Robocop (20th Anniversary Collector's Edition)

Criterion loses another contract! Woohoo! You can get this DVD for around $20, and it's a real bargain. First off, the DVD itself is immaculate. It has just about everything from the criterion release, and some new features as well. It's packaged in a steel book style case, like Ong Bak. That can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how many steelbook movies you already have! In addition, I have had two copies of this DVD and they have both been Canadian versions, and they do have the uncut version of the movie. The error that duplicated the first disc appears to have been fixed.

The movie itself...what can I say about Robocop. It's one of my all time favorite movies, I consider it a modern day "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly". Like that movie, it has a mix of just about every genre; comedy, violence, action, social commentary, etc. It's also as cheesy at times, but what a classic. Do not judge Paul Verhoeven's masterpiece by the sequels, this movie is the only 'Cop that matters.

I think this movie is one of the top 50 movies released in the 80's, and it's on my personal top 5 list!

I went to my local Best Buy today to check out DVD's and came across two separate releases of "Robocop" for the exact same price. The first was a bare bones release containing one disc and the second was the 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition with two discs. It was an easy decision to make and the wrong one as well. I went with the 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition containing two discs because it was supposed to be a special edition and the price was definitely right. First off I have to say that the 5.1 digital sound and video transfer are truly amazing and fans won't be disappointed with this version. Unfortunately the fun ended for me after I watched the first disc. With great anticipation I loaded the second disc into my player to watch the special features and quickly realized it was the exact same material as the first disc even though the disc artwork was completely different. I don't have to tell you that "Robocop" quickly turned into "Roboflop" and it left me bitterly disappointed with 20th Century Fox and their less than stellar effort. I was really looking forward to watching the Villains of Detroit featurette as well as the other bonus features, but the only villains in this release were 20th Century Fox for really screwing up and Best Buy for selling inferior DVD's or old stock.. I've always liked Peter Weller ever since I first saw him in the cult classic "Buckaroo Banzai" and thought he was perfect in "Robocop" and that's why I give the movie itself five stars for its fierce but violent action. After this two disc calamity I have to give 20th Century Fox and Best Buy two stars for being two incompetent screw ups. It appears that reputable companies like Amazon are selling the correct two disc version and other retailers like Best Buy are not, so Buyer Beware! I wish "Robocop" could smash his way into 20th Century Fox Studios and execute his brand of justice on them.

UPDATE FOR CANADIANS: I've recently received my 2-disc set through Amazon.ca (11/26/07), and the issue with the duplicated DVD on the 2nd disc has been fixed.

Overall, this is a great collection packed with informative special features, and it's a worthy collection to any sci-fi library. Those with the OOP Criterion Collection DVD will still want to have this limited edition set in its sleek, metal tin with standout graphics. Sound and video quality is excellent throughout.

I have just received my copy of ROBOCOP (September 20th, 2007)and the second disc is as promised...the disc 2 problem is solved!

The set itself is great!

How in god's name did a slip-up like this happen? (Disc 2 being exactly the same as disc 1). What an incompetent bunch of ....