Scarface (DVD 2004)

One of the best films ever to star Al Pacino as Tony Montana a ganglord kingpin whos starts from the bottom by being shipped in from cuba and works his way to the top by killing and selling drugs until he shows his true strenghth and hunger for power as he takes out the local druglords one by one! a drug frenzied crime spree with many famous lines and quotes which will be remebered forever a great classic! buy this one for sure you wont be dissapointed!

This is a classic film I first watched when originally released. I thought it would be good to own on dvd so my son could watch and apart from one violent scene close to the start involving a chain saw theres nothing too gory to watch.

A story of money, power, double dealing and double crossing involving the mafia, its the film that made Al Pacino and introduces a young Michelle Pfeiffer as his love interest. She is absolutely beautiful so its no surprise, but a young Pacino is more than a match with his handsome good looks and toned body.

This film has something for everyone..action, suspense and some eye candy for both sexes, so its no surprise it became a cult classic. I thoroughly recommend everyone watch it at least once.

Any list of classic guy movies would be incomplete without an appearance from Brian De Palma's "Scarface." The film that supplies immortal quotes like, "I always tell the truth, even when I lie," and "Say hello to my little friend!" also gives life to one of the most magnetic characters in movie history, Cuban refugee Tony Montana. Written by Oliver Stone, "Scarface" is an addictive story about greed, loyalty, triumph and tragedy. Oh yeah, and guns. Lots and lots of guns.

Al Pacino stars as Montana, a criminal who, along with 125,000 fellow Cubans, fled his homeland in 1980 with hopes of claiming his own slice of the American Dream in Miami. But freedom isn't so great for Tony and his best friend Manny Ray (Steven Bauer) once they reach American soil. First, they're thrown into a Cuban detention center, a quaint little place called "Freedomtown" that sits under I-95 in North Miami. A few months later, they're working in a food stand. Says Tony, "I didn't come to the United States to break my fucking back."

But their luck turns when they meet a local cocaine kingpin named Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia), who eventually makes Tony an important figure in his operation. The only problem is, Tony's much too ambitious and soon starts doing jobs on the side to make some extra cash. Then he negotiates a major deal with Bolivian drug lord Alejandro Sosa (Paul Shenar) without Frank's authorization. And to top it off, not only does Tony intend to take over the boss's business, but he also has his eyes on Frank's girl, Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Pacino is extraordinary as Tony, playing the ruthless title character to astonishing perfection. With an actor as accomplished as Pacino, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint his finest career performance, but it's reasonably safe to assume that his work in "Scarface" ranks near the top of his impressive list. Despite Tony's obvious moral deficiencies, Pacino impels you to pull for him through the rise and fall of his own empire by giving Tony unmistakable depth. One moment, he's a ravenous criminal determined to ruin anybody who threatens to topple his extravagant dreams; the next, he's an overprotective brother who only wants the best for his little sister Gina (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Because this is a story of evil vs. evil that offers no true "good guy," Pacino straddles the fence throughout, deftly playing both flawed hero and cruel villain while never wholly committing to either role.

The supporting characters are superb as well, led by Manny, who loves American women, and Elvira, who loves Bolivian cocaine. Bauer and Pfeiffer are both flawless in their respective roles, representing Tony's defective support system, but Pfeiffer is especially spectacular as the callous and acerbic Elvira. She's gorgeous, as always, but we learn that underneath her aura of invincibility and indifference hides a layer of extreme vulnerability, which is why she migrated from Frank to Tony in the first place.

Truly great films endure because they appeal to past, present and future generations, and "Scarface" is no different. Two decades after its original release, this Pacino masterpiece continues to thrive because of its exceptional performances, gripping storyline and compelling script. There are no fancy special effects to grab your attention, no high-tech gadgets either. Just brilliant writing and acting. Oh, and guns.

Lots and lots of guns.

An absolute necessity for any gangster movie fan's collection,Al Pacino has never acted more convincingly in my opinion, even more believable than the Godfather series.
The second disc is probably not worth worrying about as some of the deleted scenes are repeated too many times.
Just a couple of afterthoughts-if so called super stars like Kate Moss and Pete Doherty weren't so pathetically weak as to "need" & glorify the use of Cocaine then drug dealers like Scarface wouldn't have such an easy ride to wealth.Also the bad effects of snorting coke weren't shown enough on the love interest Michelle Pfieffer to deter today's youngsters from trying the drug.
If you watch the movier for the first time you might have nightmares about the shower scene-much more gruesome than Hitchcock's version although through clever filming the horror is all in the imagination of the viewer.
For those who don't get the second disc version, the best technical detail about the shoot out at the end is that the camera was synchronised to the gun shots so that the flashes of the bulletts being fired could be seen.Much more effective this way. I agree the music also helped with the period atmosphere. Lots of info on the web about the film and even continuity errors which should make watching the film several times worthwhile for the dedicated movie buff.

incredible. breath takingly cutting edge, relevant in most ways to this day and age, (except for cuban immigrants amassing in america obviously).

To put it simply... BELIEVE THE HYPE. Everyone has heard this film is incredible, and, unlike most, it lives up to it's reputation. Al Pacino at his best, even better than in Devil's Advocate and Carlito's Way.
WATCH THIS FILM!!!

Every great gangster movie has under-currents of human drama. Don't expect an emotional story of guilt, retribution and despair from "Scarface". This is a tale of ferocious greed, corruption, and power. The darker side of the fabled "American Dream".

Anybody complaining about the "cheesiness" of this film is missing the point. The superficial characters, cheesy music, and dated fashions further fuel the criticism of this life of diabolical excess. Nothing in the lives of these characters really matter, not on any human level at least. In fact the film practically borderlines satire, ironic considering all the gangsta rappers that were positively inspired by the lifestyle of Tony Montana.

This isn't Brian DePalma's strongest directorial effort, it is occasionally excellent and well-handled (particularly the memorable finale), but frequently sinks to sloppy and misled. Thankfully, it is supported by a very strong script by Oliver Stone (probably good therapy for him, considering the coke habit he was tackling at the time). The themes are consistent, with the focus primarily on the life of Tony Montana, and the evolution of his character as he is consumed by greed and power. The dialogue is also excellent, see-sawing comfortably between humour and drama. There are many stand-out lines, which have since wormed their way into popular culture in one form or another.

The cast help make it what it is as well, but this is really Pacino's film. One of his earlier less subtle performances (something much more common from him nowadays), this is a world entirely separate from Michael Corleone and Frank Serpico. Yet he is as watchable here as ever, in very entertaining (and intentionally over-the-top) form. It is hard to imagine another Tony Montana after seeing this film, in possibly one of the most mimicked performances ever. Pfeiffer stood out as dull and uncomfortable on first viewing, but I've come to realize how she plays out the part of the bored little wife. Not an exceptional effort, but unfairly misjudged. The supporting players are very good too, particularly Paul Shenar as the suave Alejandro Sosa.

Powerful, occasionally humorous, sometimes shocking, and continually controversial. "Scarface" is one of the films of the eighties (whatever that might mean to you). An essential and accessible gangster flick, and a pop-culture landmark. 9/10 (IMDB)

My son is a big fan of Al Pacino so I got him this special edition dvd.

Great film that launched Al Pacino and quite rightly too. Al plays a a crook from Cuba 'Tony Montana' who moves to the U.S.A where he's interrogated but gets through the questioning. He starts off as a small time hoodlum and becomes Mr Big. Lots of blood, violence, drugs and swearing in this but don't let that put you off this superb film.

This film is one of the best gangster/action movies ever!
This is a must have for any film fanatic.

Plot
Tony Montana (Pacino), a Marielito freed from Castro's jails and sent to Florida along with the political prisoners taken in by the Carter administration. After a harrowing introduction to the US coke business he makes his way swiftly up the crime ladder, ruthlessly squashing anyone who dares to stand in his way, even bent cops.

Verdict
Perfomances are excellent, and despite its moralistic conclusion, the film has since become de rigueur viewing for crack barons, who know a good shoot-em-up when they see one.

I'll begin with Al. After his role as Michael Corleone in the Godfather saga and his work in Heat, I think this is his next greatest role -- better than Sea of Love, Dog Day Afternoon, Scent of a Woman, and The Insider. Some people say he's too over the top as Tony Montana, but I disagree; it was Tony Montana that was over-the-top, and Pacino was just playing him as he was written by Oliver Stone. He was ferociousness unhinged as the ruthless, cocaine-fueled Cuban immigrant intent on becoming rich and powerful by any means necessary, sincerely comparable to only Joe Pesci in Goodfellas in his viciousness.

After Al, it was director Brian DePalma's (then) extreme, in-your-face violence that ingrained the film into your memory and made seeing it a visceral, Jaws-like experience. The shootout at the end in particular was exceptionally well done, while the chainsaw sequence was simply an eye-popping terror. It's easily the finest film of Brian DePalma's career, in my opinion. Michelle Pfieffer co-stars as the movie's requisite, exquisite babe.

This is a fantastic classic mobster film. It combines history with gangsters and their molls, along with good guy bad guy typical drug dealing American Style who turn from rags to riches, without being a run of the mill blokes movie. You will not be able to help yourself being on the side of the bad guys, and as for Al Pacino this is one of his outstanding acting master pieces. I just love it and you will too. This film will always stand the test of time

WOW WATCHED THIS MOVIE ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO & WHAT A CLASSIC,WATCHED IT ABOUT A MONTH AGO AGAIN IT WAS EVEN BETTER THEN THE FIRST TIME,HIGHLY RECCOMEDED IVE JUST BOUGHT TO TO ADD TO MY COLLECTION.
NO COLLECTION SHOULD BE WITHOUT IT !!!!!!!!

I LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A ULTIMATE CLASSIC. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE EVERYONE TOLD ME ITS A GREAT FILM AND IT IS. A*****

An awesome in depth film, amazing performance from Al Pacino, a very gritty and violent film.

If you like violent films then this is top of the list.

A must see

I bought this dvd because I love all al Pacino films, Al-Pacino is one of my best acter. the DVD is in a very good condition. many thanks and wish all the success in your work. A++++++

I bought this for my young neighbour who helps me with my dogs. He had seen the film and wanted his own copy so we looked on e-Bay.

He enjoys watching it from time to time, and I borrowed it. The DVD arrived in good condition and it is now in his collection.

a legendary film that has stood and will stand the test of time..one of the best films ever, great story line unbelivable acting..definate knock out

Absolutley Brilliant!!!!!!!!! Al-Pacino great as always, a must own!!!!! It can be a bit long but its still worth watching a second, third, fourth, etc time!

this is the movie. action, love, drug,sex, disco and more action. one of the greatest movies ever made. al pacino & michelle pfeiffer excellent combination, legends.

Fantastic quality dvd, very good and good price!
Pleasure doing business with you
Thanks again
regards davpuff..

I got this on dvd as i only had it on video.What can i say about this absoloute classic film. small time cuban works his way up the gangster ladder to become one of the most violent drug kings in miami.Pacino is cool and pffiefer is as hot as she is now. You all know what happens, if you dont go and get this film right now.....

bought for my son who watches it over & over again
he rates scarface as 10/10 and being 1 of the best films out there

The best way to explain this review, about Al Pacino's "Scarface", is to break it down into sections.

- This was the first Gangter Movie, ever.
- Al Pacino looked the part of a Cuban Gangster perfect.
- Al Pacino energy and attitude towards his character, was all on point.
- A story has also been put in place, it's not a mindless shoot'em up.

Overall, a excellent movie...