4/5 Blu-Ray vs. DVD: Blu-Ray mostly wins
  by The Completist (Missoula, MT)
I love THE SHINING with a passion usually reserved for movies like THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW; I bought the Stanley Kubrick boxed set in 2001 and watch it regularly. I've turned down other Blu-ray editions of Kubrick films (EYES WIDE SHUT and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE) because I didn't think they were up to snuff, but I bought this because it managed to win me over.

THE SHINING is a GLORIOUS TRANSFER: the colors and textures are more vibrant and powerful than I have ever seen and seeing all those minor backgrounds details big enough to read easily are a real treat. The picture is crisp, sharp, clear, and doggone if the movie doesn't look as new as the day it was made. Kubrick movies are always a bit skimpy on the extras (Kubrick died before DVD took off and didn't leave many leftovers for the medium anyways), but the "making of" documentary with commentary also made the crossover, as well as a few new featurettes that aren't that amazing, but do offer some cool new tidbits; my favorite is the one on production design with Kubrick staffers and Garret Brown, where we get to see diagrams and schematics of the set.

My one gripe comes from the aspect ratio, which is a never-ending argument with Kubrick movies. The old DVDs maintained a full-frame aspect ratio while the Blu-ray releases favor the 1.85:1 ratio enhanced to fit the 16:9 screen. As the diagram on the special features reveals, Kubrick preferred the full-frame 1.33:1 aspect ratio, but always shot to preserve the 1.85:1 for theatrical exhibition. The problem is, Kubrick's compositions were always strongest from top-to-bottom, not side-to-side, so the widescreen aspect ratio trims off the headroom that was beautifully visible on the old DVD set. The Blu-ray is presented in 1.85:1 enhanced for 16:9 so it fills the screen; yes you see more image on the sides than you did on DVD, but the shots don't stand out as much because of the missing headroom.

So for this reason alone, I trim off one star. Otherwise, I love this Blu-ray and heavily recommend it.

5/5 Very pleased
  by Irish Eyes (Owasso, Ok USA)
Another cult classic. Love the DVD. Extremely fast shipping. Great job Amazon. You are a great source of finding DVD that I enjoy.

4/5 There's Johnny! Kubrick Thriller!
  by James "Scotman" April (Bakersfield, CA)
Jack Nicholson plays Jack, who just got a job at the Overhill Hotel and moves in with his wife and young son. The boy Danny has special abilities: a secret friend inhabiting him (which is not satisfactorily explained) and the ability to hear others' thoughts (the Shining). But buildings can have shinings too. Homicidal rages from a formerly easy going author (typing nonstop pages of "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is hilarious) taking orders from the ghosts and supernatural beings that in habit the hotel.

Stanley Kubrick (2001 - A Space Odyssey (Two-Disc Special Edition)) is known for his almost maniacal style in doing take after take. Shelly Duvall had the most number of takes ever, I read.

The movie does have its chilling, insane moments. I enjoyed the boy's horror but was not sure if it was "Tony" his imaginary friend talking or Danny himself. The ending is thoughtful but a bit of a let-down (the 1921 photo).

Overall, not a shabby movie. But really, how did Jack get out of that locked refrigerator? Hmm?

The "making of" was shot by Vivian Kubrick, and you really get into the heads of the cast and what they were thinking as shooting progressed.

Other Kubrick Flix:

Stanley Kubrick: Warner Home Video Directors Series (2001 A Space Odyssey / A Clockwork Orange / Eyes Wide Shut unrated / Full Metal Jacket / The Shining / A Life in Pictures)





4/5 Despite Flaws This Is One Good Scary Flick
  by D. Mikels (Skunk Holler)
Shelley Duvall is just plain weird, and Stanley Kubrick morphed Stephen King's bestselling novel into something almost unrecognizable, yet THE SHINING stands the test of time and continues to scare generation after generation of wide-eyed viewers because the one-card-shy-of-a-full-deck Jack Torrance is so aptly and believably played by a demonically grinning Jack Nicholson. No other part has been so tailor-made for Creepy Jack, who fits into the lead role like wiggling fingers into a well-worn glove.

Kubrick supplies the heady visuals: a luxury mountain resort, about to be abandoned for the long winter, with its whispers of the past, labyrinth of hallways, and dark shadows. Duvall and Nicholson supply the tension: a struggling writer about to go off the deep end with his wife and small son living as caretakers at the resort, while the wife watches helplessly as her spouse unravels. The hotel plays its part helping Jack Torrance descend into maniacal madness, giving Nicholson the vehicle he needs to grin and grimace and scream and shout as he terrorizes his family with flesh-crawling creepiness.

Sure, there are plenty of flaws; the film becomes silly and disjointed as it rushes towards its climax, some of the visual gimmicks (gallons of what looks like cranberry sauce spilling out of the elevators) are lame, and Duvall was definitely a weak link, but it doesn't take away from THE SHINING's ability to terrify. I don't know what it's like firsthand to watch a man become violently evil, but Jack Nicholson in this movie gives me a pretty good idea.
--D. Mikels, Author, The Reckoning



5/5 Little pigs, little pigs. A slight variation of Chip Miller's "PIGS! PIGS!", October 28, 2009
  by Sid the Elf (North Pole)
Of course Sid the Elf is very familiar with The Shining. But we hadn't reviewed it until now. Why? Good question. For October Horrorgreatsuccess Sid festival it was a no-brainer. This is one is in the pantheon of horror films. Also, Scatman Crothers has been a Sid favorite since 96 and the crazy likely homeless nutjob at Yankee Stadium. Sid has seen bits and pieces(that's what it's like...u know where it's going) of this film many times over the years but this viewing was a little different. This time Sid was watching with his carefully crafted critical eye gained with thousands of B's on our odometer.

Knowing full well what happens in the movie, after not seeing it for at least a few years, Sid found Jack really interesting. Even in the begining of the flick you can see that he's a little psycho. And while we're here, could anyone else have played Jack Torrence? Sid says absolutely not. He plays a nutbar to perfection. And nobody else could have pulled off being a maniac and hilarious at the same time(exhibit A: the "Have you lost your f**kin' mind scene). Now, The Shining is in no way shape or form B, but it is a horror classic so it's in play for Sid. This is especially true when you account for the Chuck factor and the awesome visuals accompanied by cool/creepy music.

The Shining was an overall awesome experiance. It is obviously a must for any horror fan who hasn't seen it. Also, if you're a horror fan and haven't seen this movie, shame on you. If you're missing the B element in this Sid review, don't worry. There are several B's on the horizon. Can Sid interest anyone in a little Maniac Cop? As for The Shining, here's a quick rundown of the film's scariest moments:

1. The dog and the butler. Holy schnikies.
2. The little girls
3. The cranberry juice pouring out of the elevator.
4. Scatman getting it and Jacks's war cry
5. Who's the old lady?
6. redrum
7. the picture at the end