Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Amazon's Bait and Switch Tactics
Does anyone actually pay attention to details over there?
Amazon had one version and one version only of the 15th Anniversary Edition of Reservoir Dogs listed - the (what I have now come to find out) Limited Edition packaging in the form of a metal gas can on the outside and a jumbo pack of matches on the inside. This is exactly what was shown in the photos as well. However, what they sent me was a standard clamshell case and no explanation of the discrepancy.
I contacted them and asked for the version that I order not the substitute. I also checked the hyperlink and re-read the items description for any mention of substitutions or limited availability of the special package. I pointed all of this out with my return and to add "insult to injury", they sent me the same exact clamshell with no explanation or acknowledgment of my concerns.
Several failed phone calls and attempts to talk to a supervisor (including being left on hold for over an hour) resulted in my writing a second lengthy vitriolic message which finally resulted in a return phone call the next day (from someone who actually spoke English fluently) in which I was told that the metal package was no longer available and that I could keep the clamshell that I had no interest in gratis. I was also told that the listing would be corrected (as I was told the first time around as well).
This guy actually got back to me to tell me that it had been changed. Four weeks and a lot of stress later, I finally got my account credited and I now have a sealed copy to sell while I continue to search for the version I wanted (and ordered) with the metal can case.
Needless to say, I have not watched this DVD because it will command a higher resale value still sealed but I did see it in the theater in 1992 and on VHS many times after and it IS a great movie - just make sure you get what you order when using Amazon.

Arguably Tarantino's finest film
This film is Tarantino's debut as a feature film writer/director. It has, however, been consigned to "cult" status, which is unfair but most certainly puts it in good company.

Jumping around through flashbacks (a favored Tarantino technique), Reservoir Dogs is a puzzle of bits and pieces (sometimes contradictory - another Tarantino characteristic) that tell the tale of an organized crime robbery gone wrong. Also, typical of Tarantino, you never see the robbery itself, only the consequences. Some people don't care for Tarantino's penchant for this cinema style but it is what he is, and so there you are.

While Reservoir Dogs is a violent film (and definitely NOT suitable for younger viewers), it does not approach the level of gratuitous violence that is beginning to define him (the Kill Bill films, for example).

If you can handle (or enjoy, as I do) Tarantino's style, and also the violence, this is a great movie - well told, great acting, beautifully shot and edited.

The Blu-Ray DVD version is exceptional - great visual resolution, detail and color, and an outstanding audio soundtrack.

Few directors have started out so well. Time will tell whether Quentin Tarantino can live up to such an auspicious beginning.

Quintin makes his mark
What can you say about Quintin Tarantino. He has a way of always surrounding himself with outstanding acting talent, and it's often been said that everyone wants to be in his movies because of the freedom he gives the performers and his stunnning vision. This movie is classic Tarantino with lots of action, bad guys, and plot twists. I think Madsen and Keitel (who both show up in a lot of Quintin's movies) were outstanding.