The Shining (1980)

Blu-ray Review - Worthy of purchase

We've all seen this one, know the lines, and you likely have this on VHS and DVD.

That being said; a really good Blu-ray transfer. Shelly Long and that hideaous gaping maw of a mouth has NEVER looked so repulsive. Her giant piano key teeth really pop out during the beginning of this movie. It was the first thing my fiance and I noticed.

Jack Nicholson looks just that much crazier in hi-def. If you like the original film/DVD/VHS this is worthy of your Blu-ray collection.

On a side note - the TV mini-series movie thing is also on DVD. In my opinion it is far superior to Kubrick's rendition of the shining any day. You'll know exactly what I mean if you've read the book. Get this one on Blu-ray and also purchase:

"Stephen King's The Shining (Two Disc Special Edition) (1997)"

Use the above text in a search on Amazon, it's only $7.50 - you won't be dissapointed! January 6, 2009

Great job!

I am very pleased with the purchase. I received it before the date and the product is in great condition. Rate as high as I can! January 6, 2009

Kubric at his best. Of course...

From the cinematography to the cast, this film is by far one of the best I have seen. The story of John, Wendy and Danny Torrance's experience while takeing care of the "Overlook Hotel" for for the winter months is masterfully told. Watching Jack Nicholson portray a man teetering on the edge of sanity and finally crossing over the line while terrorizing his wife Played By Shelly Duval is mesmerizing. A modern classic of horror. December 28, 2008

A Masterpiece of Terror.

I am quite pleased to say that The Shining not only lives up to it's reputation but even exceeded nearly all the horror films that have come out since. The Shining is chilling, it's a subtle movie, at least by today's standards, it is brilliant on levels Hollywood has seems to have forgotten.

The subtle special effects are never overdone, never desensitizing us by overstimulating the horror factor over and over again until all the scares blend together. The absolutely fantastic cinematography and camera direction. The grand low shots following Danny at his own eye level as he rides around the hotel builds the terror of our expectations and then often denying us what we expect resulting in even greater impact when something paranormal does appear. The increasingly claustrophobic and uncomfortable shots make us feel like we are just as trapped there as Wendy. Finally the chaos that surounds Jack as he goes more and more insane. All of these are perfect in their effectiveness.

Jack Nicholson's performance is flawless and and every bit as riveting as the cinematography, I can't imagine how they could have found anyone more perfect for the part. Danny Lloyd also does a terrific job, especially when his imaginary friend comes out to play. Shelley Duvall's acting on the other end was fine but did stick out as the weakest part of the movie, but it gets the job done.

Of course, all this wouldn't be worth a thing of the story hadn't been so well written, Steven King obviously providing great source material while Stanley Kubrick and Diane Johnson's adaptation bringing the novel alive in cinema. All of this a testament to Kubrick's skill as a director.

If you haven't seen it you really need to, if you have seen it maybe you should see it again and try to appreciate it on a completely different level, I promise it won't disappoint. December 10, 2008

Classic Thriller

A suspense classic and excellant psychological thiller. Shelley Duvall and Jack Nickolson's performances are stellar in this movie. You'll never see Jack the same again. This movie is a must have for any home movie collection. I highly recommend it. December 1, 2008

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