Help! [Import]

I'm reviewing the deluxe box set, not the standard 2-DVD set priced at $20-something. The box is lavish: the director's script reproduced (including his notes), a colour hardcover book full of photos, 8 lobby cards and a movie poster (both reproductions) all housed in a sturdy slipcase. It's hard to argue against the package. My only wish is a director's commentary on the DVD and a few more extras on the bonus DVD, like vintage newsreels and outtakes. The remastering is superb: superb colours, clean image, strong contrast, crisp 5.1 sound.

HELP! is not as good a movie as A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, but the package is superior. The movie is still enjoyable, though the story is thin even silly.

Now the price: At $130+, it costs way too much for what you're getting. Take a look at other movie box sets and you'll find that HELP! costs twice as much as all others. Easily. I bought my box second-hand for $60 (like new). I was lucky. If you see this box for under $60, go for it. Above that -- that's your call.

This is advice for die-hard Beatlefreaks. For casual fans, pick up the standard 2-DVD set. It's worth the money.

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Original review Oct 5, 2007...

HELP! is a classic movie and no doubt this remaster will be a huge upgrade in quality, picture wise and especially sound wise because of the new surround 5.1 mixes. But to charge an ARM & BOTH LEGS for this "limited edition" package is just plain greed on the part of Apple Corps.

Granted, this is a nicely put together package, but it shouldn't be priced at more than $60. I'll be buying the regular edition instead.

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Updated Jan 21, 2008.....

BUYER BEWARE: Amazon is posting the same reviews for the regular edition of HELP! which sells for about $22 and the "deluxe" edition which they are selling for over $100! The two discs in each version are EXACTLY the same. So even with the cheaper "regular" edition, you get ALL the same material of this great movie. And it's well worth it, the remastering is excellent - the video quality is fantastic and the remixed 5.1 surround sound is stunning.

The only difference between the two editions is that the "deluxe" box comes with some additional goodies: a book of the script, a poster and some promotional lobby cards all packaged in a big box. Granted, all very nice and well presented but not worth anywhere near the $100+ price tag.

Think about it: you're paying almost $80 for a book and some new "memorabilia". Is it worth it? Would you pay that price to buy those items separately? I think not. Get the regular edition instead and send a message to APPLE: price your product fairly and we'll buy it. The deluxe edition of HELP! should not be priced more than $50-$60 tops. Speak up now or else when LET IT BE is finally released, the "collector's edition" will be $300.

I was about 13 or 14 years old when I first saw "Help" at our theatre. I screamed like everyone else! Now I am 60 and it seems a bit silly, but good for a laugh!