Michael Collins (1996)

Love the film, despise the DVD release.

This review is not concerned with the film itself - but rather its presentation on DVD. First of all, the disc is packaged in the much maligned Warner Bros. cardboard snapcase - which is easily damaged and impossible to replace short of simply buying another copy of the title.

Secondly, it is a double-sided disc and the film is broken up into two parts. As it always is with films released on DVD in this manner (GETTYSBURG, SCHINDLER'S LIST) the break is quite sudden and disruptive to the movie-watching experience.

Granted, the copyright on the sleeve is 1997, so this was perhaps before the industry had created dual-layer discs - but it's a shame this title has not been re-released with these issues addressed. There are a multitude of films much longer than MICHAEL COLLINS that have fit onto one single-sided disc (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and SEVEN SAMURAI spring to mind).

Still, it's a budget priced title and - most significantly - the only manner in which to enjoy the film on DVD as the time of this writing.

For the record, the fifty minute documentary that is included on the DVD is rather interesting and much appreciated.
July 5, 2008

Liam Neeson Shines as Collins

This is a well produced and well written film that tells the story of Michael Collins and the Irish Rebellion and subsequent civil war with great historical accuracy and drama. Liam Neeson is unforgettable in a role he is absolutely perfectly cast in as Michael Collins. Most of the rest of the cast does very well with the exception of Julia Roberts who seems out of her league here but mercifully doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the film all that much.
The tensions that erupt between Collins and Eamon De Valera (Alan Rickman)form the heart of the film. It is a chapter in Irish history that lends itself well to dramatic treatment and the film lives up to it's raw material.Nice work from director Neil Jordan. May 4, 2008

Pleasantly pleased

This film came in perfect condition and in a very timely manner. I got it the very next day. I couldn't have been happier. I needed this movie for a class project.
April 7, 2008

Michael Collins

Used this movie as a college assignment on Terrorism. Its gives a very accurate dipiction of the IRA beginnings and also how terrorists or freedom fighters, depending on which side you are on, end up choosing violence to further their goal. March 3, 2008

Great Movie

Being a history buff I really enjoyed this movie. Definitely made me want to research more into the life of Michael Collins and the history of the IRA. Made me wonder what the difference was between him and the terrorists of today? Why revere him as a hero? March 2, 2008

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