MovieChat Forums > All That Money Can Buy (1941) Discussion > A Devil of a DVD

A Devil of a DVD

posted 21 years ago by BijouBob8mm
15 replies | jump to latest

For those who have only seen the shorter cut of the film that was, for many years, the only version available (until a previous VHS release a few years back), this restored release will come as a surprise. THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER (aka, HERE IS A MAN and ALL THAT MONEY CAN BUY) has long been missing nearly 1/5 of its original running time. Now, although there is still some footage yet to be found, the film can be appreciated in almost all its original glory, and the additions to it create a much more satisfying experience. As if that weren't enough, Criterian has loaded the DVD down with extensive extras. Unfortunately for film fans, Criterian has also padded the price. At $39.95, it's over twice the price of most DVDs, especially considering there is only 1 DVD in the package. I've seen numerous double DVD sets go for less than this, with as much--or more--content. The company offers excellent quality and selection, but I would think more competitive pricing would result in more sales. The DVD's a gem, but it's the devil to pay.

[–] RexDartEskimoSpy 20 years ago

It's Criterion. They only make money through DVD sales, that's why they're so expensive. Not only that, but you might notice that the quality of Criterion DVDs are much much better than any normal DVD, so in my opinion the extra money is worth it.

[–] sinner6ftundr 20 years ago

the disc is worth every penny

[–] Tabitha Lenox 19 years ago

I'll say its worth it. If only to see Walter Huston play the comical devil. The rest of the cast can go hang, but this guy made the movie.

[–] icer0001 19 years ago

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I saw this movie when I was 14. and just loved it. I've been looking for a copy of it for years. and now (thanks to you kind people) I'll be able to track it down and get it.

thank you so much

[–] TheWanderingFish 19 years ago

Though if you shop around you shouldn't ever have to pay $40 for a Criterion DVD. Sites like DVD Planet offer it for around $25, and their now monthly coupons lower the price even more.

Note: The above comments are exclusively my opinion.

---Respect---

[–] CC_Baxter 19 years ago

Especially in the world of home video, where design and packaging is poo poo, I'm always thrilled to support criterion.

[–] ajmal-m 18 years ago

i saw this when i was young as well and it creeped me out. im trying to get ahold of it here in the uk as we speak

[–] pnut655321 18 years ago

Just paid $30 including postage for the criterion dvd on ebay!

Can't wait to see this.

[–] benlittlechild 18 years ago

Agreed, film is worth every penny. To me Huston's devil is THE iconic devil, and no-one will surpass him in that role!

Watched it as a child many many years ago, and waited years for it to appear on dvd, and now finally is a treasured part of my collection.

[–] liscarkat 18 years ago

For the high price they cost, Criterion DVDs are frequently underwhelming, but they seem to have most people hypnotized anyway. "The Devil and Daniel Webster" is one of the worst Criterion offerings I've seen, having approximately the quality one would expect from a $7.99 cheapie of a public domain movie. The picture is bad enough, with shots and whole scenes marred by prominent vertical scratch marks, and many shots dimmed by vignetting that is not part of the original cinematography. But even worse is the sound, which is plagued by out-of-balance dynamics and a loud, annoying hiss throughout the whole film. The movie itself is great, however, and worth buying used or at the discounted DVD Planet price in spite of the unfortunate Criterion C-grade production. If only studios would release restored classic films before Criterion gets their overrated hands on them.

[–] jcotton41 18 years ago

I've never seen a decent print of this invaluable film. It's due for a major restoration.

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] simon.conder 18 years ago

I caught this film totally out of the blue in the UK on Saturday afternoon.

I was really taken by it. Real style and class I thought and I loved the way the devil kept popping up out of nowhere.

I really hate it when you get films like this at such a high price.

I will see if I can track it down in the UK.

[–] 2001-4 18 years ago

The laserdisc is the same version.

[–] dh_335 16 years ago

A R2 DVD version of The Devil and Daniel Webster was released by Eureka Entertainment Ltd on Feb 23 2009. It is available on the Masters of Cinema series (#70)

http://eurekavideo.co.uk/moc/catalogue/the-devil-and-daniel-webster/

Special features include:

A new high definition digital transfer of the [106 min] director’s cut with restored image and sound;

Optional SDH English subtitles for the hearing impaired;

Here Is A Man – preview version comparison [4:38];

A 60-page booklet with archival imagery; an essay by Professor Tony Williams; an article by director William Dieterle; and a celebration of the film by author Stephen Vincent Benét, whose The Devil and Daniel Webster short story is reprinted in its entirety with the original woodcut illustrations by Harold Denison.

I purchased a copy in the UK from Amazon for £11.98 (€13.48).