Robocop Collection (3pc)

The first sequel, release at the same time as a host of other sequels ('Die Hard 2' being the obvious competition), was like an averaged-out, cruder version of the original. The news snippets are more obviously parodic, the violence is nastier and unfunny, and the whole film is just a bludgeoning mess. As Empire magazine said, 'if you like to stagger from a film feeling numb and slightly sick, this is the film for you'.

As for the third, Peter Weller-less film, don't go there. Really. It's bad. No. Look away. Imagine the disappointment you felt on watching 'Alien 3', magnified a million-fold.


Anamorphic sequels....finally!   June 10, 2004
Robert P McCartney (Pennsylvania, United States)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

What I find disturbing on Amazon.com and most other DVD sites is the lack of information about a release's format. All three ROBOCOP films are finally in Anamorphic Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1. This is the first time Robo 2 and 3 get anamorphic releases, so for me, this alone was worth the cost, since I already owned the definitive Criterion Robocop. This is a slightly better release, however, in that it has some featurettes and trailers. It's great to finally watch Robo 2 (and the slightly sillier Robo 3) in Anamorphic Widescreen on my 65" HDTV, and in DD 5.1! While Robo 1 is still the best of the three, by far, don't discount Robo 2 and 3 for they have their moments too.


Hey Robocop Fans! This Robocop Trilogy Version of the First Film is superior to The Criterion Collection Version!   February 5, 2006
dv_forever (Michigan, USA)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I won't even review Robocop 2 and 3, they are bad movies. Robocop 2 is somewhat funny in a bad way and mean spirited while Robocop 3 is commercial and childish. Let's get to the goods.

Robocop 1 exists in several versions on DVD, the old, crusty Criterion Collection version with the X-rated scenes ( for violence, not sex! ), the standard MGM version which is R-rated and finally this MGM Trilogy set which also has the X-rated scenes too. The picture in this boxed set trilogy version is the same picture quality you get in the other MGM release and it is much better than the Criterion Collection, which by today's standards doesn't look so hot anymore.

One thing that annoyed me is that the formerly cut scenes are hastily inserted into the movie and some of the shots look grainy in comparison to the rest of the movie. The sound is remastered in the cut scenes, so that's good. So when Murphy is being killed, the picture quality is just like the rest of the movie but when we get a quick shot of the killers laughing, it looks grainy. Strange. It's not that big of a deal but you know, I'm hardcore about movies and Robocop is one of my favorites.

Another thing that might annoy people who are freaks about this is that the film is framed in 1.85.1 as opposed to 1.66.1 in the Criterion Collection. Supposedly Verhoeven's approved version is framed at 1.66.1. I won't even begin to explain all the nonsense about film framing on DVD, the people who know what I'm talking about already understand. It might actually work out for the best in the end if you do buy this Trilogy set Robocop instead of the Criterion Collection. Say for instance you have a high-definition widescreen TV, this Trilogy set edition of Robocop will give you much more pleasure than the Criterion Collection with it's framing and grainy picture quality.

The extras in this package, ( documentaries, interviews, lost clips ), outshine the extras on the Criterion version. If you're a Robocop fan, you might want to own both, like I do.

As for the movie itself, what else can be said? It's a bonafide classic. The film works on so many levels. As science fiction, as satire of capitalist society, as a document of social depravity and immorality, as a human story about a man who loses everything and then regains his soul. Existentialism and all that and the film even works as an action movie, a revenge story for god sakes! Peter Weller gives his greatest contribution to cinema in his noble, dignified performance and this film is not only the best American movie Paul Verhoeven directed, it's the best film he's ever made, period. Did I forget to mention the score by Basil Poledouris, wow! Does Hollywood even attempt such multi-layered sci-fi films nowadays? Doesn't seem like it!

And because the first Robocop film is so good, it really pisses me off that the inevitable sequels are so bad! They are in this trilogy set more as extras than capable films of their own. Don't worry, the picture and sound is very good in both Robocop 2 and 3.

Still, if you want the first film, uncut and looking and sounding terrific, you should own this set as it's ultimately preferable to the Criterion version.


Finally the uncut version of the first Robocop   November 20, 2007
THE MAIN MAN (Central Bookin', NY)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This boxset was a treat for me. I loved the original Robocop and I did enjoy the sequels. Of course none of them are on the same level as the original. The original is the uncut version. Complete with Murphy's arm and shoulder being blown completely off. All of the gore is intact. I'm not the type of person who cares for features. If I love the movie and its intact then I'm happy. Those looking for a full basket of outstanding extras, will not find that here. They only contain some commentary that I didn't care too much for. If you're a fan of Robocop and don't have any of the movies check this out. The case is one of those four sided flip out cases. The DVD's are very easy to take out and the case isn't very easy to break to me. The extras are only on the first disk.


ROBOCOP The Ultimate Collection   December 14, 2000
4 out of 10 found this review helpful

ROBOCOP is now available in a DVD BOX set.YES all three. All movies are presented in DOBLY DIGITAL STEREO(NOT SURROUND,Or 5.1). With some Discrete Audio Sound on rear speakers. Robocop 1,2,and 3 are Presented in a 1.85 (NON ANAPMORPHIC) MATTED Widescreen,The Way the movies was presented in Theaters.Actualy ROBOCOP is original prints is 1.66 as shown on the CRITERION Edition,The original Aspect Ratio. It Contains Chapter Search and Animated Menus, and noting more. NO TRAILERS,Image gallery nore a Making Of.Even the Criterion doesent. But I know this Box set is a Collectors Item since ORION is now called MGM.And they should make a Special EDITION box set because ROBOCOP does have deleted scenes and I know that personally.Also ROBOCOP need to be presented in a 5.1 EX surround instead of STEREO Suround,ED-209's "Whump" has no bass. ROBOCOP WILL ALWAYS LIVE AS A TV SERIES AFTER THE LAST 2 FAILURE MOVIES.ROBOCOP 1 WILL REMAIN THE BEST.