Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Citizen Kane Blu-ray Buying Guide

So, I decided I wanted to buy Citizen Kane on Blu-ray, but didn't realize that it was going to be a complicated process. Here is a breakdown of all three versions after 8 minutes of intense research:

This is the common release available in any place that would bother to carry Citizen Kane. It's a box set that lists for $64.99 (it's currently $39.99 on Amazon). This set contains the following:

-The movie (duh)
-The Battle Over Citizen Kane documentary
-RKO 281 (1999) - a TV movie starring Liev Schreiber, which is basically a dramatization of The Battle Over Citizen Kane
-The Movie (duh) - and you can check out the transfer over at DVDBeaver
-Commentaries by Roger Ebert Peter Bogdanovich
-World Premiere of Citizen Kane Vintage Featurettes (1:08)
-Interviews with Ruth Warrick and Robert Wise
-Storyboards
-Call Sheets
-Still Photography with Commentary by Roger Ebert
-Deleted Scenes
-Ad Campaign
-Press Book
-Opening Night
-Mercury Theatre Broadcast of War of the Worlds
-San Antonio Broadcast of H.G. Wells Meets Orson Welles
-Theatrical Trailer

There's also some trinkets stuffed into the box, which are:
-reproduction of the 1941 souvenir program
-48 page hardbound book with photos and behind-the-scenes info
-10 production memos and correspondence
-5 one sheet/lobby card reproductions

There is an Amazon exclusive version here that also adds a copy of The Magnificent Ambersons on DVD. This version lists for 79.89, but is currently $59.99.

Finally, there's the version I got, which is the Best Buy exclusive here. It's one of those book cases, with the book inside being the same hardcover book that's in the boxset, just
smaller. Also, it's only a 2-disc set, which includes the movie, all of the special features, and The Battle Over Citizen Kane documentary. You don't get RKO 281, so Liev Schreiber groupies may want to skip this option. You also don't get any of the other trinkets and what-have-you. This version lists for $39.99, and is currently $34.99 (although I think I paid $30 for it last week).

Now, I'm not implying that you're supposed to buy Citizen Kane because you are presumably a movie fan. Do whatever you want. I bothered to go through and figure this shit out, so I thought I might as well share. Also, it gives me an excuse to post this:



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