Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Description

During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. He returns home the next morning to find that a jet engine has crashed through his bedroom. As he tries to figure out why he survived and tries to deal with people in his town, like the school bully, his conservative health teacher, and a self-help guru, Frank continues to turn up in Donnie's mind, causing him to commit acts of vandalism and worse. The new Director?s Cut includes a production diary of the film (with optional commentary by Director of Photography Steven Poster), a story-board to screen featurette, the Director?s cut theatrical trailer, They Made Me Do It Too ? The Cult of Donnie Darko and the #1 Fan: A Darkomentary.

Customer Reviews:

A real sleeper.......2007-09-07

This film is really under-rated and overlooked. I rented it first on a friend's recommendation and promply went to Amazon and bought it. I've watched it 4 times already and lent it out to several friends who also bought it. I understand that this has become a cult favorite especially in England and am not surprised. It's an interestingly presented story that appears to be just another teenage angst piece at first glance but the further you get into the movie, the more you realize that there is a whole lot more going on. I strongly recommend this for anyone who enjoys movies that are not only out of the mainstream but cut a whole new river of their own.

Director's masterpiece version of a surrealistic escape into terror!.......2007-07-26

I love Donnie Darko and I'm happy to include it my DVD collection.
The music is great and the songs are amazing. I haven't viewed any special featuers yet, but I'm going to soon!
Frank the Bunny is scary!

Original Cut Superior to the "Director's Cut".......2007-07-17

The original theatrical release is a modern masterpiece. This is the movie that introduced Jake Gyllenhaal and his sister to the world (playing a brother and sister onscreen), as well as revived the career of Patrick Swayze (or it should have, in my opinion). Swayze may not have gotten any work from this movie but the Gyllenhaals sure did!

It's not possible to really describe this movie, except to say that it is a bizarre teen movie that involves a time-traveling man in a bunny suit. It's like John Hughes on PCP. If that sounds at all intriguing, you will certainly be pleasantly surprised at how it plays out on the screen.

The original theatrical release (available on DVD as the Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)) was a masterpiece. The "director's cut" may be the director's vision, but the added effects, INXS soundtrack, and "book excerpts" do not add anything to the film except for running time. The director wanted to clarify some of the points in the film to strengthen its sci-fi aspects--and, in doing so, ruined many viewers' interpretations of the original film. One case in point is the anti-psychotic pills that Donnie is on: In the original film, it's up to the viewer to decide if everything is part of a drug reaction (just one explanation that fans offered), but in the "director's cut" the director adds a line from the psychiatrist saying that the pills are "placebo" pills. Also, the sci-fi time travel theories are given additional room to breathe, and come off as hokey rather than mysterious. Some things are best left unsaid.

Original Release: ***** (five stars)
Director's Cut: *** (three stars)

dvd.......2007-07-04

i rated this a 3 because the quality and packaging was good but the movie was lame, very boring.

'Through a Glass Darkly'.......2007-06-22

It is hard to describe the plot of 'Donnie Darko' without making the movie seem repellant. 'Donnie Darko' is purposely ambivalent, and the causality of bizarre events is intriguing from the very start. The journal development is a retro trip in itself. Using footage of the Dukakis and Bush (I) debates before the 1988 election, the movie authenticates its setting of a high school near the end of the eighties. How they manage to mix nostalgia with an eerie tale with dark manifestations is a mystery, but they pull it off. Uniquely enigmatic with the memories they elicit, the movie has the effect of being a 'Twilight Zone' manifestation of 'Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.' (Aptly, the soundtrack draws from "Tears for Fears" instead of "Bow Wow Wow".)

Now about the story. Our titled tortured protagonist (Jake Gyllenhaal in another talented role) is undergoing psychiatric care complete with medication. The first hint we have that things aren't going well is when an ominous voice summons Donnie out of bed to meet him somewhere in the dark. What we discover there on a golf green is a six-foot rabbit, who, if his processed voice weren't so menacing, could only be dismissed with chuckles. (One can only describe the creature as a rabid or demonic 'Harvey'.) And, indeed, our best evidence of a demonic presence is when Donnie asks him later, "Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?" To which the voice quickly replies, "Why are you wearing that stupid human suit?") Here he announces to the disturbed adolescent that the world is going to end in approximately a month--Halloween 1988--to be exact. After that we get varying degrees of maladjustment with some foreboding events. Upon his return home he discovers he narrowly escaped death when an airplane part fell through his bedroom, leveling much of the house. A grateful Donnie will do anything for "Frank," who saved him from the debacle. From there a series of inexplicable events take place that leave one glued to the screen with magnetic interest.

'Donnie Darko' is a mysterious and disturbing alternative movie. Some of the draw comes with the acting. Keeping it real is no short order. The scenes of hypnosis are mesmerizing with Dr. Therman (played with expert delicacy by Katherine Ross) who tries to uncover Donnie's pathology. But it isn't that easy. In the meanwhile, Donnie, himself, seeks a teacher at his private school and an elderly woman down the road who has written a book about time travel. Dabbling with penetrating thoughts about predestination and the occult, Donnie's predicament is fascinating. Drew Barrymore, whose mere presence could singularly bring flashbacks of the eighties, is the producer and plays lively English teacher, Karen Pomeroy, a character who provides a pivotal place for social commentary. (Besides a mysterious mood piece, some satire is accessible.) On the staff is stalwart moral zealot, Mrs. Farmer, who is almost painted in clown white during her ignorant tirades. There's also preacher-like motivational speaker, Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze who makes his character creepy enough) who has a few skeletons in his own closet.

'Donnie Darko' deserves accolades for being so original. With effective performances that include the delicious novelty of having Donnie's sister played by real-life sister Maggie Gyllenhaal, the elements speak for themselves. Nevertheless, the overall effect is not as satisying as the creativity, and the story leaves some gaping holes that, while like real life, are unsettling nonetheless. 'Donnie Darko' will fill a black hole for teenagers who will relate to some of Donnie's difficulties that beg for meaning. (Recommended for a different sort of movie adventure.)

Average customer rating:

The Most Missed Gem in a long time.
Strange,dark and wonderful.
Beautifully Dark
Director's cut is better
Avoid the Director's Cut at all costs

Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , and Mary McDonnell
Director: Richard Kelly (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005V3Z4
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Product Description

In the tradition of Stir of Echoes and Final Destination, Donnie Darko is an edgy, psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face with his dark destiny. Jake Gyllenhaal leads a star filled cast (including Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze and Mary McDonnell) as a delusional high school student visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past and deadly predictions for the future. This "excitingly original" (Entertainment Weekly) nail-biter will keep you on the edge of your seat until the mind-bending climax.

System Requirements:

Starring Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell

Directed by Richard Kelly

Running time: 113 minutes

Amazon.com

This unclassifiable but stunningly original film obliterates the walls between teen comedy, science fiction, family drama, horror, and cultural satire--and remains wildly entertaining throughout. Jake Gyllenhaal (October Sky) stars as Donnie, a borderline-schizophrenic adolescent for whom there is no difference between the signs and wonders of reality (a plane crash that decimates his house) and hallucination (a man-sized, reptilian rabbit who talks to him). Obsessed with the science of time travel and acutely aware of the world around him, Donnie is isolated by his powers of analysis and the apocalyptic visions that no one else seems to share. The debut feature of writer-director Richard Kelly, Donnie Darko is a shattering, hypnotic work that sets its own terms and gambles--rightfully so, as it turns out--that a viewer will stay aboard for the full ride. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

The Most Missed Gem in a long time........2007-08-29

What a fantastic movie! The public never gave this a chance in the theaters. Give it a chance at home. Great acting, music and storyline. Discover a diamond in the rough.

Strange,dark and wonderful........2007-08-12

Donnie Darko is about a young man(Jake Gyllenhaal)who has an incredible intellect but also deep emotional problems.He doesn't fit in with the rest of his schoolmates so he has a friend that only he can see,a man size talking bunny rabbit named Frank.As of lately Donnie has been sleep walking and waking up in places other than his home,this proves to be a good thing when a plane engine lands on the Darko household and crushes Donnies bed.Donnie wakes up one morning on a golf course and he quickly runs home to find the plane engine that should have killed him,he thinks back to the reason he was on the golf course to begin with and knows it was Frank that saved him.From that day forward Donnie Obeys his "Imaginary" friend Frank and it starts to get him into trouble.Frank tells Donnie when the world is going to end and it turns out it's going to be soon.Donnie doesn't quite understand why this is going to happen but he knows that plane engine should have killed him and he is going to live life to the fullest until the end comes.As time passes Donnie gets a girlfriend,stands up to his uptight teacher and follows the will of his big bunny buddy Frank.The things Frank makes Donnie do are a bit destructive but there may be some kind of master plan at work that Donnie is unaware of.You may have to watch this movie a few times to get what's going on in it but this thing is unlike anything you have ever seen.Is Donnie being guided by God,Did Donnie mess up the space time continuem or is he just friggen nuts?I love this movie for so many reasons,the star studded cast,the clever writing,the good balance between drama and humor and also the creepy mood of some scenes.This is a must see!

Beautifully Dark.......2007-08-10

Donnie Darko is the movie that everyone should watch, but yet should just leave it alone.

Donnie Darko is magnificently philosophical and beautiful. The concepts and themes in the movie are explored excellently, although in the middle of the book one might find there to be too many such themes.

The wonderful thing about Donnie Darko is that it'll haunt you. The ending is not particularly explosive, or particularly violent, compared to action flicks such as Die Hard, but once the movie ends, you'll find yourself constantly reexploring the movie, finding plot points and character developments.

The direction of Richard Kelly is particularly fantastic. The way he makes each scene connect with the viewer and symbolizes so many of the characters is fascinating... One might assume him to be a seasoned director, but he is really young, and his gifts and talents are not to be taking for granted.

Donnie Darko, however haunting, makes you want to just cuddle up in a corner as well, wishing you had never watched the movie for the great amount of depressing characteristic it presents. Donnie Darko is the cult classic that is beatifully dark and tranquilizing... you'll never be the same once you watch it.

Director's cut is better.......2007-07-21

I'm not sure why some people are saying the Director's Cut is not worth getting, or watching. I've watched both and I believe the Director's cut is superior. How can it not be if it is what the director wanted? Not only is the insertion of the songs the way they were originally intended important (and one of the things I love about Donnie Darko is its attention to details), you also have the title pages (from The Philosophy of Time Travel) displayed in the Directors Cut. In addition there are key lines (such as Donnie's therapist's telling him he is an agnostic) and visuals(particulary toward the end in the montage) that can totally change the perception of the film.

I picked up a copy of Clockwork Orange recently and was suprised to learn that Burgess's original text released everywhere else (besides the United States) had 21 chapters. In a brilliant intro to the re-released Clockwork Orange, Burgess states that each work created has a duration and a reason for its particular order and that editing it alters the perception of it (he states this edited version in the U.S. also effected Stanley Kubrick's retelling in the film version). In short,the story should be available the way the author,filmaker, or artist intended it to be told or you alter the meaning. In relation to Donnie Darko, placement and pacing are crucial to the interpretation of this film, to alter it is to alter what the director/writer was attempting to convey. Get the Director's Cut.

Avoid the Director's Cut at all costs.......2007-05-01

Please folks, get the original movie, not the Director's Cut. The Director's Cut adds additional "scenes" that add nothing to the narrative and actually dectract from the original presentation. The Director's Cut also horribly mangles the classic and unforgettable soundtrack of the original by removing some songs and reordering the ones that remain. While for some films (Blade Runner), the Director's Cut provides the "definitive version", the original presentation of Donnie Darko was better left alone. If you feel the compelling need to buy the Director's Cut because you feel that "it must be better, right?", at least rent the original. You won't be sorry.

Average customer rating:

Brillant!
beautiful and intelligent fiction!
Very Good Thriller

Donnie Darko (UMD for PSP)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal , and Jena Malone
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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Accessories:

ASIN: B000EJ9VGQ
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Description

In the tradition of Urban Legends and Final Destination, Donnie Darko is an edgy, psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face wit his dark destiny. Jake Gyllenhaal leads a star-filled cast (including Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Jena M

Customer Reviews:

Brillant!.......2007-01-23

This movie is smart, well-written, and funny. The plot is very unique and fascinating. Many scenes are laugh-out loud funny. It is one of those few movies that one can watch over and over again, and everytime there is something new to discover or a different way to look at the movie. It never gets old, which makes it a great movie to own.

beautiful and intelligent fiction!.......2006-05-30

This is a great movie and its not like other suspense teenagers dumb movies, this is, in my opinion, a piece of modern art... dont miss it if you like complex and mind blowing movies.

Very Good Thriller.......2006-05-17

This was a very good, yet strange movie. A teenager who sees visions of a 6-foot blue rabbit? But although weird, still good. Before you watch it you should know that it is very hard to understand it unless you have seen many thrillers before.

Best of Fox Sci-Fi DVD Bundle (The Day the Earth Stood Still / Donnie Darko / Alien Collector's Edition / The Abyss / Planet of the Apes 1968)

Average customer rating:

Best of Fox Sci-Fi DVD Bundle (The Day the Earth Stood Still / Donnie Darko / Alien Collector's Edition / The Abyss / Planet of the Apes 1968)
Starring: Ed Harris , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , Michael Biehn , Leo Burmester , and Todd Graff
Director: James Cameron , Richard Kelly (II) , and Franklin J. Schaffner
Manufacturer: Twentieth Century Fox Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000356EWU
Release Date: 2004-10-05

One Hour Photo & Donnie Darko (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

One Hour Photo & Donnie Darko (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Robin Williams , Connie Nielsen , Michael Vartan , Dylan Smith (III) , and Erin Daniels
Director: Mark Romanek , and Richard Kelly (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000C23E5
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Average customer rating:

Donnie Darko (Collectors Box)
Starring: Donnie Darko (Collectors Box)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Reservoir Dogs (15th Anniversary 2-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000F9RMHK
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Average customer rating:

The Most Missed Gem in a long time.
Strange,dark and wonderful.
Beautifully Dark
Director's cut is better
Avoid the Director's Cut at all costs

Donnie Darko [Region 2]
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , and Mary McDonnell
Director: Richard Kelly (II)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000171RZE

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

The Most Missed Gem in a long time........2007-08-29

What a fantastic movie! The public never gave this a chance in the theaters. Give it a chance at home. Great acting, music and storyline. Discover a diamond in the rough.

Strange,dark and wonderful........2007-08-12

Beautifully Dark.......2007-08-10

Director's cut is better.......2007-07-21

Avoid the Director's Cut at all costs.......2007-05-01

One Hour Photo & Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

One Hour Photo & Donnie Darko (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Robin Williams , Connie Nielsen , Michael Vartan , Dylan Smith (III) , and Erin Daniels
Director: Mark Romanek , and Richard Kelly (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000C23E6
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Average customer rating:

Swimfan/Donnie Darko
Starring: Jesse Bradford , Erika Christensen , Shiri Appleby , Kate Burton , and Clayne Crawford
Director: John Polson , and Richard Kelly (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002IQKYU
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Average customer rating:

A real sleeper
Director's masterpiece version of a surrealistic escape into terror!
Original Cut Superior to the "Director's Cut"
dvd
'Through a Glass Darkly'

Donnie Darko [Region 2]
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , and Mary McDonnell
Director: Richard Kelly (II)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0002IBJQ4

Customer Reviews:

A real sleeper.......2007-09-07

Director's masterpiece version of a surrealistic escape into terror!.......2007-07-26

Original Cut Superior to the "Director's Cut".......2007-07-17

dvd.......2007-07-04

i rated this a 3 because the quality and packaging was good but the movie was lame, very boring.

'Through a Glass Darkly'.......2007-06-22

DVD:

DVD

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