Amazon.co.uk review
Celebrating 25 years since The Five Doctors was originally broadcast, this brand new double disc special edition is a real treat for new and old fans of the show. For not only is the adventure itself good fun, but the special features package is exceptionally strong too.
The story - broadcast to celebrate the-then 20th anniversary of Doctor Who - brings five incarnations of the Doctor together. Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee and Peter Davison return to their roles, while Richard Hurndall steps in for William Hartnell, and archive footage of Tom Baker is used to cover his decision not to take part in the story. The various generations of the Doctor are then, one by one, brought to the Time Lord's home planet Gallifrey, where they encounter many of their old assistants, and many of their deadliest foes.
The story of The Five Doctors proves to be as much a battle about giving everyone something to do, but Terrance Dicks' script does just that, and while it's not one of the Time Lord's very best adventures, it is an entertaining one.
The extra features package peaks with the assorted commentary tracks: there's one that brings together a series of Doctor Who assistants, another that unites writer Terrance Dicks with Peter Davison, and a hidden Easter Egg commentary where David Tennant, Phil Collinson and Helen Raynor take the microphone. Each is a fascinating listen, for differing reasons.
The Five Doctors DVD is then rounded off with a wide selection of archive material, and a 50-minute documentary looking at Doctor Who's birthday celebrations. And given the wealth of features there is to dig through, it's a release that'll be enjoyed for a long time after both the original and extended cut of the main feature have been viewed. A terrific release. --Simon Brew
Customer Reviews:
The 3½ Doctors but some cracking extras!.......2008-03-12
This story divides fandom like no other in many ways. Some dismiss it as too silly, implausible and certainly not a classic story, and a very camp pantomime. Other regard it a joyful celebration of all that was great about the series for its 20th Anniversary in 1983, and a glorious reunion of Doctors, companions and Monsters. I belong to the later camp.
Hats off to Terrance Dicks for coping with the near impossible task of constantly changing cast list (the great Bob Holmes had already attempted a "Six Doctors" story but pulled out saying the demands were too great).
Another challenge was what to do with the first and fourth Doctors. William Hartnell sadly had passed away in 1975, and Tom Baker, having originally agreed to take part in the production, then pulled out of the project. The first Doctor was recast as Richard Hurndall, who does, in my opinion bear more than just a passing resemblance to William Hartnell; whilst Tom Baker is represented in the story by the inclusion of a few short clips from the then unseen, unfinished Shada story of 1979.
In this 2 disc release, you get both the original transmission version of 1983, and the longer "Special Edition" cut of 1995, with new special effects, a Dolby 5.1 surround soundtrack and various scene changes. Both versions have been extensively restored by the Doctor Who restoration team, unlike the previous release of 2001, and there is a distinct absence of grain on the picture and particularly vivid colours throughout.
The celebratory feel of the story is really felt in the comprehensive and nostalgic set of extras on this DVD:
- Celebration - a documentary - presented by Colin Baker - recalling the making of, and publicity surrounding, the Five Doctors. It is nice to see the director, Peter Moffat, one last time before his death in 2007, and the anecdotes from Elisabeth Sladen, Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and the writer Terrance Dicks are highly entertaining and often amusing.
- The Ties that Bind Us is a much shorter documentary - narrated by the smooth tones of Paul McGann - looking at the Five Doctors' links to other Doctor Who story, with an excellent montage of clips to illustrate what it is that makes this show so special.
- A wonderful "Easter Egg" commentary by the current Doctor (David Tennant) and producer (Phil Collinson) and writer Helen Raynor. This has to be one of the most hilarious and entertaining commentaries to date, no doubt livened by the presence of champagne during recording, courtesy of 2entertain. Phil Collinson had me in stitches throughout, my only criticism is oddly enough of David Tennant who seems rather displeased with the choice of Richard Hurndall as the first Doctor.
- Clips from the publicity surrounding the series in 1983, from Breakfast Time, Blue Peter and Saturday Superstore.
- A comprehensive photo gallery and trailers/ continuities.
- Two further commentaries:
-Companions Commentary (a rather lacklustre affair compared to the Easter Egg one) with Liz Sladen, Nicholas Courtney, and Mark Strickson and Carol Ann Ford.
- Special Edition Commentary (a hilarious combination of writer Terrance Dicks and the Doctor, Peter Davison).
Probably the most comprehensive set of extras for a Doctor Who DVD release yet. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 20th anniversary in style with 3½ Doctors, a tipsy new series crew and more extras than you can wave a punt at!
The "Greatest Easter Egg" - fantastic.......2008-03-07
I found the Easter Egg, with 2 Entertain's help. The "hidden Easter Egg commentary where David Tennant, Phil Collinson and Helen Raynor take the microphone" is fantastic...
The Five Doctors - Great Balls of Fire!!!.......2008-03-05
The Five Doctors has always had a somewhat "iffy" reputation among the Who faithful, but for me it's always had it's own particular charm - which is why I for one am so pleased that it has been given this spectacular 2 disc release.
For me to the real stars of this show are Pat Troughton and Jon Pertwee, who give as much to the story as the incumbent Doctor Peter Davison. Richard Hurndall is none too shabby either as the First Doctor.
Many fans mourn the fact that Tom Baker did not participate, but it's just possible that he may have overshadowed the others - we'll never know now, but the inclusion of the then unseen Shada footage gives us a fleeting glimpse of his brilliance.
A classic? Possibly not to the hardcore Who fans, but certainly a highly enjoyable romp which ever version you choose to watch, plus more features than you can shake a scarf at! Highly Recommended!
Great, worth upgrading.......2008-03-04
This a great dvd package and worth upgrading from the original release, lots of cool extra's which were absent first time around
A great romp.......2008-03-02
25 years have passed since this milestone in British TV sci-fi. The actual 'five' weren't all there, but does it matter?
Extras first; this DVD contains two versions of the episode; a special edition containing some new SFX (nothing too mind-blowing) and is a slightly longer cut, and the original version as broadcast in 1983. There are various commentaries (I haven't listened to them all yet) including one by the companions, Peter Davison with Terrance Dicks, and a not-too-well-hidden Easter Egg in the form of a commentary by Phil Collinson, David Tennant and Helen Raynor from the current Doctor Who team. There's also a documentary on the Doctor Who continuity narrated by Paul McGann, another on the making of `The Five Doctors' presented by Colin Baker, as well as features from Nationwide, Saturday Superstore, the Longleat exhibition and studio out-takes. In short, there's plenty of stuff over the two discs to keep most Who fans amused for many moons.
Basically, the episode is an excuse for a Who's-Who of Doctor Who - barring Tom Baker (shown only in clips from the unreleased `Shada') and the deceased William Hartnell. For the remainder, it's time to get back into character. The story concerns the 5th Doctor returning to Gallifrey in order to become `whole', as his previous selves have been scooped up from their respective time streams and placed in the Death Zone as part of some nefarious plot. As far as bad guys go, the usual suspects are in place (mostly); there's a lone Dalek, a lone Yeti, the Master and a whole bunch of Cybermen.
The real appeal of an episode like this lies not with the power of the story, but with seeing the various Doctors do their stuff one more time. As a budding writer myself, I can only imagine the problems that lay before Terrance Dicks when trying to juggle the almost insane amount of leading and supporting characters in a episode like this. To his credit, he manages it well - especially considering that he managed to keep the 5th Doctor at the story's centre. But overall, this is not as strong a story as 1973's `The Three Doctors' as there simply seems to be less of an overall threat.
While I admire Dicks' writing skills, I feel he missed an opportunity in terms of serious emotional connection between the Doctors and the various companions. True, there is genuine joy when the Brigadier meets the 2nd Doctor again, and relief when Sarah-Jane is rescued (down a pathetic hill!) by the 3rd Doctor, but the differences in emphasis between the writers of the classic series and the writers of the current series become evident. The 5th Doctor shows almost no emotion when faced with the Brigadier and Sarah-Jane again; just compare that for a moment to the events of 'School Reunion' and all the joy, competetiveness, sorrow and memories that ensued. This is bad enough, but then neither he and the 2nd and 3rd Doctors even bat an eyelid at their own grand-daughter. Susan, who they would not have seen for an eternity. I can't help feeling that huge opportunities went amiss here. In a show which is basically an excuse for a get-together, the sense of reunion in the script was a bit lacking. This is something that the current writers would have probably exploited to the max.
Saying that, it was still good to see the old faces back in action. Richard Hurndall actually does more than just mimic William Hartnell; he captures the 1st Doctor's essence excellently (I pour scorn on David Tennant's commentary that he was `just a bloke in a wig' - a little unfair I think). Patrick Troughton, as always, is charm personified, but my first Doctor, and my favourite, was Jon Pertwee, and for me it's always a thrill to see him in action - plus he gets to use that famous line one more time! Also a nod to the always-excellent Anthony Ainley as the Master - terrific.
So, was it really `The Five Doctors' or `Doctor Who 3.5'? Whichever way it's viewed, this special commemorative episode is still a fine romp through the history of the most infamous Time Lord of them all.
Amazon.co.uk Reviews
This clever, funny big-screen adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's best-seller takes some of the snarky bite out of the chick lit book, but smoothes out the characters' boxy edges to make a more satisfying movie. There's no doubt The Devil Wears Prada belongs to Meryl Streep, who turns in an Oscar-worthy (seriously!) strut as the monster editor-in-chief of Runway, an elite fashion magazine full of size-0, impossibly well-dressed plebes. This makes new second-assistant Andrea (Anne Hathaway), who's smart but an unacceptable size 6, stick out like a sore thumb. Streep has a ball sending her new slave on any whimsical errand, whether it's finding the seventh (unpublished) Harry Potter book or knowing what type she means when she wants "skirts." Though Andrea thumbs her nose at the shallow world of fashion (she's only doing the job to open doors to a position at The New Yorker someday), she finds herself dually disgusted yet seduced by the perks of the fast life. The film sends a basic message: Make work your priority, and you'll be rich and powerful... and lonely. Any other actress would have turned Miranda into a scenery-chewing Cruella, but Streep's underplayed, brilliant comic timing make her a fascinating, unapologetic character. Adding frills to the movie's fun are Stanley Tucci as Streep's second-in-command, Emily Blunt (My Summer of Love) as the overworked first assistant, Simon Baker as a sexy writer, and breathtaking couture designs any reader of Vogue would salivate over. -- Ellen A. Kim
Customer Reviews:
Details of your incompetence do not interest me........2008-03-14
It looks like a chick flick, dresses like a chick flick and name-checks a fashion house in its title, so you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is the long-rumoured now confirmed Sex And The City movie -- and the presence of sometime SATC director David Frankel at the helm would suggest you're right. But under the to-die-for threads of The Devil Wears Prada lurks a career-minded morality tale, wherein the gender of the two leads is of little importance -- except that male stars would do themselves an injury in heels this high. While the traditional girly movie sees some allegedly frumpy but really foxy starlet make eyes at an unattainable babe-magnet before realising she loves her best guy mate, this focuses on the oft-overlooked question of what our heroine actually does for a living. Hence this leading lady lives in a credibly small and grungy apartment, dresses badly and seems to be unacquainted with either Max Factor or Estée Lauder. There are dishy men around -- Entourage's Adrian Grenier as her long-suffering boyfriend and Simon Baker as a predatory writer -- but they're window-dressing for an altogether more businesslike tale. Andy's story is about getting her foot on the career ladder, a familiar goal even for those who haven't gone through the meat-grinder of media recruitment. But her starter job as junior assistant to Runway magazine editor Miranda Priestly soon sees her life being made over along with her wardrobe. In the lead, Anne Hathaway continues her transition from cheery and freshfaced child star to cheery and freshfaced but accomplished adult actress (see also Havoc, reviewed this issue), with a down-to-Earth charm that draws inevitable comparisons to a young Julia Roberts. But, come next March, it will be Meryl Streep who receives her umpteenth Oscar nod for her role as the deliciously nasty Priestly. In the slave-and-tell novel on which the film is based, Priestly is an unkind caricature, allegedly based on legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Streep, however, manages the formidable task of giving her capricious tyrant some humanity without diluting her essential awfulness. Speaking in a soft, almost seductive monotone, she tears strips out of her assistants and withers unlucky editors with a glance -- all while retaining a strange, charismatic hold over all around her. Soon her malign influence begins to warp her newest assistant, until Andy too finds herself adopting the values of her Mephistophelean mentor. Miranda's credo may be "fashion is fabulous" rather than "greed is good", but make no mistake -- this is Gordon Gekko with better hair. It's left to two other Runway employees to do the film's comedic heavy-lifting. The ever-dependable Stanley Tucci injects pathos into an underwritten part as the very camp and extremely shrewd art editor Nigel, Miranda's right-hand man. But it's relative newcomer Emily Blunt (My Summer Of Love) who very nearly steals the film as Miranda's senior assistant Emily, veering brilliantly between Miranda-lite bitchery and moments of real despair (admittedly, despair that is occasioned by the threat of taking away her couture, but it's real nevertheless). From New York high society to Paris Fashion Week, the combination of low comedy and high fashion works beautifully. There are plot elements and the odd line that seem forced or formulaic, but the overall impression is fresh and stylish -- an autumn/winter show that's worth a look, even for the sartorially-challenged. This smart and funny creation is not just wish-fulfilment for the Sex And The City generation -- it's a Wall Street for the 21st century.
Alright , but not great . .......2008-02-22
I heard so much about this film , how good , how witty , but in the end was left disappointed . There was nothing really outstanding about it , and you are left wondering what the fuss was all about . Alright to pass the time , but there are better films that will stay longer in the memory .
Take my advice and Buy it. .......2008-02-11
Ok I will hold my hands up - I was really reluctant to buy this dvd as I really believed I would hate it.
Yes I know it had great reviews but being a Guy I am not really into ' fashion '
Once I bite the bullet and bought it I soon realised what I was missing.
The four main actors are Fantastic and special praise has to go to
Meryl Streep and even more praise has to go to Anne Hathaway.
If you were like me and thought its not for you take my advice and Buy it.
"Chick Flick!".......2008-01-15
A true "chick flick" if you like that sort of thing - my wife liked it and it is a well made film but I found it rather tedious at times: there is only so much you can enjoy seeing ladies be nasty to each other.....but there you are. There is nothing offensive about the film, just nothing too memorable either. Watch it for fun, but without high expectations and I think you will enjoy it more.
Brill!.......2008-01-08
Loved it! There was just enough sillyness to make it funny and just enough seriousness to make it believable. Acting was great, Meryl was superb, Emily Blunt, brill! All the characters blended well together. An easy watching, entertaining film!
Amazon.co.uk Review
"I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event ... well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can't help but secretly ask themselves: sure, this is Star Wars, but it is my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers' expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo's swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breathing Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there's much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film-the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert--makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park. Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim) and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman's stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog and a hippie, provides many of the movie's lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over sceptics. Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, "We will watch your career with great interest." Indeed! --Tod Nelson
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Lucas transports audiences back to the future with Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace, the first instalment of a prequel trilogy in which the director imagines the foundation for the entire six-part saga. Reflecting the symbolic and mythological bases of at least five story arcs, The Phantom Menace wields a newly emerged, youthful vibrancy courtesy of Lucas' invigorating return to the director's chair and his healthy respect for the emotional sources of fantasy. Despite receiving a storm of adverse criticism (notably for Jar Jar Binks) Lucas continually fascinates with his ability to place his characters--some new, some old, some CGI--in the same dramatic situations posed in the original trilogy: whether it be the juxtaposition of primitives with technologically advanced societies or the timeless battle between good and evil, the very familiarity of these recurring scenarios and rhythms galvanises the viewer. Of course, the state-of-the-art visual effects contribute mightily to the final impact. Much has been written about the kinetic Pod Race sequence (compared favourably with the chariot race in Ben Hur) and the War and Peace-style military battles, but even these events are upstaged by the new planetary vistas: consider the Romanesque grandeur of Naboo, the underwater city of Otoh Gunga illuminated by Art Nouveau lamps, the decadent brio of Tatooine, or the dizzying skyscrapers of the city planet Coruscant (imagine Blade Runner in daylight). Despite the beauty of his iridescent images, Lucas exercises discipline, cutting fast within frames filled with rich detail and activity. As a result, The Phantom Menace lends itself to repeated viewings.
On the DVD: This spectacular two-disc DVD set was certainly worth the wait. Simply put, this is the most comprehensive packaging of supplementary materials so far assembled for DVD. Most importantly, Lucas film offers an anamorphic, 2.35:1 film transfer and a highly active Dolby 5.1 audio mix. Disc 1 includes an insightful commentary with Lucas--his first for DVD--and other key personnel, making for a great tour. The bulk of extra treasures can be found on Disc 2, including seven deleted scenes completed just for this set that possess the same quality as the film; in fact, some moments (the "Air Bus Taxi" and "Pod Race Grid" sequences) are so good that Lucas reincorporated them into the film proper. Viewers can also enjoy no less than 12 Web documentaries, five informative featurettes, the popular John Williams music video "Duel of the Fates" and numerous galleries of stills, trailers and television spots. Better yet, Lucas premieres "The Beginning," a 66-minute documentary edited from hundreds of hours of behind-the-scenes footage. This is not your standard-issue studio documentary, instead "The Beginning" is an Oscar-worthy, cinema verityé-style exploration of the creative process behind every aspect of the film's production. One of the most memorable moments involves a late-day visit to the set by Steven Spielberg: watching Lucas and Spielberg behave like kids in a candy store is one more reminder why the Star Wars saga remains enduringly popular. --Kevin Mulhall
Customer Reviews:
star wars returns.......2008-02-11
Before I launch into my review of this movie I must implore that all new comers to the star wars franchise watch them in the order they were released. That is, episodes 4 - 6 first and then 1,2 and 3! Sounds daft I know but it is so very much better that way.
Episodes 4-6 documented the war against 'The Empire' and as the name suggested 'the return of the Jedi'. Episodes 1-3 tell the tale of how 'The Empire' came to be.
Unfortunately, I didnt enjoy episode 1 nearly as much as I did the original 3 movies. It felt as if the creators thought 'forget a deep absorbing storyline, we have CGI to keep them entertained'. And yes, the graphics were impressive but I didnt think that I'd garnered enough info for the length of time I'd invested.
Still it's really cool to find out how it all began and worth watching if you are a fan / even just for completeness sake. It does compel one to go on and watch the next 2!
Terrible, a right turkey!!.......2008-01-18
Terrible, terrible, terrible. As a fan of Star Wars this is proberbly the biggest disapointment of a film that I have ever seen. Words fail me as to how bad this film is. The script is shocking, the acting appaulling, the CGI characters are serously annoying. The one redeeming feature is Darth Maull, who makes a great villian but he simply isnt in it enough. The one interesting character and he's hardly in it. This film isnt just bad, its one of the worst film Ive ever seen. This is trash sci-fi, a right turkey of a movie. George Lucas should hang his head in shame. The Star Wars film used to be his labour of love, now they are just a money making venture.
Too much CGI, acting poor, Script bad and Direction even worse. George Lucas has many qualities (which made Star Wars great) but Directing isnt one of them.
One more point .... who on Earth created Jar Jar Binks, that particular CGI creation is the most annoying character ever to appear on the silver screen.
What has Lucas been smoking since 1983?.......2007-12-10
In short, (special effects aside) this films does not have the strength of script, dialogue, acting and allure, to make any serious StarWars fan really care about it.
I have watched it 3 times in an attempt to convince myself that because it is new, I need time to get used to it; but still I don't get it, or understand the politically unclear script, and most importantly, nothing in the film, from its set, to its musical score, cast and characters emotionally move me in anyway as to make me care about what is happening to any of them. The best and most alluring character, Darth Maul, is hardly used and then killed off at the end!
As far as I can ascertain, there is political turmoil in 'the galaxy far far away' and the Jedi are trying to uncover the cause of the problem. By a chance encounter on a planet where they land to repair a politician's spaceship, they come across a young slave boy in a spaceship scrap-shop named Anakin Skywalker. After discovering the boy has the highest midiclorian content ever seen in his blood, the boy wins a speeder race to be set free from slavery to train as a Jedi, and is deemed to be the 'chosen one' who will bring balance to the force. Then there is a battle about something or another between droids and Jar Jar Bink's clan (shame he didn't get killed here) and that's it.
I found this as clear as mud to follow; how a child can be expected to understand it baffles me!
If you love the allure and magic of the original StarWars films don't buy this as you will be VERY dissapointed as it is a poor imitation of what made the original films sheer magic and timeless.
Whatever George Lucas has been smoking since 1983, I don't want a whiff of it.
Couldn't have said it better..........2007-11-13
I think the definitive comment on The Phantom Menace came in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when a character says "I'm bored. 'Episode One' bored."
OH MY GOD.......2007-09-07
This is without a doubt the the most insulting, disappointing waste of space ever commited to film. The first three films were excellent (barring the stupid ewoks of course) and then after decades of anticipation we are given this drivel. Astonishingly mis cast characters, a plot so dull you can feel your brain cells dying off one by one, and acting that makes `Rome' the series look good. And thats saying something.
The the script is awful, the CGI totally unconvincing and a cartoon style bad guy with ridiculous make up all add up to one of film history's most shameful moments. I feel sorry for the kids who had to grow up with this uninspired rubbish and almost as appalling sequels.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Film buffs and critics can argue until their faces turn blue about whether this lavish Dickensian musical deserved the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1968, but the movie speaks for itself on grandly entertaining terms. Adapted from Dickens's classic novel, it's one of the most dramatically involving and artistically impressive musicals of the 1960s, directed by Carol Reed with a delightful enthusiasm that would surely have impressed Dickens himself. Mark Lester plays the waifish orphan Oliver Twist, who is befriended by the pickpocketing Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) and recruited into the gang of boy thieves led by Fagin (played to perfection by Ron Moody). The villainous Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) casts his long shadow over Oliver and his friends, but the young orphan is still able to find loving care in the most desperate of circumstances. Full of memorable melodies and splendid lyrics, Oliver! is a timeless film, prompting even hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael to call it "a superb demonstration of intelligent craftsmanship", and to further observe that "it's as if the movie set out to be a tribute to Dickens and his melodramatic art as well as to tell the story of Oliver Twist." --Jeff Shannon
Amazon.co.uk Review
Film buffs and critics can argue until their faces turn blue about whether this lavish Dickensian musical deserved the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1968, but the movie speaks for itself on grandly entertaining terms. Adapted from Dickens's classic novel, it's one of the most dramatically involving and artistically impressive musicals of the 1960s, directed by Carol Reed with a delightful enthusiasm that would surely have impressed Dickens himself. Mark Lester plays the waifish orphan Oliver Twist, who is befriended by the pick-pocketing Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) and recruited into the gang of boy thieves led by Fagin (played to perfection by Ron Moody). The villainous Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) casts his long shadow over Oliver and his friends, but the young orphan is still able to find loving care in the most desperate of circumstances. Full of memorable melodies and splendid lyrics, Oliver! is a timeless film, prompting even hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael to call it "a superb demonstration of intelligent craftsmanship," and to further observe that "it's as if the movie set out to be a tribute to Dickens and his melodramatic art as well as to tell the story of Oliver Twist". --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
One of the Best Musicals Ever Made.......2008-02-18
Simply put, Oliver! is one of the greatest musicals of all time. It is filled with memorable songs - "Food Glorious Food", "Oliver!", "Consider Yourself" and "Oom-Pah-Pah" to name just a few - and equally memorable characters.
The film is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel and much like the story of Oliver Twist itself, it is a perfect family film. There are some frightening moments - the villain Bill Sykes played by Oliver Reed is scary enough on his own - but overall, the film will appeal to children of all ages as well as adults.
The story - which almost everyone is surely familiar with by now - revolves around a little orphan boy named Oliver and his life growing up in London. At first he lives in the workhouse with the rest of his fellow orphans but after daring to question Mr. Bumble, the overseer, he is sold to a family as a servant.
After a series of mishaps and close shaves, he meets the Artful Dodger - superbly played by a young Jack Wild, who gives his all in the role - and through him, the greedy Fagin (Ron Moody), who trains young boys to pick pocket treasures which he keeps for himself.
The film was shot solely in studios and on soundstages at Shepperton Film Studios but this does not translate at all to film. The sets perfectly replicate Victorian London, as do the costumes worn by the characters. A multi-Oscar winner and a massive success on its release, Oliver! is a worthy contender for the best musical all of time and will delight anyone who loves film.
wonderful.......2007-08-02
Remembered from my own childhood, bought recently to watch with my 7 year old daughter. Fantastic film, great music, good story, a real classic. Daughter loves it and can sing all the songs. Prepare to watch it many times over and over.
One note of caution - the ending is quite scary and unpleasant for young children - Bill Sykes is chased through a dark London and shot dead - I would save this until a child was 6-7 years old.
A CLASSIC AMONG CLASSICS.......2007-07-28
This is without doubt one of the all time greats. A world class cast with an adaptation of Dickens` story that hasn`t had a total Hollywood rewrite and everybody knows the story so no need to repeat it here. Fabulous sets and backdrops make you feel that you are in Victorian London and as usual the music from Lionel Bart will leave you singing (or humming) the tunes for days after. It is a Sunday afternoon movie tucked up on the couch with the kids (if you havn`t got, borrow some)and a box of chocolates.
Music=5 fun=5 Overall=5.......2007-04-07
It is a great film about an orphan named Oliver (Mark Lester) who asks for more disgusting gruel after picking the long straw.He is then sold to the funeral directors but is thrown down the celler after attacking someone who calls him mum names.He ACCIDENTALLY finds a way out and travels for 7 days until reaching London.There he meets Dodger and he gets introduced to Fagin who welcomes Oliver in.Fagins den are a bunch of pick-pockets and Oliver gets accused of doing this when he didn't really do it,but he gets out.
A man called Bill Sikes uses Oliver to help him steal things because he is thin and small.Oliver gets new owners soon but Bill and his wife Nancy get him back.
Nancy dosen't really want to do this and one day secretly helps Oliver go back to the other guardians,Bill realises and chases them although they don't know he is.
Oliver hugs Nancy goodbye but Bill grabs Nancy and eventually kills her.He grabs Oliver and takes him high onto a platform because a mob of angry people are chasing him.Bill gets Oliver to tie a rope round the end of the platform and Bill tries to get to the other building but the people in the mob shoot him and he dies.
Oliver goes back to the newer guardians!
It's a great movie,why don't you see it?
OUTSTANDING.......2007-04-07
Must have been the greatest musical every made. The score and sets are outstanding and there is an all star cast. Ron Moody shines as Fagin, and Jack Wilde as Dodger. Oliver Reed is at his youthful and sensuous best as the brooding Bill Sykes.
This is truly a must-see.
DVD Details
Four-disc set includes:
- Episode IV, A New Hope (Special Edition)--with commentary by George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren and Carrie Fisher; Easter egg: credit roll (2 min)
- Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition)--with commentary by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren and Carrie Fisher; Easter egg: credit roll (2 min)
- Episode VI, Return of the Jedi (Special Edition)--commentary by George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren and Carrie Fisher; Easter egg: credit roll (2 min)
- Bonus disc: all-new bonus features, including the most comprehensive feature-length documentary ever produced on the Star Wars saga, and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films
Subitles (all material across all four discs): English, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Click here to see detailed information on the special features included on the bonus disc.
Amazon.co.uk Review
George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy is a clever synthesis of pop-cultural and mythological references, taking classic fairy-tale themes, adding more than a dash of Arthurian legend, and providing cinematic high adventure inspired as much by Kurosawa's Samurai epics as by Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. As a result, audiences of all ages can find something to identify with in Luke Skywalker's journey from disaffected teenager dreaming of adventure to Jedi Knight and saviour of the galaxy. He not only rescues a Princess, but discovers she's a close relative. And if there's a lesson to be gleaned from the Skywalker clan, it's that no matter how bad things get in the average dysfunctional family, it's never too late for reconciliation.
Originally released in 1977, Star Wars, the first film, was made as a standalone. Perhaps that's why Obi-Wan Kenobi seems a tad inconsistent in his attitude towards his old pupil Anakin Skywalker, and perhaps also why Luke is allowed to develop a guilt-free crush on Princess Leia. Lucas's story, told from the point of view of the two bickering droids (a device taken from Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress), also borrows freely from Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, as does John Williams's seminal Korngold-inspired music score.
Thanks in equal part to Leigh Brackett's screenplay and Irvin Kershner's direction The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is the most grown-up instalment in the series. The basic fairy-tale is developed and expanded, with the principal characters experiencing emotional turmoil--blossoming romance, mixed feelings and confused loyalties--amid a very real threat of annihilation as Darth Vader's motivations become chillingly personal. Luke's quasi-Arthurian destiny is complicated still further by the half-truths of his wizardly mentors; and swashbuckler Han Solo finds the past catching up with him, quite literally in the form of bounty hunter Boba Fett. The film is graced by more fabulous landscapes (ice, forest, clouds), more unforgettable new characters (Yoda), more groundbreaking special effects (the asteroid chase), and John Williams's finest score.
The difficult third film, 1983's Return of the Jedi, seems schizophrenic in its intentions, hoping to please both the kiddies who bought all the toys and an older audience who appreciated the narrative's epic and mythological strands. The result is a film that splits awkwardly into two. One thread, which might be subtitled "The Redemption of Anakin Skywalker", pursues the story of the Skywalker family to a cathartic conclusion. The other thread, which might be described as "The Care Bears Go to War", attempts to say something profound about primitivism versus technological sophistication, but just gets silly as furry midgets doing Tarzan whoops defeat the Emperor's crack legions.
In 1997 Lucas re-released the three original films in digitally remastered "Special Edition" versions, in which many scenes have been restored and enhanced (some would say "unnecessarily tinkered with"). Despite loud and continued criticisms from fans, these Special Editions are now considered definitive, if only by Lucasfilm. --Mark Walker
Customer Reviews:
THE FORCE IS WITH YOU,AND YOU,.......2008-03-15
Star wars episode iv was the very first film i went to see with my dad at the cinema back in 1977,i enjoyed it that much that i made my dad go and see it again, the best three by far.Star wars and Return of the Jedi are just mindblowing, Empire strikes back is good but a bit slow in the middle but still worth being in the box set.and with its own self with the other three in my dvd collection.
Good For 'newbies'.......2008-02-14
I'm pretty new to the whole star wars thing and not being a 'true believer' unlike most other reviewers here i have only ever seen brave new hope, return of the Jedi and the phantom menace. When i was a kid everyone had it but I never really got into it and now my memory of the films are very rusty.
So coming to this box set and watching all of the films is great. Watching them as 1 - 7 (not the original order) just seems 'right' and really makes a lot more sense and all the films now feel combined to be one epic story . Look past the dated effects and you will see the story is brilliant.
As with most people I'm sure then everyone will remember jar jar binks. To me he is still the worst character ever made and I did not enjoy anything about him.
But hey. If you're new to the star wars phenomenon and it somehow passed you by then this is a brilliant box set. It's go humour, adventure, great battle scenes, big explosions, cool light sabre fights, massive star ships, great music and a brilliant story that will appeal to kids and big kids alike.
George Lucas' labour of love.......2007-12-12
Forget all the arguments about the way these films have been edited in these new versions. I have just finished watching them again and, just as I did when they came out from 1977 onwards, I found them to be great stories and together they make an epic series.
Sure the first story is a pretty simple good v bad story at first sight but the movie has got great heart. The leads are well cast, the extra disc 4 shows how Kurt Russell even tried out for Han Solo, Kurt is good but Harrison Ford is incomparable as the laconic Han Solo. Carrie Fisher is especially eye-catching in the Return of the Jedi as Jabba's slave. The robots have become icons over the years as have the actors that portrayed them, such is the love fans have for these movies.
The quality of the films is stunning, they look and sound amazing, the sound through my Hitachi TV was outstanding, especially during the battle scenes. and not forgetting John Williams' dramatic orchestral score.
The extra 4th disc consists mainly of a 2 1/2 hr documentary "Empire of Dreams" which goes in depth into all 3 movies and is well worth watching as you get an insight into the personal lengths George Lucas went to to get the first film made, as well as his generosity with the profits.
All 6 of Lucas' Star wars movies are in the top 50 grossing of all time for very good reasons.
A world without Lucas (and Spielberg) would be a far drearier place.
incredible.......2007-12-09
I borrowed this off a friend on a whim. I vaguely remember bits of the movies from when I was a child but have never been particularly intersted in watching them as it seemed a very fantasy/futuristic, 'boys and toys' type series. I must confess to being blown away.
The storyline is interesting and the effects/sets are amazing for movies made in the late 70's and 80's. I swear it tops some of the rubbish you see nowadays when you can just tell its computer simulated. I never once felt things were just dragging along even though they are lengthy films. Humour and action packed scenes are available in abundance but so are ones of romance and inner turmoil.
All in all the star wars trilogy was truly ahead of its time and should be watched by anyone willing to expand their imaginations and take it all in. I understand now why it has lasted the test of time. Enjoyable stuff!
Not Pan & Scan.......2007-11-06
A previous reviewer states these are the Pan & Scan versions. This isn't true. On my 16:9 widescreen LCD they are shown in anamorphic widescreen and the full scene is visible, so don't let this put you off. The sound quality is fantastic if you run it through your surround sound system and the picture enhancments compliment the originals with excellent colour and sharpness. I wasn't a huge Star Wars fan when I was younger and have only started to get into them because my 4 year old has started watching them. Therefor I can enjoy them without any of the worry and outrage some are experiencing.
Customer Reviews:
THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL WE LOVED IN THE THEATERS!.......2008-02-27
Ok, call me old fashioned... but my children grew up under LUCAS influence!... so I must know somehow!...
Amazing back then... it blew up the "classics" of sci-fi up to then.
It still makes money as the classic it is, even with the manipulation and added scenes (great in a way)... and with the two sequels (numbers 5 and 6 nowadays) a great trilogy.
The 5.1 version etc is OK, but if I am writing this few lines is because WE (all the family) enjoyed back then... and still do.
A CLASSIC.
ADB
Re-mastered version sucks, but it doesnt matter .... the treatrical version is on this disc too........2008-01-26
Dont watched the re-mastered version, Jabba the Hut looks stupid and the rest of the changes are just unnecessary. Watch the original version and see why Star Wars was such a hit in the first place. A great movie from the once brilliant versionary mind of George Lucas, before his lust for money almost ruined the franchise with dodgy prequels like Phantom Menace.
THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST; A 'MUST BUY' FOR ORIGINAL STARWARS FANS........2008-01-05
I have purposely avoided just explaining the storyline of the film in this review and focused on the actual dvd content, as the Starwars saga is universally known.
In short, what you get on these new 'limited edition' dvd's of the original Starwars Trilogy, is 2 discs per episode 4-6; one disc is the technically 'updated/improved/CJI' version of the film (circa 1999/2000) and the other 'Bonus disc' is the original 1977, unaltered cinematic version. You also get with each dvd access to online Starwars website and Starwars Lego trailer on the 'bonus disc'. Why the original cinematic trailer is not included is puzzling and a real shame. These dvd's do not include any 'making of starwars' etc, only a commentary by Lucas on the 'updated version disc'. I always feel that the less you know about the making of a movie the more magical they are, so I don't mind about this.
In my opinion, the original unaltered version is the masterpiece and should be the first disc not a 'Bonus Disc'. In contrast to the 'CJI' version, the original film is an absolute joy to view, flowing far better as a film and 'feeling' natural and unspoiled. Although some people complain that the sound quality is poor and the picture at times fuzzy, I think these factors contribute to the timeless/classic feel of the movie and even if you don't like the sound and picture you can always settle for the 'updated' version which you get anyway. The CJI version has been edited with some new scenes and plastered with horrible looking CJI effects which are unecessary and contrast horribly with the original film and scenes; they do not flow as well as the original films at all, their only saving grace is better sound and picture quality.
The original Starwars films are absolute timeless classics because they were so revolutionary in terms of their approach/effects/story/endless sub-plots/musical score/characters/ideology/mass appeal. These factors still hold true for these films today and they must have been awesome to view at the time of their release in the cinemas. These are an essential buy for all old and new Starwars fans because of the inclusion of the original films that are genius.
Indeed, these films seem more amazing and magical as time passes and in comparison to many of the 'big hollywood' films made today (including the 'new' starwars films)they are absolute gems. In my view, Lucas should never have tampered with the original films; nobody would ever in their right mind tamper with an original 1950's Stratocaster, even if it had some playwear and knocks here and there, would they? Why tamper with 30 year old classic films that are loved and cherished by millions the world over, even if the picture and sound quality is dated? Nuff said.
ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL FILMS OF ALL TIME.......2007-12-09
What made this the hugely successful triumph it was? Was it casting, music, imagination, ingenuity, or luck?
I remember opening day at the theaters. I was old enough to remember every scene, every character, every nuance of this film; having committed it to memory forever, as if I would never again be able to see this beloved, instantly loved masterpiece.
I also remember that the HIT factor of this movie was so unexpected that you had to wait literal MONTHS to get the action figures promised on the cereal boxes. The pieces were still in the manufacturing process and we had to settle for coupons promising our toys in a few months. I wound up seeing this in the theaters a grand total of 36 times; much to my mother's dismay. She loved the movie as I did, but felt I was obsessed. Today, thirty years later, sitting here writing this review, I realize how right she was. I'm still obsessed with this movie, and with the subsequent movies which followed. I wait in great anticipation for Episode 3. I'm a fan, and I don't care what other people say about Episodes 1 & 2. I don't even mind the "prequel" factor, as the situation at the time, dictated to Lucas which movies he would do first.
See, I remember the studios saying to him that he had to choose from the three central climactic books, and trash the rest, or just trash the whole idea. He didn't exactly "sell out," he did what he had to do to get his movie...his vision...out there for us to see and experience. I admired his decision then, and I admire it now. Episodes 1-3 are being filmed now, because Lucas had the clout, the money, and the patience to give us his vision...his complete vision and not just the three center books of a 9-book series. I realize that now, there are dozens of books, but at the time, there were nine. And while most of us were happy with Episodes 4-6 and would not have missed 1-3 and 7-9, I personally am so very glad he has taken it upon himself to give us his full vision. I have enjoyed each and every installment with the same sense of awe and joy as I did this one.
The casting was the first triumph for this cinematic milestone. Ford is a charismatic and magnetic personality and portrayed Han with a professionalism that you'd expect from more seasoned actors. Sir Alec Guiness is an absolute joy as Obi Wan. His casting was precise and excellent in that part. Carrie Fisher portrayed Leia in a way that, up until then, had never been experienced. Most "princess" types before her were whining, whimpering, little snots who were incapable of anything beyond tripping and twisting their ankle in times of peril, while Fisher portrayed her character as a bold, brazen, yet sophisticated and educated woman who was aware of her surroundings and capable of defending herself and her realm with the utmost authority.
And Mark Hamil. He was perfectly cast as the whining little boy who wanted more, but was afraid to reach for it. He grows up quite well on film in these three installments, and endears himself to the audience so much the more for it. But a cast member who is almost always left out of these reviews is Peter Mayhew. Chewbacca. His character, as a supporting character to Han's, was exemplary. It's not easy portraying a walking carpet, yet holding the attention, admiration, and love of virtual millions. I am VERY happy about his being cast as Chewy in Episode 3. Couldn't happen to a more deserving...or capable...fellow. Bravo! And James Earl Jones's voice being used as the voice of Darth Vader, was pure genius. His commanding voice haunted the dreams of countless thousands of star-struck children for generations to come. I also have to say that this movie would not have had the charm it does had it not been for Anthony Daniels' C3P0. He is a gift and a joy.
The musical score by John Williams featured in this masterpiece was one of the contributing factors. But honestly, this movie's success was such a total surprise to everyone, including Lucas, that nothing could prepare the world for the aftermath of having witnessed this bona fide legend, first hand.
The story itself; replete with sub-plot after sub-plot, rich in dialog and detail, was beyond anyone's greatest expectations. Everyone, including Lucas, expected this movie to fail. It is a timeless classic, which I will not repeat here. There are too many movie reviews giving full details of the plot, and I won't be redundant beyond what I have already said.
However, that being said, there are a few points I would like to make concerning the symbolism of this endeavor. The Force is a metaphor for the psychic abilities with which we are all born. It was also a metaphor for hope and faith, dedication and commitment to the greater state of being. The Empire is said to have been a metaphor for the Germanic Nazi "storm troopers." While the Rebellion is said to have been symbolic of (what would later become) the NATO forces who defeated them.
And then there are the effects. The effects were, in 1977, so awesome; so creative; so ahead of their time, as to ensure this movie's vast success for the next forty years. George Lucas enjoys an almost god-like status among sci-fi/fantasy fans worldwide.
This movie does not rate a rating. Usually, when I say that, it is because the movie is so bad, or disappointing that I don't have the heart to rate it.
But in this case, it far surpasses any 10/10 rating I could give it.
funtastic!.......2007-11-16
I recently bought all 3 of these "Limited Edition" movies, and have already watched them countless times. What can I say? There are still hugely enjoyable, and just wonderful escapist fun! I once felt a bit apprehensive about the added CGI elements in these movies, but actually after a while you start to forget they are there. Besides, they are only really noticeable in Star Wars: A New Hope, and not so much in the other films (though, there is quite a bit of added CGI stuff at the very end of Return of the Jedi).
Just to make sure people know: each DVD consists of 2 discs - one contains the "new", brushed up, improved picture and sound quality version with added CGI elements (Jabba the Hutt talking to Solo; Greedo firing the first shot in the bar when confronting Solo; additional CGI animals and characters in the Mos Aisley spaceport), and all in a new 16:9 widescreen format (should go fullscreen on most widescreen tvs). The other disc contains the discernibly older, unaltered "Theatrical version", with no CGI elements. Basically, the film you remember from your childhood before those stupid prequels. It is in 4:3 format. This is also the same for the other 2 titles in this collection (you know, the REAL movies, RoTJ, ESB). I just have to say, watching them in 16:9 with improved picture and sound, it's hard to believe they were made 30 years ago, they look so contemporary.
For anyone new to the Star Wars universe, and wants to know what the fuss is about, just buy these three movies: Star Wars:A New Hope; Star Wars:The Empire Strikes Back; and Star Wars:Return of the Jedi. Do NOT waste your money on the so-called "prequels" which Lucas made later. They are all utter rubbish and an insult to the real Star Wars fans.
May the Force be with you, always!
Amazon.co.uk Review
Edward Scissorhands achieves the nearly impossible feat of capturing the delicate flavour of a fable or fairy tale in a live-action movie. The story follows a young man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who was created by an inventor (Vincent Price, in one of his last roles) who died before he could give the poor creature a pair of human hands. Edward lives alone in a ruined Gothic castle that just happens to be perched above a pastel-coloured suburb inhabited by breadwinning husbands and frustrated housewives straight out of the 1950s. One day, Peg (Dianne Wiest), the local Avon lady, comes calling. Finding Edward alone, she kindly invites him to come home with her, where she hopes to help him with his pasty complexion and those nasty nicks he's given himself with his razor-sharp fingers. Soon Edward's skill with topiary sculpture and hair design make him popular in the neighbourhood--but the mood turns just as swiftly against the outsider when he starts to feel his own desires, particularly for Peg's daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). Most of director Tim Burton's movies (such as Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice and Batman) are visual spectacles with elements of fantasy but Edward Scissorhands is more tender and personal than the others. Edward's wild black hair is much like Burton's, suggesting that the character represents the director's own feelings of estrangement and co-option. Johnny Depp, making his first successful leap from TV to film, captures Edward's child-like vulnerability even while his physical posture evokes horror icons like the vampire in Nosferatu and the sleepwalker in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Classic horror films, at their heart, feel a deep sympathy for the monsters they portray; simply and affectingly, Edward Scissorhands lays that heart bare. --Bret Fetzer
On the DVD: Tim Burton is famed for his visual style not his ability as a raconteur, so it's no surprise to find that his directorial commentary is a little sparse. When he does open up it is to confirm that Edward Scissorhands remains his most personal and deeply felt project. The second audio commentary is by composer and regular Burton collaborator Danny Elfman, whose enchanting, balletic score gets an isolated music track all to itself with his remarks in-between cues. Again, for Elfman this movie remains one of his most cherished works, and it is a real musical treat to hear the entire score uninterrupted by dialogue and sound effects but illuminated by Elfman's lucid interstitial remarks. Also on the disc are some brief interview clips, a "making of" featurette and a gallery of conceptual artwork. The anamorphic widescreen print looks simply gorgeous. --Mark Walker
Customer Reviews:
Wow, where did that idea come from?.......2008-02-13
A corker of an idea for a modern day fairy tale given the full Gothic treatment by the most visually imaginative film maker around and it simply could not fail to be a stonking great success commercially (not so much maybe on its release but its subsequent video sales and rentals were massive), and is very possibly a creative masterpiece.
Great film but careful..........2008-02-12
Probably Tim Burton's best film. I was really disappointed though to find out that the dvd had no extras...
BEWARE- THE FILM IS CUT!!!.......2008-01-31
THE FILM IS REALLY NICE, BUT BE CAREFUL: THE FILM IS CUT. There are 15 secs out of the film- The cuts were applied to a closing fight scene,in order to keep a PG rating.
enjoy the movie,but keep that in mind!
Thanks for your time!
Not just your average fairytale...........2008-01-03
This is in my opinion the best film both Burton and Depp have every done! Johnny plays Edward down to a tee, and is by far the only actor I can imagine as Scissorhands....Tim Burton, a seriously underrated director amazes once again, in a blatant yet subtle mockery of middle-class America. One of my favourite films ever, and with a great moral at the end :)
Quick Reviews !.......2007-10-02
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
The movie that established Depp in our minds, in probably his best performance as the deformed, unfinished creation of an eccentric scientist. Rightly called a modern fairy tale as it has all the hallmarks of those classic stories- a strange character, some sort of moral, a dark side, a world almost like our own but slightly warped, a story anyone can enjoy. Edward Scissorhands combines this story with some wonderful acting and characters, memorable score, beautiful cinematography and imagery, which makes an excellent, tender film with the typical Burton trademarks.
The story is told by a grandmother to her granddaughter, and we get to hear it too, beginning with Edward's creation and development. He grows and is taught about manners, etiquette and other things by his father, but is alone, never seeing or interacting with the outside world. From his room he can see the nearby neighbourhood, within touching distance, but as he is different he cannot go to them. One day his father dies, leaving him unfinished- with giant scissors where his hands should be. He does not understand, and stays in his massive dark house alone. When a local Avon lady, annoyed because of the lack of interest by her neighbours in what she is selling, she decides to try the scientists house, unaware of what is inside. No-one has been there before, it is a typical small town haunted house in the eyes of most. She enters the house when no-one answers, meets Edward and decides to take him home to her family as he is alone and a mess. Looking past his 'hands' she accepts him, and her son and husband also try to. Soon he becomes a ray of interesting light in the bored neighbourhood, everyone wants to meet the new guy, and he shows his talent for hedge and dog trimming. However, Edward is enchanted by Kim, the daughter and falls in love. Kim is with a bully of a boyfriend, and soon he and the rest of the neighbourhood take advantage of Edward- he just wants to be nice. Soon though his novelty wears off, and most people see him as evil and dangerous, something to disrupt their daily lives. They chase him away, and the story looks like it will end in tragedy.
Everything in the film works perfectly, every corner of the cast from actors to set designers all do amazingly well. It is one of those rare times when everything seems to come together and fit completely. Dianne West is ideal as the mother Peg, only wanting to help Edward, not trying to score points off her friends. Anthony Michael Hall as Kim's boyfriend is also an ingenious choice as he emits that typical jock persona, believing he can get whatever he wants, trying to overpower everyone but scared of his father. Vincent Price is the inventor, and gives an admirable and touching performance, a fitting way to end his illustrious career, and the rest of the family and neighbours are all uniquely odd, made even more strange by the routine they live in and the idyllic place they live. Ryder as Kim is also intensely sympathetic, first scared of Edward, but growing to understand and eventually fall in love with him. But overall, in acting terms it is Depp's film, and no-one could have done better. He completely takes over the role, adding little touches, eye movements and such to add to the character, so that we too love Edward by the end. However, his performance is such that we too realise he cannot be part of the community, he will never fully understand them as they cannot understand him, whether he is in love or not, and this could be harmful for him and others. He does not want to hurt anyone, and so must be on his own. He is a tragic figure, and the movie seems to be saying that the outcast can be heroic, beautiful and tender, but must remain an outcast to keep these characteristics.
Again Burton gives the Gothic look he has become famous for, and this is undoubtedly his most visually beautiful film. Batman had more stunning sets, camera work and stunts, but the charm factor here is almost overwhelming. The Gardens, snow, the ice sculptures, the picture perfect coloured houses and cars all juxtaposed against Edward and his habitat. Edward himself is a work of art, scarred but not horrific. Edward's home is a wonderful excuse for Burton and the designers to show off, full of shadows and weird inventions. The music adds immensely to the film, raising our emotions that much higher, and it is probably Elfman's best. Favourite scenes include Kim dancing under the falling ice, and Edward sitting on the pavement with the dog, but every shot and scene is excellent.
The only fault i can find with the film is that it isn't long enough, or rather, i wish it was longer just so we could be part of that world for a few minutes more. There could have been more scenes between Kim and Edward. It leaves you with a good feeling, and I cannot see any other faults with it. Some may feel it is overly sentimental, but it isn't, some may feel it is simple, but it is meant to be. A film for outcasts everywhere, but one which should be enjoyed by all, as we all feel like outcasts at some point.
The DVD has two good commentaries, and a featurette which are worth watching/hearing. A must for any collection
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