The Sand Pebbles

The Sand Pebbles


Starring:Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen, Emmanuelle Arsan, Mako, Larry Gates, Charles Robinson (III), Simon Oakland, Ford Rainey, Joe Turkel, Gavin MacLeod, Joe Di Reda, Richard Loo, Barney Phillips, Gus Trikonis, Shepherd Sanders, James Jeter, Tom Middleton (II), Paul Chun
Director: Robert Wise
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Review
Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles--an ambitious choice for a director at the peak of his career. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film combines historical sweep and intimate human drama in several parallel stories, all revolving around U.S. Navy machinist's mate Jake Holman (Steve McQueen). Holman is a skillful but fiercely independent sailor who joins the "sand pebble" crew of the U.S.S. San Pablo, a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. The San Pablo's inexperienced captain (Richard Crenna) obsessively defends the Navy's mission--however unnecessary or unwanted--to protect American missionaries and businessmen, blind to the more dangerous implications of American involvement with China's opposing political factions.

Holman is a defiant voice of humanity in this clash between outmoded values and inevitable change; his final line of dialogue ("What the hell happened?") is a tragic summation of misguided policy, expressing the film's criticism of the Vietnam War. Rather than preach, however, Wise lets McKenna's potent drama emerge from finely-drawn relationships--between Holman and a young American teacher (19-year-old Candice Bergen, in her second film); between Holman and the Chinese "coolie" (Mako) whose heartbreaking fate transcends all issues of racial or political difference; and between crewmate "Frenchy" Burgoyne (Richard Attenborough) and the Chinese woman he's sworn to love and protect at all costs. Combined with the film's colorful supporting cast, adventurous scope, and climactic battle scenes, these personal dynamics bring substance and spirit to a complex story of good intentions gone awry. --Jeff Shannon
The Sand Pebbles
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Roadshow Is Unwatchable
  • great movie deserves better
  • The Roadshow Version
  • McQueen's finest dramatic acting...
  • More details on this new DVD release...
 The Sand Pebbles
Starring: Steve McQueen , Richard Attenborough , Richard Crenna , Candice Bergen , and Emmanuelle Arsan
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
ClassicsClassics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
Steve McQueenSteve McQueen | Action Stars | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
BoatingBoating | Boating & Sailing | Outdoor Recreation | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video | Cruising & Racing | Maintenance | Navigation
Attenborough, RichardAttenborough, Richard | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Bergen, CandiceBergen, Candice | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Chun, PaulChun, Paul | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Crenna, RichardCrenna, Richard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Gates, LarryGates, Larry | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Loo, RichardLoo, Richard | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MacLeod, GavinMacLeod, Gavin | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MakoMako | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McQueen, SteveMcQueen, Steve | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Oakland, SimonOakland, Simon | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Rainey, FordRainey, Ford | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Wise, RobertWise, Robert | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. Von Ryan's Express (Special Edition)
  2. Nevada Smith
  3. Fantastic Voyage (Special Edition)
  4. Papillon
  5. The Caine Mutiny (Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000O78L00
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Amazon.com

Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles--an ambitious choice for a director at the peak of his career. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film combines historical sweep and intimate human drama in several parallel stories, all revolving around U.S. Navy machinist's mate Jake Holman (Steve McQueen). Holman is a skillful but fiercely independent sailor who joins the "sand pebble" crew of the U.S.S. San Pablo, a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. The San Pablo's inexperienced captain (Richard Crenna) obsessively defends the Navy's mission--however unnecessary or unwanted--to protect American missionaries and businessmen, blind to the more dangerous implications of American involvement with China's opposing political factions.

Holman is a defiant voice of humanity in this clash between outmoded values and inevitable change; his final line of dialogue ("What the hell happened?") is a tragic summation of misguided policy, expressing the film's criticism of the Vietnam War. Rather than preach, however, Wise lets McKenna's potent drama emerge from finely-drawn relationships--between Holman and a young American teacher (19-year-old Candice Bergen, in her second film); between Holman and the Chinese "coolie" (Mako) whose heartbreaking fate transcends all issues of racial or political difference; and between crewmate "Frenchy" Burgoyne (Richard Attenborough) and the Chinese woman he's sworn to love and protect at all costs. Combined with the film's colorful supporting cast, adventurous scope, and climactic battle scenes, these personal dynamics bring substance and spirit to a complex story of good intentions gone awry. --Jeff Shannon

Description

"The Sand Pebbles" tells many stories. It's the story of China, a slumbering giant that rouses itself to the cries of it's people - and of the Americans who are caught in its blood awakening. It's the story of Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), a crewman on the U.S.S. San Pablo who kidnaps his Chinese bride from the auction block. It's the story of Shirley (Candice Bergen), a teacher and her first unforgettable taste of love. It's the story of Captain Collins (Richard Crenna), ready to defy anyone for his country's defense. Most of all, it's the story of Jake Holman (Steve McQueen), a sailor who has given up trying to make peace with anything - including himself. McQueen gives what is probably the best performance of his career. It's not surprising that he, Mako and the movie were up for Oscars. Portraying a character with conflicting loyalties to friend and flag, McQueen expertly conveys the confusion that leads into his final line: "What the hell happened?" It's to his credit that we already know.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Is Unwatchable.......2007-06-15

I was looking forward to seeing the roadshow edition of this film with the extra footage, but who decided to just copy over a faded and overly red copy of it? I gave up halfway through; it's just unwatchable and hard on the eyes. They should have done what Fox did with "South Pacific": insert the faded footage into the pristine shorter version. Then your eyes would get a rest. This would be a five-star package were it not for the mishandling of the roadshow edition. Buy it if you don't own the film, because it's a very good picture with good acting of an engrossing story. If you already have it, don't bother spending the extra money.

3 out of 5 stars great movie deserves better.......2007-06-14

Why do companies keep putting out dual discs? Everyone I talk to hates them and I personally will not buy them. This is such a let down for me. I have noticed a lot of new releases with 4.0 or 2.0 or even mono sound!!! Is this the 21st century with new technology or are we regressing with our technology? Every single new dvd release should be in both 5.1 and 5.1 dts and the option of the original sound! I personally am tired of the repackaging and lack of quality special features ( fluff )The only way the companies will change is the way you spend your money. They did alot of good things on this edition and then get cheap with making one disc a dual disc. DO NOT BUY DUAL DISCS!!!! This is another special edition that should have been re-mixed in 5.1 and made to 3 discs if it would not fit on 2!!!! I vote " NO BUY " The same goes for Von Ryans express ( 2.0 )

1 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Version.......2007-06-13

No stars would be better for this version of the movie.Why did Fox release it? Its colourless just reddish. I was looking forward to view this version of the movie it being longer than the theatrical version but I just could not watch it. Can someone at Fox explain please??? Was that the only print of this version available??? As for the theatrical version and all the other features they get 5 out of 5 stars despite the roadshow version its still worth it to buy this DVD

5 out of 5 stars McQueen's finest dramatic acting..........2007-06-06

I could talk forever about this movie, but I don't want to take the joy out of your watching it for youself. I'll just say this...the scene where Steve is involved in the mercy-killing of his coulee has got to be one of the very greatest in screen history. The intensity of Steve's fine acting draws you into the moment and Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score leaves you with a lump in your throat and tear in your eye. First class movie-making all around due to the thoroughly adept direction of screen master Robert Wise. It's a crime that McQueen got stiffed for Best Actor at the Oscars that year, giving it instead to the Brits, for Paul Scofield's portrayal of Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons". I don't believe Steve ever attended the Academy Awards again after that. In the words of Jake Holman, "What the hell happened?"

5 out of 5 stars More details on this new DVD release..........2007-05-01

Features on this 2-Disc Special Edition include...

Specs:
* 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
* English DD4.0 Surround and Stereo
* French Mono
* English, French and Spanish subtitles

Disc 1:
* Anamorphic Widescreen Feature (Theatrical Version)
* Audio Commentary by Director Robert Wise and actors Candice Bergen, Mako & Richard Crenna
* Isolated score and FX with commentary by Music Producer Nick Redman, Film Music Historian Jon Burlingame, Screenwriter (The Limey, Dark City) and Film Historian Lem Dobbs

Disc 2 (Side A):
* Roadshow Version Feature
* Robert Wise Roadshow Intro
* Richard Zanuck Roadshow Intro

Disc 2 (Side B):
* "The Making Of Sand Pebbles" Featurettes (view individually or play all)
* Side Bars:
o Steve McQueen Remembered
o Robert Wise In Command
o China 1926
* From FOX Vault:
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Attenborough
o The Secret of the SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Crenna
* Radio Documentaries Narrated by Richard Attenborough:
o Changsha Bund and the Streets of Taipei
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO
* Radio Spots:
o 2:00 of audio over static image
* Theatrical Trailer
* Still Galleries
* MAD Magazine's THE "SAM PEBBLES"
The Sand Pebbles
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Roadshow Is Unwatchable
  • great movie deserves better
  • The Roadshow Version
  • McQueen's finest dramatic acting...
  • More details on this new DVD release...
 The Sand Pebbles
Starring: Steve McQueen , Richard Attenborough , Richard Crenna , Candice Bergen , and Emmanuelle Arsan
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
ClassicsClassics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
Romantic AdventureRomantic Adventure | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
Steve McQueenSteve McQueen | Action Stars | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
BoatingBoating | Boating & Sailing | Outdoor Recreation | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video | Cruising & Racing | Maintenance | Navigation
Attenborough, RichardAttenborough, Richard | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Bergen, CandiceBergen, Candice | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Chun, PaulChun, Paul | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Crenna, RichardCrenna, Richard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Gates, LarryGates, Larry | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Loo, RichardLoo, Richard | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MacLeod, GavinMacLeod, Gavin | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MakoMako | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McQueen, SteveMcQueen, Steve | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Oakland, SimonOakland, Simon | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Rainey, FordRainey, Ford | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Wise, RobertWise, Robert | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
All Fox TitlesAll Fox Titles | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Action | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
Family FeaturesFamily Features | Kids & Family | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $15DVDs Under $15 | Fox DVD Budget Store | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
War Classics Under $20War Classics Under $20 | Fox DVD Budget Store | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $14.99DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( S )( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Von Ryan's Express (Special Edition)
  2. Nevada Smith
  3. Fantastic Voyage (Special Edition)
  4. Papillon
  5. The Caine Mutiny (Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000059HAF
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Amazon.com Review

Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles--an ambitious choice for a director at the peak of his career. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film combines historical sweep and intimate human drama in several parallel stories, all revolving around U.S. Navy machinist's mate Jake Holman (Steve McQueen). Holman is a skillful but fiercely independent sailor who joins the "sand pebble" crew of the U.S.S. San Pablo, a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. The San Pablo's inexperienced captain (Richard Crenna) obsessively defends the Navy's mission--however unnecessary or unwanted--to protect American missionaries and businessmen, blind to the more dangerous implications of American involvement with China's opposing political factions.

Holman is a defiant voice of humanity in this clash between outmoded values and inevitable change; his final line of dialogue ("What the hell happened?") is a tragic summation of misguided policy, expressing the film's criticism of the Vietnam War. Rather than preach, however, Wise lets McKenna's potent drama emerge from finely-drawn relationships--between Holman and a young American teacher (19-year-old Candice Bergen, in her second film); between Holman and the Chinese "coolie" (Mako) whose heartbreaking fate transcends all issues of racial or political difference; and between crewmate "Frenchy" Burgoyne (Richard Attenborough) and the Chinese woman he's sworn to love and protect at all costs. Combined with the film's colorful supporting cast, adventurous scope, and climactic battle scenes, these personal dynamics bring substance and spirit to a complex story of good intentions gone awry. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Is Unwatchable.......2007-06-15

I was looking forward to seeing the roadshow edition of this film with the extra footage, but who decided to just copy over a faded and overly red copy of it? I gave up halfway through; it's just unwatchable and hard on the eyes. They should have done what Fox did with "South Pacific": insert the faded footage into the pristine shorter version. Then your eyes would get a rest. This would be a five-star package were it not for the mishandling of the roadshow edition. Buy it if you don't own the film, because it's a very good picture with good acting of an engrossing story. If you already have it, don't bother spending the extra money.

3 out of 5 stars great movie deserves better.......2007-06-14

Why do companies keep putting out dual discs? Everyone I talk to hates them and I personally will not buy them. This is such a let down for me. I have noticed a lot of new releases with 4.0 or 2.0 or even mono sound!!! Is this the 21st century with new technology or are we regressing with our technology? Every single new dvd release should be in both 5.1 and 5.1 dts and the option of the original sound! I personally am tired of the repackaging and lack of quality special features ( fluff )The only way the companies will change is the way you spend your money. They did alot of good things on this edition and then get cheap with making one disc a dual disc. DO NOT BUY DUAL DISCS!!!! This is another special edition that should have been re-mixed in 5.1 and made to 3 discs if it would not fit on 2!!!! I vote " NO BUY " The same goes for Von Ryans express ( 2.0 )

1 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Version.......2007-06-13

No stars would be better for this version of the movie.Why did Fox release it? Its colourless just reddish. I was looking forward to view this version of the movie it being longer than the theatrical version but I just could not watch it. Can someone at Fox explain please??? Was that the only print of this version available??? As for the theatrical version and all the other features they get 5 out of 5 stars despite the roadshow version its still worth it to buy this DVD

5 out of 5 stars McQueen's finest dramatic acting..........2007-06-06

I could talk forever about this movie, but I don't want to take the joy out of your watching it for youself. I'll just say this...the scene where Steve is involved in the mercy-killing of his coulee has got to be one of the very greatest in screen history. The intensity of Steve's fine acting draws you into the moment and Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score leaves you with a lump in your throat and tear in your eye. First class movie-making all around due to the thoroughly adept direction of screen master Robert Wise. It's a crime that McQueen got stiffed for Best Actor at the Oscars that year, giving it instead to the Brits, for Paul Scofield's portrayal of Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons". I don't believe Steve ever attended the Academy Awards again after that. In the words of Jake Holman, "What the hell happened?"

5 out of 5 stars More details on this new DVD release..........2007-05-01

Features on this 2-Disc Special Edition include...

Specs:
* 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
* English DD4.0 Surround and Stereo
* French Mono
* English, French and Spanish subtitles

Disc 1:
* Anamorphic Widescreen Feature (Theatrical Version)
* Audio Commentary by Director Robert Wise and actors Candice Bergen, Mako & Richard Crenna
* Isolated score and FX with commentary by Music Producer Nick Redman, Film Music Historian Jon Burlingame, Screenwriter (The Limey, Dark City) and Film Historian Lem Dobbs

Disc 2 (Side A):
* Roadshow Version Feature
* Robert Wise Roadshow Intro
* Richard Zanuck Roadshow Intro

Disc 2 (Side B):
* "The Making Of Sand Pebbles" Featurettes (view individually or play all)
* Side Bars:
o Steve McQueen Remembered
o Robert Wise In Command
o China 1926
* From FOX Vault:
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Attenborough
o The Secret of the SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Crenna
* Radio Documentaries Narrated by Richard Attenborough:
o Changsha Bund and the Streets of Taipei
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO
* Radio Spots:
o 2:00 of audio over static image
* Theatrical Trailer
* Still Galleries
* MAD Magazine's THE "SAM PEBBLES"
The Sand Pebbles [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Roadshow Is Unwatchable
  • great movie deserves better
  • The Roadshow Version
  • McQueen's finest dramatic acting...
  • More details on this new DVD release...
 The Sand Pebbles [Region 2]
Starring: Steve McQueen , Richard Attenborough , Richard Crenna , Candice Bergen , and Emmanuelle Arsan
Director: Robert Wise
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Attenborough, RichardAttenborough, Richard | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Bergen, CandiceBergen, Candice | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Chun, PaulChun, Paul | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Crenna, RichardCrenna, Richard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Gates, LarryGates, Larry | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Loo, RichardLoo, Richard | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MacLeod, GavinMacLeod, Gavin | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
MakoMako | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McQueen, SteveMcQueen, Steve | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Oakland, SimonOakland, Simon | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Rainey, FordRainey, Ford | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Wise, RobertWise, Robert | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
( S )( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Military & WarMilitary & War | Genres | DVD | Video | Boxed Sets | Action & Combat | Anti-War Films | By Theme | Civil War | Comedy | Documentary | Drama | International | Iraq War | Vietnam War | War Epics | World War I | World War II | Blu-ray | HD DVD | Universal Media Discs
Similar Items:
  1. Von Ryan's Express (Special Edition)
  2. Nevada Smith
  3. Fantastic Voyage (Special Edition)
  4. Papillon
  5. The Caine Mutiny (Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B00006420V

Amazon.com Review

Following the success of The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise chose to film Robert McKenna's prize-winning 1962 novel, The Sand Pebbles--an ambitious choice for a director at the peak of his career. Shot in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film combines historical sweep and intimate human drama in several parallel stories, all revolving around U.S. Navy machinist's mate Jake Holman (Steve McQueen). Holman is a skillful but fiercely independent sailor who joins the "sand pebble" crew of the U.S.S. San Pablo, a Navy gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River on the eve of the Chinese revolution in 1926. The San Pablo's inexperienced captain (Richard Crenna) obsessively defends the Navy's mission--however unnecessary or unwanted--to protect American missionaries and businessmen, blind to the more dangerous implications of American involvement with China's opposing political factions.

Holman is a defiant voice of humanity in this clash between outmoded values and inevitable change; his final line of dialogue ("What the hell happened?") is a tragic summation of misguided policy, expressing the film's criticism of the Vietnam War. Rather than preach, however, Wise lets McKenna's potent drama emerge from finely-drawn relationships--between Holman and a young American teacher (19-year-old Candice Bergen, in her second film); between Holman and the Chinese "coolie" (Mako) whose heartbreaking fate transcends all issues of racial or political difference; and between crewmate "Frenchy" Burgoyne (Richard Attenborough) and the Chinese woman he's sworn to love and protect at all costs. Combined with the film's colorful supporting cast, adventurous scope, and climactic battle scenes, these personal dynamics bring substance and spirit to a complex story of good intentions gone awry. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Is Unwatchable.......2007-06-15

I was looking forward to seeing the roadshow edition of this film with the extra footage, but who decided to just copy over a faded and overly red copy of it? I gave up halfway through; it's just unwatchable and hard on the eyes. They should have done what Fox did with "South Pacific": insert the faded footage into the pristine shorter version. Then your eyes would get a rest. This would be a five-star package were it not for the mishandling of the roadshow edition. Buy it if you don't own the film, because it's a very good picture with good acting of an engrossing story. If you already have it, don't bother spending the extra money.

3 out of 5 stars great movie deserves better.......2007-06-14

Why do companies keep putting out dual discs? Everyone I talk to hates them and I personally will not buy them. This is such a let down for me. I have noticed a lot of new releases with 4.0 or 2.0 or even mono sound!!! Is this the 21st century with new technology or are we regressing with our technology? Every single new dvd release should be in both 5.1 and 5.1 dts and the option of the original sound! I personally am tired of the repackaging and lack of quality special features ( fluff )The only way the companies will change is the way you spend your money. They did alot of good things on this edition and then get cheap with making one disc a dual disc. DO NOT BUY DUAL DISCS!!!! This is another special edition that should have been re-mixed in 5.1 and made to 3 discs if it would not fit on 2!!!! I vote " NO BUY " The same goes for Von Ryans express ( 2.0 )

1 out of 5 stars The Roadshow Version.......2007-06-13

No stars would be better for this version of the movie.Why did Fox release it? Its colourless just reddish. I was looking forward to view this version of the movie it being longer than the theatrical version but I just could not watch it. Can someone at Fox explain please??? Was that the only print of this version available??? As for the theatrical version and all the other features they get 5 out of 5 stars despite the roadshow version its still worth it to buy this DVD

5 out of 5 stars McQueen's finest dramatic acting..........2007-06-06

I could talk forever about this movie, but I don't want to take the joy out of your watching it for youself. I'll just say this...the scene where Steve is involved in the mercy-killing of his coulee has got to be one of the very greatest in screen history. The intensity of Steve's fine acting draws you into the moment and Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score leaves you with a lump in your throat and tear in your eye. First class movie-making all around due to the thoroughly adept direction of screen master Robert Wise. It's a crime that McQueen got stiffed for Best Actor at the Oscars that year, giving it instead to the Brits, for Paul Scofield's portrayal of Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons". I don't believe Steve ever attended the Academy Awards again after that. In the words of Jake Holman, "What the hell happened?"

5 out of 5 stars More details on this new DVD release..........2007-05-01

Features on this 2-Disc Special Edition include...

Specs:
* 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
* English DD4.0 Surround and Stereo
* French Mono
* English, French and Spanish subtitles

Disc 1:
* Anamorphic Widescreen Feature (Theatrical Version)
* Audio Commentary by Director Robert Wise and actors Candice Bergen, Mako & Richard Crenna
* Isolated score and FX with commentary by Music Producer Nick Redman, Film Music Historian Jon Burlingame, Screenwriter (The Limey, Dark City) and Film Historian Lem Dobbs

Disc 2 (Side A):
* Roadshow Version Feature
* Robert Wise Roadshow Intro
* Richard Zanuck Roadshow Intro

Disc 2 (Side B):
* "The Making Of Sand Pebbles" Featurettes (view individually or play all)
* Side Bars:
o Steve McQueen Remembered
o Robert Wise In Command
o China 1926
* From FOX Vault:
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Attenborough
o The Secret of the SAN PABLO- Narrated by Richard Crenna
* Radio Documentaries Narrated by Richard Attenborough:
o Changsha Bund and the Streets of Taipei
o A Ship Called SAN PABLO
* Radio Spots:
o 2:00 of audio over static image
* Theatrical Trailer
* Still Galleries
* MAD Magazine's THE "SAM PEBBLES"
The Sand Pebbles [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Sand Pebbles [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
    Director: Robert Wise
    Manufacturer: Fox
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD
    ASIN: B000PSRT5G

    Product Description

    Netherlands released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), French (Dolby Digital 2.0), Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0), Dutch (Subtitles), English (Subtitles), French (Subtitles), Greek (Subtitles), Italian (Subtitles), WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), SYNOPSIS: Steve McQueen received his only Academy Award nomination for his performance in this epic-scale war drama, based on the novel by Richard McKenna. In 1926, as China teeters on the edge of political revolution in the midst of a civil war, an American battle ship, the USS San Pablo, is ordered to patrol the Yangtze River to represent and protect American interests. While the San Pablo may be an American ship, much of the labor is actually performed by Chinese locals willing to work for American money, while stern but inexperienced commanding officer Captain Collins (Richard Crenna) frequently drills his charges, unsure what else to do. A machinist's mate with just under a decade of navy service behind him, Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) is assigned to the San Pablo and immediately makes enemies among the crew -- he prefers to do his own work rather than farm it out to others, and the one Chinese man who works by his side, Po Han (Mako), is treated as an apprentice rather than a servant. Holman also falls in love with an idealistic American missionary (Candice Bergen), while his shipmate Frenchy (Richard Attenborough) falls for a Chinese girl and - with marriage plans in mind - kidnaps her to prevent her from being auctioned off. As Holman's methods and attitudes continue to anger his comrades, they find themselves increasingly at odds with the Chinese, especially after Frenchy's girlfriend becomes pregnant and Po Han is captured by revolutionary forces and branded a traitor. SPECIAL FEATURES: Commentary, Documentary, Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Trailer(s),

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    2. Ice Station Zebra
    3. Blade (New Line Platinum Series)
    4. Black Hawk Down (3-Disc Deluxe Edition)
    5. True Lies
    6. The Odyssey
    7. Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey
    8. Minority Report (Widescreen Edition)
    9. The Perfect Storm
    10. Twister

    DVD List

    DVD

    DVD

    Bloodsucking Redneck Vampires

    Werewolf Shadow

    Cradle of Fear (REGION 1) (NTSC)

    DVD: In the Heat of the Night

    Girls in the City