KMC Forums - "Brazil: Criterion Collection" DVD Review

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Picture: The 142-minute final cut boasts a widescreen transfer. Since this set came out in 1999 it isn't the greatest shape, but it's still decent with good detail to all of the wild imagery in Brazil. I can't say the same about the 94 minute "Love Conquers All" version which is presented in full frame. The picture is terrible beyond words as at times it was impossible to see what was happening on screen.

Sound: The final cuts has Dolby digital surround sound and it's a nice track with it working extremely well during the battle sequences. The "Love Conquers All" audio again was horrible. Both versions of the movie have commentaries with Terry Gilliam giving an entertaining commentary on his final cut, while Brazil expert David Morgan talks about the changes that were made to Brazil in the "Love Conquers All" version.

Features: The menus have the Brazil logo with moving file box's. It's nothing special but its easy to navigate through and no stupid warning or forced trailers at the start of the DVD is always a plus.

Extras: Brazil is packed with extras, with two documentaries and much more. The "Battle of Brazil" documentary chronicles one of the more bitter feuds in Hollywood, between Gillman and Universal and itshows how American films can get chopped up by studios looking for more commercial success.
The "What is Brazil" on set documentary is pretty funny and shows the infamous "eye balls" scene that didn't make the film. There is also Storyboards, a piece on the music of Brazil, special effect footage, original trailer, publicity and production stills, a piece on the look of Brazil and a piece on the script.

Overall: The final cut of Brazil gets a 9/10 while the "Love conquers all" version gets a 2/10. The set is packed and it shows the trials of directing on and off the set and how a interesting, imaginative black comedy can turn into a confusing mess with lots of editing. The set gets a 10/10 from me.