Page 1 of Spanish DVD release of "Abre Los Ojos" is amazing!

In reference to a previous post concerning a disappointing review of the UK DVD release of Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes - the original Vanilla Sky was based on), I have just watched the Spanish R2 release of this film and felt it necessary to let anyone who wants a decent DVD release of this film to look no further.

The disc has a tasty widescreen print which looked teriffic, has a 5.1 Spanish soundtrack which added some depth to the fantastic score, and a very reader-friendly set of English subtitles (lettering was white with black borders so always visible and the grammar was spot on). I haven`t seen the UK release for comparison but know that these features took a bit of a hammering in the review.

Then it also has some nice extras (not to mention beautiful menus). However, you`ll need to be fluent in Spanish to appreciate some of them (only downside, although not a problem in my case). You get a feature-length director`s commentary in Spanish, and the option to listen to the isolated soundtrack. Then there`s a 20 mins making of documentary, again in Spanish with no subtitles, which was entertaining and informative. Also included is a short film called Luna (Moon) directed by Amenabar and featuring the lead from ALO, although again no subtitles. Then there are trailers for ALO and Tesis, some storyboard comparisons which link directly to the relevant scene in the film, plenty of stills and publicity pics (including some interesting artwork suggesting a planned alternative ending), some pages from the original script, some text based information about the ideas for the film, and a short sequence showing pages from the score with some music playing over it. Not bad eh?

So, if you fancy owning this gem on DVD then I heartily recommend this disc (which I got from a place called www.dvdgo.com for just over £20).

Chris.

Chris!
It sounds like "Vanilla Ol`e" to me!
ROFLMAO
Biteman!

I agree, as the English disc is crap (check out my review).

However, as I am not fluent in Spanish it would be pointless for me to spend an extra £8 (I can get the R2 English one for £11.99 delivered), although the DD 5.1 track does sound appealing...

X-)

You could also try the belgian version from www.dvdzone2.com. (key word "abre los ojos") it costs £14 inc p&p but requires to be fluent in either french /spanish or dutch. It has spanish 5.1 DD and DTS and is anamorphic which the spanish disc is not( at least accordind to www.dvdundo.com), but only dutch and french subs( which for me is no problems). extras are limited to music video, trailers and a few more. Although it is not as packed as the spanish disc chances are that more people can read french than spanish.
Which brings me to the question: cjrushbrook does the disc have spanish subs on the specials??? I`d really like to have the spanish disc but I`m not that good at spanish, can only read it. so spanish subs on the specials would be just great.
cheers

Sorry LUX, no Spanish subs on the specials either. BTW, does anybody know of any good releases of his earlier film Tesis (Thesis) as I`m quite keen to get my hands on that as well. I know there`s a Tartan disc with a "making of" on it (anybody know how long/good?), but couldn`t find any other European releases.

Ta,

Chris.

I had alook around
Germany: nothing announced
France: nothing announced
Spain: there is a disc out but according to dvdmundo.com its not anamorphic and has only interactive menus(yeah like that`s something special) but no subs(not even spanish, maybe not a problem for u). it does have 5.1 DD though
UK: tartan release ünfortunately it`s very difficult to find any technical featues for this release but the spacials are:
Star/Director Filmographies
Scene Selection
Orginal Theatrical Trailer
Making Of
Poster/Artwork Gallery
Roger Clarke Film Notes
World Cinema Trailer Reel

hope that helps
lux