Ultimate Collector's Editions vs. Standard Edition

There are three editions which have been released, and the third time definitely does the job right. The first edition contained the theatrical version, and then shortly after, the Extended Cut. This probably would have solved most people's desires, but the Extended Cut was on the same disc as the theatrical, and although branching was not used, we now had two different movies on one Blu-ray disc. Ideally, a separate disc for a different cut is preferred. I personally don't like branching (because we don't have a consistency of engineers on all Blu-ray discs across all movie studios, who can work their magic to not make me notice a delay when a new scene has been added). But what was just as bad, was putting two movies on one BD-50 disc — not much room to breath.

Warner Brothers announced the release of the Ultimate Collector's Edition around early November 2011, and with a release date about the middle of February 2012. This was what I was waiting for. The Extended Cut with the alternate ending...one Blu-ray disc by itself.

The Town vs. Heat

Some might compare The Town to Heat. They would be misled. While this was referenced for maybe 5-seconds during a scene (you just can't mistaken the large dually white Dodge Ram truck), that doesn't mean Ben Affleck was trying to emulate Michael Mann or trying to produce the next "Heat". Sort of like watching a contemporary spy flick and having a Bond movie referenced. The Town and Heat are completely different movies with completely different plots.

Another question might be asked: "Which movie is better?"

I'd have to say...Heat. While I think Ben Affleck did a superb job, this movie would have needed to be about 4 hours to really sink in. Still, The Town gets the best treatment ever, and it is one of my favorites. Playing these two movies back-to-back is highly recommended.

The Plot

Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) knows quite a bit about Charlestown, Massachussettes. He was born there. But that's the problem. Charlestown is infamous for one particular line of work that requires knowing the traffic and road system like it was ordering a burger and a Frappe on Beacon Street. Of course, it also requires a talent for picking out scary masks to wear for their favorite heist. James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) is Doug's life-long buddy who has a little more of a psycho twist on how to complete a job, and this creates more tension than ever — especially when Doug involves himself with one of the heist victims and wants to change his life.