Product: Run, Lola, Run [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
If you're looking for a plot summary, check elsewhere
There are already enough reviews of the excellent film and the acting Franka Potente, so I'm going to focus on the DVD itself.And that said, this is a DVD that is worth owning. The transfer is of very high quality. And considering that the film is running at such a fast pace with images being thrown in and out of the camera's view, the high quality transfer really is essential to the film. Even if the film was bad (and I think the other reviews can convince you that it isn't), the transfer is done so well that it allows you to marvel at the wonders of DVD (and make you happy that you haven't used that old VCR in quite some time).But the transfer quality pales in comparison to the sound in Run Lola Run. And whomever made Run Lola Run onto DVD was kind enough to take into consideration that not everybody has a full surround sound setup just yet. So the film is made in both 2.0 and 5.1 for both English and German. It's amazing how many films don't do this. The 2.0 sound is actually good enough to sound better than some poorly made DVD's with 5.1. But Run Lola Run's 5.1 sound is excellent. I'd imagine you'd have to be a fan of the techno beats in Run Lola Run to really appreciate it, but if you're at least a little bit into the music, you'll love being right in the middle of the sound as it does take advantage of the rear speakers quite a bit. I'd strongly recomend using the subtitles and listening to the German 5.1 over the English 5.1. The English 5.1 sounds just fine, but the German is clearly better.The special features are good, but not great. The commentary with director Tykwer and Potente is better than most. At least it is for an American not fully familiar with German cinema -- the commentary gives you some insight as to how films are made on the other side of the pond. The music video is neat, but I can't imagine watching it more than a couple of times.When my friends look at my collection of DVD's and ask me why I'm "wasting" my money on them when I have several of the movies on tape, Run Lola Run is one of the DVD's that I'll pop in to show them what DVD can really do. A strongly recommended purchase -- especially for those who own high quality systems.