Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4070 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-06-12
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, Original recording remastered, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 137 minutes

Amazon.com essential video
Stanley Kubrick's striking visual interpretation of Anthony Burgess's famous novel is a masterpiece. Malcolm McDowell delivers a clever, tongue-in-cheek performance as Alex, the leader of a quartet of droogs, a vicious group of young hoodlums who spend their nights stealing cars, fighting rival gangs, breaking into people's homes, and raping women. While other directors would simply exploit the violent elements of such a film without subtext, Kubrick maintains Burgess's dark, satirical social commentary. We watch Alex transform from a free-roaming miscreant into a convict used in a government experiment that attempts to reform criminals through an unorthodox new medical treatment. The catch, of course, is that this therapy may be nothing better than a quick cure-all for a society plagued by rampant crime. A Clockwork Orange works on many levels--visual, social, political, and sexual--and is one of the few films that hold up under repeated viewings. Kubrick not only presents colorfully arresting images, he also stylizes the film by utilizing classical music (and Wendy Carlos's electronic classical work) to underscore the violent scenes, which even today are disturbing in their display of sheer nihilism. Ironically, many fans of the film have missed that point, sadly being entertained by its brutality rather than being repulsed by it. --Bryan Reesman

Amazon.com
Stanley Kubrick's striking visual interpretation of Anthony Burgess's famous novel is a masterpiece. Malcolm McDowell delivers a clever, tongue-in-cheek performance as Alex, the leader of a quartet of droogs, a vicious group of young hoodlums who spend their nights stealing cars, fighting rival gangs, breaking into people's homes, and raping women. While other directors would simply exploit the violent elements of such a film without subtext, Kubrick maintains Burgess's dark, satirical social commentary. We watch Alex transform from a free-roaming miscreant into a convict used in a government experiment that attempts to reform criminals through an unorthodox new medical treatment. The catch, of course, is that this therapy may be nothing better than a quick cure-all for a society plagued by rampant crime. A Clockwork Orange works on many levels--visual, social, political, and sexual--and is one of the few films that hold up under repeated viewings. Kubrick not only presents colorfully arresting images, he also stylizes the film by utilizing classical music (and Wendy Carlos's electronic classical work) to underscore the violent scenes, which even today are disturbing in their display of sheer nihilism. Ironically, many fans of the film have missed that point, sadly being entertained by its brutality rather than being repulsed by it. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews

Twisted.
A Clockwork Orange is one sick piece of cinema art. First off, I have to congratulate Malcolm McDowell for his twisted and genius performance, didn't know he had it in him. The problem with this film is the grotesque nudity and violent rape scenes, less is more. Stanley Kubrick was a good director but he always had the same formula, show more skin. This film is just too trippy for me, but hey if you're into that then you will love this film.

Damaged
An ok movie that was a disappointment relative to the hype. Very violent.
HD DVD Image 3.5 stars, Audio 3.0 stars.

HD DVD Copy I received was damaged. Since I destroyed my receipt, I could not send back for replacement.

One Twisted Work
This movie definintely requires a specific mood to watch, but well worth it. If you're not in the right mood it can put you to sleep, but if you actually enjoy watching a movie for the dialogue and the psychological aspects, then enjoy.