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By David J. Brown - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: Howard the Duck (DVD) This is a review for the 2009 American dvd special edition release. This is one of the most well known, whether you've seen it or not, films of all time. 23 Years ago George Lucas was one of the hottest producer/writer/directors in Hollywood thanks to his involvement with the original Star Wars trilogy and Indiana Jones. Everything he touched turned to gold. He started his own sound and effects companies that revolutionised the business and the method in which films are made, and he still does that today. Then came the infamous Howard The Duck. Even when it was announced some were unsure why Lucas would gravitate to such an offbeat concept(originally an equally offbeat and satirical Marvel comic). Then, the reports of the budget and reshoots(which thanks to this edition, you find out was due to the limitations of the original Howard puppet) had the skeptics reeling even more. Every writer would make sure to note the huge budget of the film, as if it was relevant to anyone at all. I notice some reviewers here on Amazon seem to use how much a film cost to deride it or how much it made to champion it, as if that says anything about the film itself. Independence Day was and is a terrible film but it made a tons of money when it was released. The true test of a good film or a film that trancends is time. It's been over twenty years since Howard The Duck graced the silver screen and became one of the biggest and, apparently, most expenssive flops of all time. Everyone seems to know this movie. New generations who watched it on cable don't know a damn thing about the film's reviews or status back in the 80's and just take it for what it is: an extremely silly, farcical, goofy, sci-fi,fish out of water comedy, action adventure, horror movie. I saw this when I was really young and even at that young age I still knew something of what a flop this flick was, that's how hardcore the criticism was. Hell, there was an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures that had characters on the boxes in a video store coming to life, and one of them used the Howard The Duck video cassette as a bomb to stop an enemy(GET IT?!?!? HA!HA!) Well, I still dont' get why this film was hated so much. I kind of get that it wasn't easily stuffed into convenient packaging. Was it a kids film? No, not really. It contains too much sexual humor, and innuendo to be. Was it a comedy? Yes, but it had some sincere and scary moments. Was it for an adult audience? Sort of. It was for anyone, but it seemed as though it would only appeal to those who feel like they're on the fringe of the norms in society. They can relate to its take no prisoners, anything goes approach to filmmaking and storytelling. That's the ticket. That's why it's a cult film now. An acquired taste produced to be a huge hit, but ended up only appealing to a small few. The dvd itself is beautiful. The transfer is pristine. Surprisingly, the old-school effects hold up to the digital transfer. Phill Tippet's stop motion monsters at the end still look cool and the digital clean up doesn't make them look as arcane as one might expect. I've always thought John Barry's score was great. It still is. This film's score is one of the most memorable and creative, but due to the film's reputation it never got the kudos it deserves. In one scene there's broad comedy and puns, and then a sweet scene between Howard and LeaRead full review
I was a punk rocker 'extra' during the filing of this movie in San Francisco during the 1980's. It was a blast! I just happened to be sitting next to Thomas Dolby (he plays the bar tender) but regrettably I was too shy to start a conversation with him! I enjoyed showing my daughters (my how we change!) and they enjoyed seeing me in my previous persona. The movie itself is pretty lame. The DVD was of excellent quality.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Who doesn't remember the first time they saw Howard the Duck? I remember as a kid it used to come on HBO all the time, and I would stay up late to watch! If you love movies from your childhood and want to relive some of it, pick this up for your collection!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I first seen this movie in 1986 and just fell in love with it.I purchased the VHS copy as soon as it came out,and over the years I have lost and replaced it at leased 10 times.Most of the time I would lend out this tape and the people who got it just kept it.I would recomend this movie to everyone, but first let me say not everyone will love or even like it.Mainly because if you are looking for a movie with a deep story line or fantastic special effects buy Star Wars,but if you watch this movie you will see a lot of the same effects they use today only back then they had to do it by hand not computerize special effects.This movie is not for small childern , but most kids will like it.As my final statment everyone who has seen this movie over the years recomends it to all their friends.
An excellent adaptation from a comic book antecedent. Misjudged, like Altman's Popeye, by critics who had no knowledge of comic style & manner. Hilarious, well executed & socially pointed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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