Payback - Straight Up - The Director's Cut (1999)

Tough guy flick

Mel plays a very tough guy, like you don't see so much anymore. The lighting is all monochromatic. The side stars are very good, especially Lucy Liu as the sadist. Kris Kristofferson as the second biggest mob boss is a hoot, though he still seems more like a cowboy. The plot is some silliness about $70k owed to Mel, and how he gets it back, despite the odds. A lot of blood and violence, but it's sort of forgiveable. September 28, 2008

Suspicios packaging

The only thing I found odd about this physically was the fact that the blue ray was shrink wrapped instead of the plastic wrapper it usually comes in. Also when I opened up the case, there was no pictures on the other side of the cover. (I've gotten two BDs in shrink wrap and they both are similar in packaging as opposed to the other BDs)

Also instead of an insert that advertises more blue ray movies, It has a paper saying how the blue ray disc is manufactured to the highest quality available, etc.

As for the movie? If you like the theatrical then you'll like it. It's a great film and both versions should be watched. I honestly don't think one is better than the other but I know I liked this one a little more. Porter (Gibson) Is even more hard core in this version. September 17, 2008

Not the theatrical release, buyer beware!

I was truly disappointed as the movie progressed and I realized this is NOT the same movie I loved when I saw it on the big screen. This "Director's cut" version is abysmal and an absoulte joke. The ending is pathetic. To only have this version available on Blu ray and not even include the theatrical relase as an extra is really unacceptable. The people who put out this product ought to be ashamed of themselves. The only bright spot is the unintentional comedy factor of watching the director describe the "artistic merits" of his version in the extras section. September 13, 2008

If you liked the orignal, you'll hate this. At least I did.

I saw the original theatrical release at the theater and liked it so much, I bought another ticket. There was a dark comedic thing going on, but the bad guy wasn't a dirtbag. There was a degree of chivalry and honor. In this version, I hate the bad guy. He is just a thug who beats the crap out of his wife. Ok, she deserved it to a point, but the original Porter loved her despite her drug addiction and forgave her for the most part. The music in this new version SUCKS! The original was lively and enthralling. In this version the music is an afterthought and gets in the way. This new version is a completely different movie, a sucky one. I hope to heck that they release the original version to blu ray, and quite honestly I was very suprised that both versions weren't on the CD. What a waste of money. If you like the original, don't bother with this trash. August 2, 2008

Worst Director's Cut Ever!

I loved the original theatrical release. I picked up this blu-ray figuring I would watch this over and over. I WILL NOT! Absolutely the worst "Director's Cut" ever. They completely changed the story line and eliminated several characters. The new version is awful! DO NOT BUY THIS BLU-RAY!! July 15, 2008

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