Tombstone - The Director's Cut (1993)

Tombstone Director's Cut hits the mark.

I bought this movie for my father for Father's Day and he absolutely loves it. The features make this DVD a cut above of the already amazing original. I think that as man who grew up watching John Wayne and Clint Eastwood westerns, to say that Tombstone is my dad's favorite western is truly remarkable. It is my favorite as well. July 17, 2008

The Best of the Earp Movies

Having read three biographies of Wyatt Earp and having seen four Earp movies, I can honestly attest that Tombstone is without a doubt the best. Historically, it falters, only slightly, but it stays close enough to documentation to be believed. Whether or not Wyatt Earp screamed from the train station at Tucson, "tell 'em I'm comin', and I'm bringin' hell with me," or if Doc Holliday turned around from a tree and told Johnny Ringo, "I'm your Huckleberry," it's all moot. The point is Tombstone is one rockin' western, and it is without a doubt the best of any of the Earp movies. It is by far better than My Darling, Clementine, which is so far from fact that it is laughable, comical, and just plain silly. Kirk Douglas' vehicle, Gunfight at O.K. Corral is deplorable and also lacks historical credibility. Kevin Costner's, Wyatt Earp is long, tedious, and contains Kevin Costner. It's a no brainer, Tombstone is the definitive Wyatt Earp movie. And what a story it is.

Kurt Russell reaches his acting apex with this role. He commands the screen and stands tall. But he is over shadowed by Val Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday. Nonetheless, Kilmer and Russell team to make for the best Earp movie ever made. Kilmer's Doc Holliday is Oscar worthy, and how he was over-looked continues to baffle me. He is just outstanding. Kurt Russell manages to shed himself of his career long Elvis Presely imitation long enough to hand in one the best portrayals of a western legend ever put down on film. Sam Elliot as Virgil Earp and Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp complete the Earp family and hand in fine performances, as well. Powers Boothe hands in a positively and hatefully fine performance as Curley Bill, Stephen Lang as a cohort, and Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo round out the bad guys with the red sashes.

This version of the Earp legend is not to be missed. If you like westerns, if you like reality, if you like action, romance, and subtle comedy, this movie should not be missed. Easily the best of the Earp movies.

If for no other reason, Tombstone should be watched for the pure pleasure of seeing what Val Kilmer can do when allowed to do his thing. His portrayal of Doc Holliday is worth the price of the dvd. It is simply priceless, and why he didn't win an Oscar, let alone be nominated, is just the way it goes, I guess, unfair, nonetheless. June 24, 2008

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!

I'm speechless about this film. It is absolutely excellent in every way! I must have watched it 20-times and I never get tired of it. If you like westerns and/or are interested in Wyatt Earp, this is the movie to watch! June 14, 2008

Best. Movie. Ever.

I could watch this movie every day for a year and still never tire of it. Val Kilmer is fantastic as is Kurt Russell. Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo dominates every scene he's in and the bar scene with him and Val Kilmer is a great moment where Doc uses his droll humor to diffuse an otherwise deadly situation. This movie is definitely my Huckleberry! May 15, 2008

Movie-0, Russell-5, Kilmer-10

This movie is dreadful. Whopping historical inaccuracies, horrible score, very cheesy. Russell is good but Val Kilmer steals the picture performance wise. This is one of those movies where everyone and his uncle are in the cast. Look! It's John Corbett. Is that Jason Priestley? Wow, Billy Zane was in this? Whoa, Billy Bob! I know the Dana Delaney part was that of a free thinking woman but she would still have spoken in the manner of an 1880s lady, not a modern woman although this is the 1st time I've ever been able to understand Delaney in anything. I wish I hadn't been able to, though, the dialog is ridiculous. My understanding is that the town of Tombstone had no problem with the cowboys. They brought in a lot of money. It was a personal argument between the Earps and the Clantons. A total Hollywood rewriting of history. May 3, 2008

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