Customer Reviews

King Kong (Deluxe Extended Edition) (3DVD)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I grew up loving the early ape films King Kong (1933) and Mighty Joe Young (1949). King Kong is a classic retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story and the original was groundbreaking in its use of special effects. Remaking a classic will always attract harsh critics.

For me, a lover both of classic films and of modern science fiction, I place King Kong (2005) among the best films I have seen in years. In the cinema, this was a true spectacle to behold. The action and CGI special effects were astounding. Peter Jackson took a fairly sparse story and fleshed it out. I appreciated the longer back-story to the characters in New York prior to the sea voyage to Skull Island.

The exposure of themes relating to racism, animal and ecological abuse, and treatment of women was obvious, but not preachy. Despite this being an action film, these themes seemed to me as large as Kong was himself.

Jackson tweaked the storyline a bit and improved on the original. The introduction of the writer (Brody) as love interest instead of the ship captain made more sense and was simply a better story. With the original film, I was quite moved as a kid when Kong died. With this version, I was at least as moved or more as an adult. The relationship with Kong and Ann was portrayed better. I believed that they had made a bond with each other. The moment of Kong's demise is one of the most touching moments I have seen in a film in years.

Finally, James Newton Howard's soundtrack is quite moving, with beautiful, stirring melodies befitting this grand film. Worth listening to in its own right. I would have liked to watch the film with an isolated music score. Unfortunately, this was not included as an option on any edition so far.

Editions:
Two-Disc Special Edition (2006)
For the collector, this included the Production Diaries and several bonus features. A must-have if you love this film and want more background information.

3-Disc Deluxe Extended Edition (2006)
There is no overlap to what is on the 2-disc version, so this was a worthwhile second purchase for me. I enjoyed seeing the deleted scenes. The slightly longer (13 min.) version was intereresting to see. I especially wanted the audio commentary track. No regrets here for having bought both the 2-disc and 3-disc versions, because they each offered different material.

No matter how many times I watch this movie, I love it every time. I really like Naomi Watts, she gives a most affective performance, her eyes tell the audience everything she's feeling.I also follow Adrien Brody's career. The special affects were simply amazing. The DVD came quickly in the mail, much quicker than I expected, in fact, and it was in excellent condition. His prices were much more than reasonable. I would order from this dealer in the future, certainly.

Had the DVD witch was already very good.But on Bluray, it's a new level !
Sometimes Blurays can be disapointing compare to the original DVD.
But in this case,WOW ! Picture is amazing and so is the sound.Big difference from original DVD.
If you a nice home-theater system,then go ahead and spoil yourself you wont be disapointed.

I was reading the reviews by others and realised, most of them seemed to have the reasoning of someone under 13, so I think it was time a proper review was written. I am bias, because I do really enjoy this movie, however I can give you an idea of why. First of all, I am a fan of King Kong (1933), and that's what this movie is. A fan movie. It was made by the ultimate King Kong fan (peter jackson) for himself. It's like reading the novel of your faverate movie, where you get more information and story then is in the movie. In this case it's an expanded and updated version of the 1933 classic, and goes perfectly with it. If you are not a fan of King Kong 1933, or you've never seen it, then this movie could seem drawn out and slow. Part of the reason of that is because it's told like an old story, slowely building to the action with alot of character development, something I really apreciate in a movie these days. if your a fan of this period as well (since it is a period piece set in 33) then you'll probably enjoy it. It opens with an Al Jolson song and Vaudville acts which is just wonderful. The large pans of New York are fantastic (note, the bigger the tv you can see this on, the better... the theater was amazing). My final point will be, if you like this movie, that's great, if you don't alright, but it does not mean this is not a well made movie for 2006 cinima.

To be honest, I did not really expect much from King Kong, finding the whole idea of remaking a "classic" -- if somewhat melodramatic original movie -- hardly inspired or interesting.

What a great and pleasant surprise. Think adventure and outdoor spectacle on par with the best of the Jurasic Park movies (especially the first), as well as excellent acting by the female lead, as well as very good acting by the others, including King Kong... Simply a magical and engaging movie, in spite of a few some shortcomings, that is what big budget Hollywood aspires to be!!

I took a ten-year old boy (family friend - there's nothing sordid about this review!)to see this film in the theatre. I am sure my enjoyment of the film was heightened by his presence, because the thing is custom-made for a 10 year old boy to love, and it was obvious to me that this was a seminal film moment in the kid's life. But aside from that, I have to admit that I quite enjoyed it. Like the LOTR films there were some moments that could have been cut. And there was far too much doey-eyed slo-mo reaction shots (this time from Naomi Watts, instead of Elijah Wood). But all in all, I am flabbergasted at how much depth Jackson was able to give to a film that, essentially, is about a giant monkey climbing the Empire State building. I found it to be a helluva lot of fun. And the sequences atop the Empire State building are (especially on the big screen) spellbinding. I actually felt some vertigo at one point and had to look away. I don't know of any film that's ever had that effect on me.

The extras on this are actually quite monotonous, saving the best stuff for the separately released "Production Diaries".

B E S T M O V I E C R E A T E D !

This site is filled with users who are judging this film ridiculously. Its pretty pathetic.

This movie is long......but so what? The first hour maybe not have Kong in it but its definately not boring. Actually, the first half is developed well enough that it could stand as it own film.......

Why complain? People must have the attention span of flees.

-Great story and acting, mindblowing action and effects......almost terrific on all counts.

It a great film which is definately worth a purchase. You'll thank me later.

I have already posted a review, but I have the need to ask, why are the reviews so low? I mean, it is a great film and I can't imagine any bad things about this film! It isn't average, it isn't bad, it is groundbreaking!!!!!!! Please, get those reviews up!!!!!

an amazing film bar none amazing fx even though the first hour is slow it is still enjoyable and also when kong gets it is great awesome climax at the end i love the three way trex fight!!!!!

What can I say this movie was awesome. I love the soundtrack and I am getting the Collectors Edition and the Soundtrack. This is my favourite movie of all time why? Because there's so many things in the movie that no movie can beat. If you haven't seen this or bought this than you don't want to miss another day more. Peter Jackson is a Genious and so is the Performer James Newton Howard for making such a wonderful Soundtrack. Go buy this movie or Soundtrack or both. I truly will be a King Kong fan FOR LIFE!!
And I bet you will become one too :]