from start to finish and even its three hour plus length is something almost unnoticed. The characters, the suspense, the beauty of the cinematography and sets, the great acting by the leads, and the lavish and achingly romantic triumphs and tragic story themes explored throughout are all first rate. And they only bring to mind just a few adjectives I can only think of when recommending with five stars (though it deserves ten) this masterpiece, "extraordinary," "spectacular," "breathtaking," and simply unforgettable. Despite it all, this movie does one other thing which makes it deserve my highest praise. It brings back memories of my aging, sick mom (RIP), this being the last movie I saw with her in a theater. And my main memory of that is that at the end, both of us clapped out loud, and cried.Finally, perhaps the most astonishing thing about the film however, is the power and almost cosmic taste Cameron gives to what amounts to a simple, old-fashioned (and done before), "love story." Imparting a positive, life-affirming, almost logical/rational attitude on the whole concept of romantic love itself, which is something sorely lacking in so many "modern" movies, the film often takes on an almost surreal tone on passion and desire many times throughout. None of it however, comes off in any way as "preachy" or sugary-sweet and phony. True love and its mysterious veneration for the mundane and ordinary, is treated with reverence, understanding, and subtlety by Cameron in virtually every moment.I have a feeling it will be many more years before we see such cinematic gold like this again from the studio system. And this took the combined power and money of two studios to even produce. However, I do hope that if and when Hollywood (as it inevitably must) tries something like this again, it will remember that the real power behind this particular film, has less to do with the fantastic effects or the obvious money spent to pull this off on screen, and more to do with the story and explicit/hidden, almost philosophical meanings and implications."Titanic" is, in the highest sense of the word, not merely great entertainment throughout, but great ART. This is a treasured gem, more valuable in spirit than the heart-shaped, priceless blue diamond "Rose" leaves with "Jack" in the end, somewhere at the bottom of the ocean. For its main message is clear. True love is invaluable and "goes on." Perhaps even (wishing my mom luck in reconnecting with her own Jack, and my father in any afterlife), truly forever. A transcendent classic, and an undeniable must-buy for any fan of the movie with a still-functioning DVD player and "soul."