Donnie Darko (2-Disc Standard Special Edition) [4K Ultra-HD]

This is by far one of may favorite films of all time its just so wonderfully different from anything else I've ever seen.Donnie Darko (2001,Richard Kelly) is set in America during a election time for Michael S. Dukakis vs Bush. How ever that isn't really what the films about even though its mentioned a couple of times, the film is about Donnie Darko (Jake gyllenhall) a troubled boy with mental issues despite him being very bright for his age. Donnie is sleep walking and is constantly coming across a strange character called Frank dressed in giant bunny costume. Frank makes Donnie do things in his sleep such as arson and destruction of property. Donnie is disturbed by what he's dreaming about and has therapy for his dreams hoping they'll stop with the help of some medication he's prescribed. As things begin to get out of hand Donnie becomes more and more obsessed with the idea of time travel which throws yet another possibility for Donnie's strange habits into the mix of what is already a confusing story.The film has moments of awe as well as sadness and deals with issues such as the meaning of life, the belief in god and the existence of parallel universes/ time travel (I know there not the same thing but share similar characteristics).The moral issues and philosaphys this film takes into account may boggle your mind but this film is so unique and strange it's something of impressive step in the right direction for entrepreneurs in the film industry ,e.g. "Being John Malcavitch" a unique story and a film no one even wanted to make but when it was created it grossed millions and a cult fan base. This Film deserves as much credit , and yet sadly won't but at least has fans and is worth the purchase for the price Amazons charging. It has a sequel which I haven't seen, neither do I want to, it really doesn't look like a proper sequel and isn't worth watching when this film raps up loose ends and stands well enough on its own.Closing point: i was slightly disappointed with this copy seeing as there is a final cut which has a more detailed explanation of what's going on as well as some extra footage, so if you're going to buy any buy the director's cut its worth it.

I remember being utterly stunned when I first saw this enigmatic film on a USA R1 DVD. I did not know then that the film had bombed in the States and was saved by the rapturous reception it got from a more enlightened audience in the UK. This clearly illustrates the main problem in the USA and Hollywood products: unwillingness to think and expecting everything lobotomised for easy access. ‘Donnie Darko’ kicked this in the face with the most amazing puzzle that offers no simple solution. It reminds me of a very different puzzle film in Peter Greenaway’s ‘The Draftsman’s Contract’. If you haven’t seen ‘Donnie Darko’ you need to give it a try and come to your own conclusion what the film is about. It is wonderfully made with a superb central performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. Even the choice of UK music from the 1980s is inspired.The presentation by Arrow is superb and re-enforces my belief that Arrow is the best video company operating in the UK at the moment. They consistently put to shame the big Hollywood players who have cut back and back on their blu ray and DVD packages made as cheaply as possible. This comes laden with special features including a new full length documentary that is very good: just a pity that only one of the actors could be bothered to participate! It also includes all previous extras. The packaging is fantastic with beautiful artwork and design. It comes in a very study box with three separate sections: two digipacks for the discs and a hardback 94 page book. Even the enclosed two sided poster is really good quality.This is an exemplary release.

Whilst no doubt confusing to many on a first viewing, 'Donnie Darko' pays bumper dividends for those willing to sit through it a second time.Donnie is a troubled teenager who is supposed to die when a jet engine crashes into his house. However, he is out sleepwalking on the night in question and, via communication (or hallucination) with a demonic spectral rabbit, is given 28 days to live his life as it would have been had he survived. In this 'temporary timeline' he has to ensure that events conspire to put everything in place for his inescapable death. If he doesn't, the world will end. Donnie therefore grows to accept this role as a 'saviour of humanity'.The way all these disparate happenings come together, chain-like - Donnie must do this, or that won't happen etc. - is masterly. Even more remarkable when you consider that this is the writer-director Richard Kelly's first film.Not only that, it features some inspired casting and a carefully chosen 1980s soundtrack where the lyrics actually reflect the moments on screen. The poignant cover of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" is sublime.This is an immensely rewarding viewing experience - providing you pay attention... None of the plot outlined above is explicitly stated on screen, instead it is laden with subtle clues and symbolism. Whether or not you believe in free will or destiny, in this film EVERYTHING happens for a reason.