I must admit, when I first saw the movie at the late, lamented Worldwide center (second run movie house) in Manhattan, I thought it was noisy and unfocused, and a lesser effort by a brilliant director. I bought the DVD anyway, mainly because any Terry Gilliam movie is worth having, and Criterion versions doubly so. Well, my opinion of the movie has done almost a complete 180 degree turn. Perhaps the movie, coming out during the …showed first 75 words of 391 total…

…showed last 75 words of 391 total…and Loathing", including some footage of the real Dr. Gonzo, Chicano attorney Oscar Ceasar Acosta (who's been missing since the mid-70's) reading from one of the books he authored. In short, the disc succeeds as both a film, and as a study of a much misunderstood era in recent history. I'm not sure yet, but it may just be the best DVD purchase I have ever made. Thanks, Hunter Thompson, Terry Gilliam, and Criterion.