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The latest testosterone-saturated blow-'em-up from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay (The Rock, Bad Boys) continues Hollywood's millennium-fueled fascination with the destruction of our planet. There's no arguing that the successful duo understands what mainstream American audiences want in their blockbuster movies--loads of loud, eye-popping special effects, rapid-fire pacing, and patriotic flag waving. Bay's protagonists--the eight crude, lewd, oversexed (but lovable, of course) oil drillers summoned to save the world from a Texas-sized meteor hurling toward the earth--are not flawless heroes, but common men with whom all can relate. In this huge Western-in-space soap opera, they're American cowboys turned astronauts. Sci-fi buffs will appreciate Bay's fetishizing of technology, even though it's apparent he doesn't understand it as anything more than flashing lights and shiny gadgets. Smartly, the duo also tries to lure the art-house crowd, raiding the local indie acting stable and populating the film with guys like Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, Owen Wilson, and Michael Duncan, all adding needed touches of humor and charisma. When Bay applies his sledgehammer aesthetics to the action portions of the film, it's mindless fun; it's only when Armageddon tackles humanity that it becomes truly offensive. Not since Mississippi Burning have racial and cultural stereotypes been substituted for characters so blatantly--African Americans, Japanese, Chinese, Scottish, Samoans, Muslims, French ... if it's not white and American, Bay simplifies it. Or, make that white male America; the film features only three notable females--four if you count the meteor, who's constantly referred to as a "bitch that needs drillin'," but she's a hell of a lot more developed and unpredictable than the other women characters combined. Sure, Bay's film creates some tension and contains some visceral moments, but if he can't create any redeemable characters outside of those in space, what's the point of saving the planet? --Dave McCoyAmazon.com
The 1998 testosterone-saturated blow-'em-up from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay (The Rock, Bad Boys) continues Hollywood's millennium-fueled fascination with the destruction of our planet. There's no arguing that the successful duo understands what mainstream American audiences want in their blockbuster movies--loads of loud, eye-popping special effects, rapid- fire pacing, and patriotic flag waving. Bay's protagonists--the eight crude, lewd, oversexed (but lovable, of course) oil drillers summoned to save the world from a Texas-sized meteor hurling toward the earth--are not flawless heroes, but common men with whom all can relate. In this huge Western-in-space soap opera, they're American cowboys turned astronauts. Sci-fi buffs will appreciate Bay's fetishizing of technology, even though it's apparent he doesn't understand it as anything more than flashing lights and shiny gadgets. Smartly, the duo also tries to lure the art-house crowd, raiding the local indie acting stable and populating the film with guys like Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, Owen Wilson, and Michael Duncan, all adding needed touches of humor and charisma. When Bay applies his sledgehammer aesthetics to the action portions of the film, it's mindless fun; it's only when Armageddon tackles humanity that it becomes truly offensive. Not since Mississippi Burning have racial and cultural stereotypes been substituted for characters so blatantly--African Americans, Japanese, Chinese, Scottish, Samoans, Muslims, French ... if it's not white and American, Bay simplifies it. Or, make that white male America; the film features only three notable females--four if you count the meteor, who's constantly referred to as a "bitch that needs drillin'," but she's a hell of a lot more developed and unpredictable than the other women characters combined. Sure, Bay's film creates some tension and contains some visceral moments, but if he can't create any redeemable characters outside of those in space, what's the point of saving the planet? --Dave McCoySimilarProduct
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Customer reviews
Excellent collection of material 
by .. Charles Oppermann (Woodinville, WA USA)
The Criterion Collection release of Armageddon is a treat. It offers 2 commentary tracks, one featuring the director Michael Bay, actors Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has comments on several interesting things. Affleck's commentary is sometimes very funny. The other commentary track features the Director of Photography and special effects people.
The commentary includes interesting details, including background information on the characters and filming locations. Note: The commentary is raw and sometimes laced with profanity, although the movie itself is rated PG-13, for reasons explained in the commentary.
Although it's not much, this collection is also a Director's Cut and has a couple scenes added, notable of which is Harry Stamper's character visiting his father before launch. Some other scenes are cut slightly differently, adding some depth to the story.
The Gag reel on the second disk is extremely funny, raw, and not your typical "behind-the-scenes" documentary.
The second disk also features a tremendous amount of information on the special effects and includes many different trailers and promo material. The Aerosmith song video is also included.
While the story can be nit-picked, it's still very exciting and enjoyable.
Overall, if you liked the movie, the Criterion Collection release is the DVD to have.
Relax and enjoy one of the best films of 1998 by .. really2k1 (Northern California, USA)
I don't belong to the apparent elitists who despise Michael Bay's filmmaking because he's entertaining for it's own sake. Michael Bay is what he is the same as Hitchcock directed psychological thrillers or George Lucas directs science fiction. He makes films that are loud, fast, action-packed and quite frankly, fun to watch. Isn't that what movies are supposed to be about?
Armageddon was probably the most (other than maybe Saving Private Ryan) anticipated movie of 1998. I'd rank it in my top two or three of 1998 (The others being Saving Private Ryan and American History X). It's not the next Schindler's List and it doesn't strive to be. It stars Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler in the main roles. The supporting cast is underrated, well-balanced and fun to watch, from Michael Clarke Duncan and Steve Buscemi down to lesser know actors Marshall R. Teague and Jessica Steen.
Yes, the plot and premise may not be the most believable. But neither is King Kong, Lord of The Rings, Star Wars or whatever. These pseudo-critics on Amazon.com whine about "poor science" behind the movie, or the poor plot or the stereotypical cast. You know what? Who friggin' cares? It's a movie that's made for sheer fun, for entertainment, for bringing your family to enjoy a couple of hours of action, thundering explosions, fast vehicles and a little romance. Armageddon, despite what the Ebert and Roeper apprentices in here think, is entertainment at its best. Stop whining and enjoy yourself.
We are all familiar with the story by now. An asteroid the size of Texas is on path to impact with Earth, which would destroy all forms of life on it. The world only has 18 days until impact. The only way to stop it is to blow it up from the inside by drilling to its core. For that, NASA recruits the worlds's best deep-core driller in Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) and his renegade drilling crew. The crew, along with some NASA astronauts and an unlucky Russian cosmonaut, journey to the asteroid and embark upon the mission to destroy it and with that, save the entire planet.
Along the way, the crew endures despite losing lives, having to overcome huge obstacles, and having to make decisions that will affect not only the world but their own personal lives. The movie is filled with a few emotional moments that will bring tears to some eyes. The score is grandiose and is a large part of the film. The film strives to be patriotic and the cinematography reflects it. I couldn't help but feel patriotic and moved while watching the movie. The sound and visual effects in the movie were awesome, which its four Oscar nominations reflect.
This movie is a lot of things. It's fun, it's moving, it's sad and it's romantic. Above all, it's one of the more entertaining movies I have seen. The cast had a lot of chemistry together and seemed to have a lot of fun which is reflected in the film. This was Ben Affleck's first big box-office action movie and he gives a good first effort. Bruce Willis takes on the role of Harry Stamper with ease like the action movie veteran he is. Liv Tyler is sweet as Harry's daughter and their emotional goodbye is to be remembered. (Home theater aficionados will also appreciate the visual and sound effects in this movie).
Armageddon was the second-highest grossing film of 1998 narrowly behind Saving Private Ryan. That might be something for critics to think about, because obviously A LOT of people saw this movie. All in all, don't listen to the critics here trying to become the next "Top 500 reviewer." See the movie, it's a blast.
Anal About Realism? Not for you. Want To Be Entertained? This is it. by .. J. Luong (Los Angeles, CA United States)
I believe this movie to be well directed and scripted. It had the right amount of humor, drama, and "feel good" ending. They knew when to be funny and when to be serious. It had a great cast and overall it was a very enjoyable movie. From what I've read, this was one of those "hate it or love it" movies and I really liked the movie.
As for realism, yeah most of that stuff probably wouldn't fly realistically but if the only way to save our planet was to drill a hole in the sucker, would I prefer astronauts be given last minute instructions on how to drill or would I prefer some guy who has done it for years? I guess it sounds kinda funny/stupid at first but...I would prefer the experienced driller.
In any case, if realism is what you wanted, this isn't for you. If you want a to watch an entertaining movie, this is one of the best I've seen.
Hollywood cinema at it's best... by .. Snoop (Auckland, NZ)
I love this film. Some of my friends and colleagues (quite a few in fact) believe this movie to be one of the corniest and sappiest movies ever made, I say to you all, stop, chill out and see this movie for what it is, Hollywood cinema at it's patriotic, rip roaring roller coaster best. Nerds, if it bothers you that any film seems 'filled with factual errors and flaws' and you crave scientific fact, this is probably not the movie for you, go watch the Discovery channel instead. For those that want to immerse themselves in an action / adventure movie second to none, crank up your home theatre system and let Bruce, Billy Bob, Ben, Liv and the living legend that is Steve Buscemi take you on an action packed journey to save the earth. The special effects are excellent and there is a second disc with some good commentary from the cast, producer and NASA consultants brought in to help on the project. All in all Critereon have managed to make an excellent film even better. A must for your collection.
THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!! WAY BETTER THEN DEEP IMPACT by .. bart (Framingham, MA)
I cannot believe all the negative feedback ARMEGEDDON has recieved. Why, it is one of the most greatest action films ever made, and it is brought to us by action director Michael Bay (He is my favorite movie director). I have liked this movie even before I knew he directed it. I rememeber seeing this in theaters when I was ten years old back in 1998, and it put me on the edge of my seat. It had such great special effects, alot of intense action scenes, some great comedical moments, and even some very emotionl parts at the end of the of the film. Yes, I know it was a very long movie, but the movie will make such an impact on you that you'll never notice. It is ALOT better then that other sappy disaster movie, DEEP IMPACT. DEEP IMPACT was more of an emotional movie while ARMAGEDDON is more of an action thrill ride. Although most people prefer DEEP IMPACT, I would rather would watch this. Here is the plot.
When a space shuttle and half of New York city is unexpectantly destroyed by a meteor shower, NASA tracks down another cosmical object heading toward for us. The difference, is that this one is enormous, it the size of Texas. And to make matters worse, we only have 18 days to destroy it-BEFORE IT DESTROYS US! Now, the only was to demolishing it is by planting a nuclear weapon 800 feat below it surface. In order to do that, NASA must get the Worlds best deep core driller. That guy is Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) and his crew AJ (Ben Affleck), "Chick" Chappelle (Will Patton), Bear (Michael Clarke Duncan), Max (Kan Campbell), Oscar (Owen Wilson), Freddy Noonan (Clark Bolly), and Rockhound (Steve Buscemi). These have 12 days to train how to become astronauts. All the time in the world is all they've got.
In my opinin, I think this is the best movie directed by Michael Bay. Its has all sorts of great elements- Action, comedy, and drama. Sure the plot is a little obscure, our fate is in the hands of a bunch of oil drillers? I know it sounds dumb, but it does make a great pop corn flick. What was also good about this movie was the relation ship between AJ and Harry's daughter Grace (Liv Tyler). Besides the asteroid, the movie was also centered around that relationship. AJ and Grace love each other however Harry does not like AJ. Loving Grace was sort of the real reason why AJ was saving the World. He is doing for her. And slowly throughout the movie, AJ was earning Harry's respect.
Now let me talk about this DVD. I suggest getting the regular edition DVD, not the criterion collection. I remeber paying alot of money for the criterion collection, and while the movie is fantastic, the dvd lacks even though is is a 2 disc set. Every piece of veiwing material on the 2nd disc is only ten minutes. I can probobly watch everything on the second disc in less then 45 min. It surely was not worth the 30 plus dollars, I suggest getting the regular single disc edition. It won't have as much x-tras, but it will be a better buy.