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Harry's CITIZEN KANE dvd Review

THE landmark film of all time...its importance cannot be denied. by waylayer	Sep 11th, 2001 07:55:37 PM

Its true that life goes on but, by nero_3k	Sep 11th, 2001 08:03:43 PM
is this really needed? Harry, if this is cathartic for you I can understand, but really is not something that is really important right not.
I think it is needed... by Huneybee	Sep 11th, 2001 08:25:52 PM
Some people may wonder why we visited a movie website after hearing of the news today but it was a perfectly natural response for me. People who lost family and friends were here, too. Life does go on and I think there are quite a few out there who need the distraction. What better way to refocus us and help us to escape the constant barrage of pictures? The terrorist attacks are not gone and not forgotten, but, in order to prevent becoming jaded and numbed by the images on television, we need a respite. Thank-you, Harry.____Bee
Not just cathartic... by JamieGuy	Sep 11th, 2001 08:34:05 PM
...I'd say necessary. On a day when we've seen one of the ugliest human acts imaginable, we discuss one of the most beautiful things ever created. Where else can we find hope?
Anyone else seen Welles' THE STRANGER? by Cash Bailey	Sep 11th, 2001 08:47:14 PM
That movie is so damn good. It's such a tragedy to go from the bliss of the LOTR footage reports and this review to the the most horrific act of violence in history.
how about using Citizen Kane as a background? by Amy Chasing	Sep 11th, 2001 09:07:02 PM
Dear Harry, many thanks for removing the ID4 background you used to have on this site (not just because of the recent attrocities, but also because it's not really a worthy film to display as a film-site's background image), but reading your review on the Citizen Kane DVD I had an idea.. The film was in b&w, your background is in b&w, and the current King Kong image might be taken the wrong way by some.. So why not use an image from one of the greatest films ever made? Just an idea.
Thanks, Harry by epitone	Sep 11th, 2001 09:09:19 PM
This is obviously one of the worst days in our history, and I really think the best way we can respond to it is by going on with our lives the best we can. Thanks, Harry, for helping us do that. The saliva-inducing images of that Citizen Kane disc are a nice break from the relentlessly depressing stuff I've been seeing today.
I hope Welles' unfinished films make it to DVD one day... by Stephen Dedalus	Sep 11th, 2001 09:14:47 PM
I would especially love to see the version of "Don Quixote" he shot on and off over a period of fifteen years. "The Other Side of the Wind," one of the most famous uncirculated (and probably unfinished) films of all time, has Bogdonavich in an acting role and even has a young Cameron Crowe as an extra. And will they ever release Welles' shamefully underrated European films, such as the excellent "Chimes at Midnight" and "The Immortal Story," on DVD? That would be great too.
You wanna see Welles do Shakespeare? by Stephen Dedalus	Sep 11th, 2001 09:17:34 PM
Then try and find "Chimes at Midnight." Yeah, I know, I mentioned it in my previous post, but I really need to highlight this one. Welles cast himself in the role he was born to play- Falstaff- and strung "Richard II," "Henry IV," "Henry V," and "The Merry Wives of Winsor" into one masterpiece. Great stuff.
ID4 background by Elwood Blues	Sep 11th, 2001 09:38:10 PM
That background was from ID4???? Damn, I wish I could see it now. The king kong was obvious, but I can't for the life of me picture the old image from ID4, I need to see it! Oh, and I like the King Kong background, I say keep it. Its a classic which is pure fun, and thats the main reason why we have films, they're fun.
"One of" the greatest films ever made? by Lazarus Long	Sep 11th, 2001 09:43:02 PM
Harry, the consensus has spoken over and over again. Polls of directors AND critics have continually given Citizen Kane the blue ribbon. Even the commercial-minded morons at the AFI didn't dare dethrone it. Its detractors only voice their negative Kane vibe so they can sound cooler than the rest of us (as if every filmmaker and filmgoer shouldn't be praying to a Welles idol daily in thanks). Don't interject your subjective "one of", because Citizen Kane will always be the film which all others are judged by. The film world will never again see as much pure genius as was present in Mr. G. Orson Welles. A 25-year old genius with nothing to lose will never again get carte blanche from a major studio for his debut film. A 25-year old genius with carte blanche will never possess the skills to act, write, produce, and direct all at once with such passion and skill. Citizen Kane was a shooting star of a film; there has been nothing like it since (Apocalyse Now comes the closest because of Coppola's free reign, but Coppola is no Welles), and I wouldn't be holding my breath watching the sky for another one. What the hell do YOU think is the best film ever, Harry? Bride of Frankenstein? RECOGNIZE!
I wish I ran a website so I could get free DVDs by IAmLegolas	Sep 11th, 2001 09:45:01 PM
I'd save a ton of money, that's for sure!
THE REAL QUESTION FOR HOLLYWOOD IN TODAY'S AFTERMATH IS WHAT ARE by mildewproduction	Sep 11th, 2001 10:47:09 PM
A terorist attack on the superbowl starring Ben Afleck. I forsee a push back to 2003.
Nero.. something to consider. by ILK	Sep 12th, 2001 12:23:43 AM
I will not attack you, that would be expected here. But in light of today's events, attacking anything is the last thing on my mind. (if you find that surprising, go to church or meditate sometime.. or go back to school) But I want to say that by making our lives come to a complete stop does no service to the victims or ourselves. It only serves the perpetrators of this act. I commend Harry for choosing this as the next big news. It (as has been noted already here) gives a feeling of hope in a time when all hope seems gone. It is an example of what humanity can achieve at it's best as opposed to it's worse. I can understand people being afraid, and I can even understand people being preoccupied with repeated replaying of this horrible terrorist act. It is simply human nature. Out of all of the human responses, however, fear seems to get us into the most trouble most of the time. Fear is a response in realtion to sudden or prolonged lack of understanding. Whether that thing we do not understand is that dark shadow lurking in a house that should be empty or the fear of possible additional attacks by terrorists. In many cases we are at our worst when WE are afraid. I was depressed today when the LA County fair was cancelled. Not because I had planned to visit, but instead because it meant our lives would not be moving on. We let these people put our lives on hold. And even if it is only for a day, it does more damage than good, causes more fear than respect and does nothing for the dead or injured. Nero, I do not say these things to attack you in any way. I just would like you to consider these concepts as I have considered yours even if we do not end up being in agreement. This, I believe , is an example for everyone. Thanks. .. .ILK
gfdh by camshaft60	Sep 12th, 2001 12:50:44 AM
dhf
To ILK by nero_3k	Sep 12th, 2001 05:58:53 AM
Last night, I post out of frustration. The reason more so than anything was becasue my wife was in Manhattan and I could not get her home, she is ok though. After reading the boards on another talk back I realize how lucky I am considering that some Talk Backers lost loved ones. I also realize that in the long run I probably needed Harrys review of the DVD. I was tired of crying. Hell, I realized what kind of geek I am. In a monment of overwhelming stress I run to AICN. Never intended to piss anyone off with my first post.
Nero... it's cool... by ILK	Sep 12th, 2001 09:25:58 AM
I got the feeling you were not just another idiot. We all react to tragedy in different ways. I'm glad to hear your loved ones and friends were not hurt. On the topic of Citizen Kane, I have to say I had no idea this was coming out and I am excited to finally own what could be a decent DVD of the film. What Harry didn't mention much was the quality of the transfer. Is it astounding? Average? Does it look too clean? I have noticed some older films that have been "restored" sometimes come off as almost TOO digital. Reminds me of the SHINY look that video used to have. I wish I could come up with a better description, but I have not slept yet since yesterday morning. Take care Nero, and all....
Citizen Kane.....two words....Bor-ing! by Scaught	Sep 12th, 2001 09:32:18 AM
Why does everyone put this movie on a pedestal and treat it like a God? It is a common fact that Showgirls is the single greatest movie of all time.
We need to stop pretending by Jack Burton	Sep 12th, 2001 10:33:32 AM
Why are we suddenly terrified of portraying terrorism on screen and TV? Why would a website remove its ID4 background in favor of another? If we continue to stick our heads in the sand and eliminate mention of terrorism from entertainment, and remove shots of the World Trade Center and Pentagon from entertainment media, we are doing a disservice to the men, women , and children that have died in these tragedies. If we ignore, and try to put it out of our mind, then we will forget. We should be reminded of those buildings. This should not be "sanitized for the fragile psyches of Americans". Everytime "Friends" shows a stock footage shot of the NYC skyline, I want to see the World Trade Center when it was visible. I want to feel the anger and fear again. I do not want to forget what happened yesterday. Last night I dug out a post card I bought at the World Trade Center a few years ago. I put it up on my bookshelf to remind me of what happened. That those buildings are gone forever. This is what the terrorists want, to affect our way of life. Do not allow that, no matter how trivial the change you make may be. My heart goes out to everyone personally affected by this tragedy.
Yes, we need some diversion by MrCere	Sep 12th, 2001 10:43:46 AM
Like everybody else here, I have been catching nearly 24-hour news coverage over the nation's crisis and I NEED a mental break from time to time. If there was a way to be in NY and help I would be, but since I cannot, I seek a little balance for me. Anyway, I was glad to read this review and I was glad yesterday to buy a LoTR cartoon DVD at my local shop. A whole hell of a lot better than nothing.
Kane is good, but not great by virkku	Sep 12th, 2001 02:09:40 PM
I have to say that Kane was technically a very slick movie and it had great acting, but storywise the film was lacking. It didn't have much narrative drive or anything interesting happening in general. The movie felt more like an experiment on narrative style, than a story that was meant to be told in as effective and emotionally involving manner as possible. Granted, the ending was terrific, but as a whole the story didn't have much effect on me. And since to me movies are more than anything else about telling emotionally involving stories, I find it hard to declare the film as the greatest of all time. It doesn't even belong to my top 200. - - - Also, it's bullshit to claim that some film is the best of all time as "fact". Movies can't possibly be critizised in an 100% objective manner. There is ALWAYS a subjective side to it as well. Do you claim that "Yesterdays" is the greatest song of all time as "fact" only because it has won countless of polls? How the hell can you even compare that song to songs of different genres? How can you compare for example "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" to "Citizen Kane"? Isn't it obvious that they are aiming for totally different things and can't really be compared?
RE: Tackleberry by virkku	Sep 12th, 2001 09:30:22 PM
Now you are giving too much credit for CK. Raider DID NOT copy it's premise and final shot from CK. Raiders took it's influence from old B-movie serials and it makes more sense to compare it's mcguffin for example to the holy grail and arthurian legends than CK. Both films have great final shots, but the context and content of those shots are totally different. BTW, just in case you misunderstood me, I did not claim that Raiders is a better film, the two are not comparable. I do LIKE Raiders more, but that's a whole another issue.
by Moonwatcher	Sep 13th, 2001 09:31:56 AM
If it's important for us to continue with our business, then I guess it's OK for Harry to keep bringing us cool news - and few things could be cooler than this. Especially glad that he mentioned Bernard Herrmann - easily the best composer of film music who ever lived. And while the films Harry mentioned are certifiable classics, you would do well to also check out Fahrenheit 451, Mysterious Island, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jason and the Argonauts, Taxi Driver, and the absolutely gorgeous The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, my nominee for best score never nominated. Each of these film scores deserves special recognition.
Life goes on... by Moonwatcher	Sep 13th, 2001 09:33:16 AM
If it's important for us to continue with our business, then I guess it's OK for Harry to keep bringing us cool news - and few things could be cooler than this. Especially glad that he mentioned Bernard Herrmann - easily the best composer of film music who ever lived. And while the films Harry mentioned are certifiable classics, you would do well to also check out Fahrenheit 451, Mysterious Island, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jason and the Argonauts, Taxi Driver, and the absolutely gorgeous The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, my nominee for best score never nominated. Each of these film scores deserves special recognition.
I love these 'Kane is good, but not great' posters by Wee Willie	Sep 13th, 2001 12:55:05 PM
Get a life, you 'tards.
Funny . . . by Andrew	Sep 13th, 2001 01:08:12 PM
Talk about a coincidence, Harry. I just saw Citizen Kane for the first time on September 11, the day you're writing this. America is, for the first time, the target of a coordinated terrorist attack and I'm finally watching Citizen Kane. A day of firsts.
Don't get down on Harry 'cause he said 'one of'... by Wee Willie	Sep 13th, 2001 02:08:40 PM
For people seriously into the cinema there's Renoir's Rules of the Game and Fellini's 8 1/2, which if they are not as great as CK, at least deserve to be mentioned in the same breath.
Talk back and chat by Sandy NYC	Sep 13th, 2001 05:45:36 PM
One of the first things I did after the disaster was go in to AICN's chatroom. I needed to talk and I did. What ever helps use it. As far as Citizen Kane goes I can't believe you can call yourself a film fan and not have seen this movie. Even if you hate it you must see it.
RE: Wee Willie by virkku	Sep 13th, 2001 11:57:08 PM
A QUOTE FROM WEE WILLIE: "I love these 'Kane is good, but not great' posters. Get a life, you 'tards." - - - RE: I'm sure everyone appreciates your input in this talkback. After all it's a sign of great intelligence to call people who disagree w
Hail tha Citizen by badnigga	Sep 16th, 2001 02:29:18 PM
Who's that bad ass blockin' down yo street? Its KANE! Word, I'm back! Betta than ever and ready to shock you out bridge over troubled water style! I got two guns loaded and I'm headin' fo town, I got three bitches waitin for me when I get out! This is gonna be a fuckin' DVD if I ever saw one! Two mothafuckin discs! SHIT! That'll be fuckin' my black ass up worse than tha chronic MC Bells dropped on me last night! Word to my dirty!
The background was ID4? I always suspected that it was a Xerox o by Chthonico	Sep 18th, 2001 08:47:53 AM
Ok, so I was wrong...
Citizen Cohn is the greatest film ever. by maplebob	Sep 19th, 2001 11:14:42 PM
That James Woods. What an actor! But seriously remember that scene in Kane where he's trying to pull down those shelves? Now, that's one of the all-time most hilarious moments in film history.
Also I saw The Stranger by maplebob	Sep 19th, 2001 11:17:50 PM
That movie is the bomb yo! Edward G. Robinson is the rad in it. Welles rocks it to the max as a dirty Nazy.
Citizen Kane by Citizen Bill	Sep 20th, 2001 04:07:48 PM
I don't care what anyone thinks, Citizen Kane , is the greatest Movie ever made !
I'm definitely gonna have to pick this one up now. by WesReviews	Sep 22nd, 2001 11:13:46 AM
Great flick that sounds like a great DVD. Can't wait to pick it up. ------- Horror and Non-Horror fans unite... http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ UncutDVD/petition.html
Nice review Harry but somethings missing from this site: by Bluntman420	Sep 27th, 2001 10:23:57 AM
I call it the Simpsons DVD review. KANE is monumental, i know. But Simpsons ON DVD is such a gr8 idea i'm surprised it wasn't made earlier. In conclusion: GIMME GIMME GIMME SIMPSONS.

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Harry's CITIZEN KANE dvd Review

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