Hamlet

Amazon.com essential video

Franco Zeffirelli's stripped-down, two-hour version of Shakespeare's play stars Mel Gibson as a rather robust version of the ambivalent Danish prince. Gibson is much better in the part than many critics have admitted, his powers of clarity doing much to make this particular Hamlet more accessible than several other filmed versions. The supporting cast is outstanding, including Glenn Close as Gertrude, Alan Bates as Claudius, Ian Holm as Polonius, and Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia. Zeffirelli's vigorous direction employs a lively camera style that nicely alters the viewer's preconceptions about the way Hamlet should look. --Tom Keogh

Description

Treachery. Madness. Murder. The story of Hamlet has been told for 400 years...but it's never been told like this! Mel Gibson (the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon films) takes on his richest part to date, the title role in a dynamic new version of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet, Jesus of Nazareth), the location-shot production has a sumptuous look that won Academy Award nominations for Art Direction and Costume Design. Gibson plays the prince of medieval-era Denmark, who senses treachery behind his royal father's death. Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons) plays Hamlet's mother Gertrude, all too dangerously entangled in that treachery. A brilliant supporting cast, including Alan Bates as Claudius, Paul Scofield as the ghost of Hamlet's father, Ian Holm as Polonius and Helena Bonham-Carter as Ophelia, adds its powerful presence to this immortal tale of high adventure and evil deeds. Big, bold and heroic, this is a vivid and virile Hamlet for the modern age and all time.

Customer Reviews:

A worthy depiction.......2007-07-26

Throughout cinematic history many gifted people have made many splendid versions of what is one of Shakespear's most spirited and acclaimed stories of all time. They have come and gone, but this is one that should remain for all times never to be forgotten. Definitely my favorite, it seems so much more alive than other versions and lets face it, with an actor so live as Mel Gibson at the helm, its bound to be.

Gibson slips immaculately, if not effortlessly into the shoes of this hard-to-fill character previously portrayed by so many other fine actors. But in doing so, he brings something new to the theatrical table set forth here by Franco Zeffirelli (The Taming of the Shrew). It is practicalism. Gibson does not selfishly attempt to play Hamlet in his own way as some have, but instead prefers to keep things deeply theatrical and classic as well as practical for all those watching. In the 'actor's journey' included in the special features leaf, we witness Gibson's painstaking and dedicated efforts to keep the character accurately real through constant research and repetition of the lines. We get to see a master at work. Mel Gibson sacrifices nothing and yet adds everything to the renowned character, and does it with a truly wonderful supporting cast.

Glenn Close is Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, while Alan Bates portrayes Hamlet's Uncle Claudius. Both are superb in their skills and fill their respective roles wonderfully, but the two roles that really captured my attention were Ian Holm as the meddlesome Polonius, and Helena Bonham-Carter as our frail and lovely Ophelia. As a viewer I have always been partial to Holm in any role. To me he seems to be one of the lesser known geniuses of his craft, and that evaluation is in no way lessened by his work here (for those of you unfamiliar with his name you might remember him from his most recent role as 'Bilbo' in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy). He's been around for ages and seems to be at the peak of his acting abilities in this work, moving effortlessly over the unceasing and complicated structure of Shakespear's lines and phrases. As for Helena Bonham-Carter, no one could have been better to portray the ill-fated Ophelia in saneness or madness. She also posesses one of those unique, other-worldly kind of faces that just seems to gel for this role. Paul Scofield returns to familiar work in William Shakespear's plays as the dead ghost of Hamlet's father. Top all of this off with music scored by the legendary Ennio Morricone (who was recently honored with lifetime achievement at the Academy Awards) and you've got yourself a depiction of a story that can't go wrong!

The movie runs 135 minutes long and is accompanied by a making-of documentary by Mel Gibson, "To Be or Not to Be". It also comes with the original theatrical trailer and the movie itself is viewable through English, French or Spanish subtitles. And be sure to buy the widescreen version for better viewing.

This movie is produced with the upmost dilligence, and most superb effort from actors, writers, designers, musicians and director alike. The most wonderful and practical version of "Hamlet" on the market. You'll see what I mean.

Great.......2007-07-25

high school students will love this movie for its vivid scenes. Very true to the text. Brings Shakespeare to the teen's grasp.

The classic story returns for the next generation.......2007-07-22

Though Shakespeare has been studied by scholars for centuries and it theater audience have been limited to the highly educated, only in this last decade have I recently enjoyed the works of Shakespeare through the movie screen. Its language and historical value have eluded me for decades. Only since the release of Taming of the Shrewd on VHS have I ventured to view and thoroughly enjoy not only the Shakespearean words, but a lively tale which showcases how life has not changed since the 16th century. Hamlet, with Mel Gibson, is another such movie that has brought Shakespeare alive and understandable. It is entertaining & easy to follow & not too lengthy that one would lose interest. Glen Close also adds her genius acting to the mix and you can escape into a world that may or may not have existed. It was a pleasant two hours of entertainment which is a rarity in Hollywierd today.

Shakespear at it's best.......2007-06-08

Stunning acting by Mel Gibson, Shakespearian art hasn't been lost from this DvD a must buy if you have read the story before or just getting into Shakespeare. Truly a intellectual movie you will watch for years to come.

-SBJ

Good enjoyable interpretation........2007-06-04

I liked this version of the tragic prince's tale. As someone who's spent a lot of time studying Hamlet, the portrayal of the closet scene irritated me, but is entirely forgivable. The acting is very good, though the editing and arrangement of the script might throw you for a loop. If you're not a student who's read the play umpteen times, you should be fine though. Regardless, it's very enjoyable, and definitely worth the price.

Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection (Psycho / Vertigo / Rear Window / The Birds / Shadow of a Doubt / Family Plot / Frenzy / The Man Who Knew Too Much / Marnie / Rope / Saboteur / Topaz / Torn Curtain / The Trouble with Harry)

Average customer rating:

Necessarily flawed
A GREAT SET FOR THE PRICE! MISSING SOME GREAT FILMS!
Pick this along with the Signature Collection and you're done!
5 Stars for the movies, 1 Star for the packaging
Poor packaging.

Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection (Psycho / Vertigo / Rear Window / The Birds / Shadow of a Doubt / Family Plot / Frenzy / The Man Who Knew Too Much / Marnie / Rope / Saboteur / Topaz / Torn Curtain / The Trouble with Harry)
Starring: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000A1INJE
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Product Description

14 of the finest works from the universally acclaimed Master of Suspense come together for the first time in one collection. These captivating landmark films boast three decades of Hollywood legends, including James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Sean Connery and Doris Day. The premium packaging and collectible book make Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection the must-own, definitive anthology of gripping works by a true genius.

System Requirements:

Running Time 1630 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Masterpiece indeed. With 14 films, each supplemented with numerous documentaries, commentaries, and other bonus materials, Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection will be the cornerstone for any serious DVD library. Packaged in a beautiful, conversation-starting velvet box, the individual discs inside come four to a case, decorated with original poster art.

No doubt opinionated fans will argue about what should fall under the rubric of "masterpiece" in Hitchcock's body of work, but with the bona fide classics Vertigo, Psycho, and The Man Who Knew Too Much, there's plenty of timeless movie magic here. Eye-popping transfers and gorgeous sound make this set one of the must-have releases of the year.

Should the Hitchcock fan have the energy for more after imbibing on the movies themselves, a bonus disc provides additional documentaries. These include a revealing interview in which the master of suspense discusses, among other things, how much he dislikes working with method actors, going so far as to name names (we're talking about you, Jimmy Stewart and Montgomery Clift). In an American Film Institute lifetime achievement ceremony, the master of suspense is praised by the likes of Stewart and Ingrid Bergman, and seems to be suffering from severe boredom as celebrities pile on the flattery. Then Hitchcock opens his mouth to accept the award, delivering an endlessly witty stream of perfect bon mots that prove once again that he was a master of high comedy as well. Revealing documentaries about the making of Psycho and The Birds round out the feast of extras. The 36-page booklet, filled mostly with stills and poster art, provides little new information about the films.--Ryan Boudinot

Films Included in Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection

Saboteur
Robert Cummings stars as Barry Kane, a patriotic munitions worker who is falsely accused of sabotage, in this wartime thriller from Alfred Hitchcock. Plastered across the front page of every newspaper and hated by the nation, Kane's only hope of clearing his name is to find the real villain. The script as a whole is a clever one--Algonquin wit Dorothy Parker shares a screenwriting credit, and her trademark zingers make for a terrific mix of humor and suspense. Saboteur is a pleasure whether you're a die-hard Hitchcock fan or just someone who likes a good nail-biter. --Ali Davis

Shadow of a Doubt
Alfred Hitchcock considered this 1943 thriller to be his personal favorite among his own films, and although it's not as popular as some of Hitchcock's later work, it's certainly worthy of the master's admiration. Scripted by playwright Thornton Wilder and inspired by the actual case of a 1920's serial killer known as "The Merry Widow Murderer," the movie sets a tone of menace and fear by introducing a psychotic killer into the small-town comforts of Santa Rosa, California. Through narrow escapes and a climactic scene aboard a speeding train, this witty thriller strips away the façade of small-town tranquility to reveal evil where it's least expected. And, of course, it's all done in pure Hitchcockian style. --Jeff Shannon

Rope
An experimental film masquerading as a standard Hollywood thriller, Rope is simple and based on a successful stage play: two young men (John Dall and Farley Granger) commit murder, more or less as an intellectual exercise. They hide the body in their large apartment, then throw a dinner party. Will the body be discovered? Director Alfred Hitchcock, fascinated by the possibilities of the long-take style, decided to shoot this story as though it were happening in one long, uninterrupted shot. Since the camera can only hold one 10-minute reel at a time, Hitchcock had to be creative when it came time to change reels, disguising the switches as the camera passed behind someone's back or moved behind a lamp. James Stewart, as a suspicious professor, marks his first starring role for Hitchcock, a collaboration that would lead to the masterpieces Rear Window and Vertigo. --Robert Horton

Rear Window
Like the Greenwich Village courtyard view from its titular portal, Alfred Hitchcock's classic Rear Window is both confined and multileveled: both its story and visual perspective are dictated by its protagonist's imprisonment in his apartment, convalescing in a wheelchair, from which both he and the audience observe the lives of his neighbors. Cheerful voyeurism, as well as the behavior glimpsed among the various tenants, affords a droll comic atmosphere that gradually darkens when he sees clues to what may be a murder. At deeper levels, Rear Window plumbs issues of moral responsibility and emotional honesty, while offering further proof (were any needed) of the director's brilliance as a visual storyteller. --Sam Sutherland

The Trouble with Harry
A busman's holiday for Alfred Hitchcock, this 1955 black comedy concerns a pesky corpse that becomes a problem for a quiet, Vermont neighborhood. Shirley MacLaine makes her film debut as one of several characters who keep burying the body and finding it unburied again. Hitchcock clearly enjoys conjuring the autumnal look and feel of the story, and he establishes an important, first-time alliance with composer Bernard Herrmann, whose music proved vital to the director's next half-dozen or so films. But for now, The Trouble with Harry is a lark, the mischievous side of Hitchcock given free reign. --Tom Keogh

The Man Who Knew Too Much
Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 remake of his own 1934 spy thriller is an exciting event in its own right, with several justifiably famous sequences. James Stewart and Doris Day play American tourists who discover more than they wanted to know about an assassination plot. When their son is kidnapped to keep them quiet, they are caught between concern for him and the terrible secret they hold. When asked about the difference between this version of the story and the one he made 22 years earlier, Hitchcock always said the first was the work of a talented amateur while the second was the act of a seasoned professional. Indeed, several extraordinary moments in this update represent consummate filmmaking, particularly a relentlessly exciting Albert Hall scene, with a blaring symphony, an assassin's gun, and Doris Day's scream. The Man Who Knew Too Muchis the work of a master in his prime. --Tom Keogh

Vertigo
Although it wasn't a box-office success when originally released in 1958, Vertigo has since taken its deserved place as Alfred Hitchcock's greatest, most spellbinding, most deeply personal achievement. James Stewart plays a retired police detective who is hired by an old friend to follow his wife (a superb Kim Novak, in what becomes a double role), whom he suspects of being possessed by the spirit of a dead madwoman. Shot around San Francisco (the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of the Legion of Honor are significant locations) and elsewhere in Northern California (the redwoods, Mission San Juan Batista) in rapturous Technicolor, Vertigo is as lovely as it is haunting. --Jim Emerson

Psycho
For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off Psycho (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, Psycho is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. --Jim Emerson

The Birds
Vacationing in northern California, Alfred Hitchcock was struck by a story in a Santa Cruz newspaper: "Seabird Invasion Hits Coastal Homes." From this peculiar incident, and his memory of a short story by Daphne du Maurier, the master of suspense created one of his strangest and most terrifying films. The Birds follows a chic blonde, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), as she travels to the coastal town of Bodega Bay to hook up with a rugged fellow (Rod Taylor) she's only just met. Before long the town is attacked by marauding birds, and Hitchcock's skill at staging action is brought to the fore. Beyond the superb effects, however, The Birds is also one of Hitchcock's most psychologically complicated scenarios, a tense study of violence, loneliness, and complacency. What really gets under your skin are not the bird skirmishes but the anxiety and the eerie quiet between attacks. Treated with scant attention by serious critics in 1963, The Birds has grown into a classic and--despite the sci-fi trappings--one of Hitchcock's most serious films. --Robert Horton

Marnie
Sean Connery, fresh from the second Bond picture, From Russia with Love, is a Philadelphia playboy who begins to fall for Tippi Hedren's blonde ice goddess only when he realizes that she's a professional thief; she's come to work in his upper-crust insurance office in order to embezzle mass quantities. His patient program of investigation and surveillance has a creepy, voyeuristic quality that's pure Hitchcock, but all's lost when it emerges that the root of Marnie's problem is phobic sexual frigidity, induced by a childhood trauma. Luckily, Sean is up to the challenge. As it were. Not even D.H. Lawrence believed as fervently as Hitchcock in the curative properties of sexual release. --David Chute

Torn Curtain
Paul Newman and Julie Andrews star in what must unfortunately be called one of Alfred Hitchcock's lesser efforts. Still, sub-par Hitchcock is better than a lot of what's out there, and this one is well worth a look. Newman plays cold war physicist Michael Armstrong, while Andrews plays his lovely assistant-and-fiancée, Sarah Sherman. Armstrong has been working on a missile defense system that will "make nuclear defense obsolete," and naturally both sides are very interested. All Sarah cares about is the fact that Michael has been acting awfully fishy lately. The suspense of Torn Curtain is by nature not as thrilling as that in the average Hitchcock film--much of it involves sitting still and wondering if the bad guys are getting closer. Still, Hitchcock manages to amuse himself: there is some beautifully clever camera work and an excruciating sequence that illustrates the frequent Hitchcock point that death is not a tidy business. --Ali Davis

Topaz
Alfred Hitchcock hadn't made a spy thriller since the 1930s, so his 1969 adaptation of Leon Uris's bestseller seemed like a curious choice for the director. But Hitchcock makes Uris's story of the West's investigation into the Soviet Union's dealings with Cuba his own. Frederick Stafford plays a French intelligence agent who works with his American counterpart (John Forsythe) to break up a Soviet spy ring. The film is a bit flat dramatically and visually, and there are sequences that seem to occupy Hitchcock's attention more than others. A minor work all around, with at least two alternative endings shot by Hitchcock. --Tom Keogh

Frenzy
Alfred Hitchcock's penultimate film, written by Anthony Shaffer (who also wrote Sleuth), this delightfully grisly little tale features an all-British cast minus star wattage, which may have accounted for its relatively slim showing in the States. Jon Finch plays a down-on-his-luck Londoner who is offered some help by an old pal (Barry Foster). In fact, Foster is a serial killer the police have been chasing--and he's framing Finch. Which leads to a classic Hitchcock situation: a guiltless man is forced to prove his innocence while eluding Scotland Yard at the same time. Spiked with Hitchcock's trademark dark humor, Frenzy also features a very funny subplot about the Scotland Yard investigator (Alec McCowen) in charge of the case, who must endure meals by a wife (Vivien Merchant) who is taking a gourmet-cooking class. --Marshall Fine

Family Plot
Alfred Hitchcock's final film is understated comic fun that mixes suspense with deft humor, thanks to a solid cast. The plot centers on the kidnapping of an heir and a diamond theft by a pair of bad guys led by Karen Black and William Devane. The cops seem befuddled, but that doesn't stop a questionable psychic (Barbara Harris) and her not overly bright boyfriend (Bruce Dern, in a rare good-guy role) from picking up the trail and actually solving the crime. Did she do it with actual psychic powers? That's part of the fun of Harris's enjoyably ditsy performance. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Necessarily flawed.......2007-09-14

The best this set rates is 3 stars, and not only for packaging issues previously mentioned.

It's unfortunate that a deal couldn't have been worked out with MGM/UA so that NORTH BY NORTHWEST might have been included here rather than the boring TOPAZ. Even better would be the inclusion of such great WARNER BROS. titles like DIAL M FOR MURDER instead of MARNIE, THE WRONG MAN rather than ROPE and STRANGERS ON A TRAIN as replacement for TORN CURTAIN.

Let's tell it plainly here. This is not so much a "masterpiece collection" as it is the best Hitchcock titles that UNIVERSAL/MCA has in their vaults (along with some less-than-great filler). With such a substantial project as this, perhaps the various studios owed it to Hitchcock to cooperate. And if they had, wouldn't the four substitutions suggested above TRULY make this DVD set Hitchcock's masterpiece collection?

ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - SEASON THREE features some of the best TV episodes from the Master of Suspense.

A GREAT SET FOR THE PRICE! MISSING SOME GREAT FILMS!.......2007-09-08

I didn't have any of these films on DVD so,..... When I saw it on sale for around $65.00 I thought it was a great deal for 14 films with some extra material. I would have liked to see a few different films in this set,but they ended up putting most of those in another DVD set with the exception of "LifeBoat" and "Notorious". I think all "Hitches" missing films should be put into similar sets. This is a nice set, but wait to see it at the right price. These will be dropping way down before you know it. The transfers look very good!

Pick this along with the Signature Collection and you're done!.......2007-08-23

First things first - This collection is brilliant and the packaging is also good. Its a velvet box containing 4 DVD boxes, each box containing 4 or 3 discs/films and a booklet with a short writeup on each film.

When it arrived, one of the 4 sets was missing, and one was duplicated.
That is: I had 2 sets of the same films, and one set was missing.

I wrote back to the Amazon Customer Support and got an immediate reply saying they will replace it.

This set does not include certain must-have classics like
Strangers On A Train
North By North West
Dial M For Murder
Foreign Correspondent etc.

All this is available in the Signature Series which I picked up from here.

So if you buy these 2 box sets, you're done!!!

5 Stars for the movies, 1 Star for the packaging.......2007-08-13

I would love to have most of the DVDs in this collection, but I won't get it because of the poorly-designed packaging. I don't want 4 DVDs crammed into one case with the artwork reproduced one-quarter size and overlapping. I want each DVD in its own case with full-sized artwork on the cover. If the idea was to make it more compact, the space saved is insignificant. I think the real reason is corner-cutting to save a few bucks. The other Hitchcock set did it the right way- 1 DVD per case. This is very disappointing. For a lot of us, aesthetics count for a lot. Actually, my ideal preference would for all box sets to be packaged chronologically, in the order each film was released.

Poor packaging........2007-06-01

This is a great set minus the annoying packaging. As someone mentioned earlier the DVD cases are fitted to go in a certain order and if they don't go in in that order then they get stuck and the edges of the DVD cases get frayed. The corners of the cases get frayed anyway because the cases are a paper and cardboard-based binding with the plastic DVD holders glued on to them. So I put them in spine first now. Open and close them enough times and you get those white, worn edges on the spine. Another problem with the cases is that the plastic glued on part that hold the DVDs in place are notorious for getting de-glued. Yet another thing. . .one disc is now not holding in the case properly. How could I remedy this problem? Buy an entire new set??? The door on the velvet box doesn't snap shut in anyway so if you hold the wrong side down. . .the DVDs will fall out. So watch out. The velvet box looks and feels nice but it collects dust very easily and is not easily cleanable. I tried to brush off some of the dust and the silvery logos and such began to flake off.

Average customer rating:

corruption and its many destructive depths........
A great Movie that depicts how the corrupt govermments works in time of crisis
Harrowing and unforgettable
Missing
The type of movies they should make more of

Missing
Starring: Jack Lemmon , Sissy Spacek , Melanie Mayron , John Shea , and Charles Cioffi
Director: Costa-Gavras
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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ASIN: B00049QJ9I
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Amazon.com essential video

The peril facing a lone American amid Third World political turmoil is elegantly communicated in this important film from Costa-Gavras (Z), adapted by the director and Donald Stewart from Thomas Hauser's nonfiction book. The key to its power onscreen stems from the decision not to center the action merely on the disappearance of Charles Horman (John Shea), but also on the search for him by his father Ed (Jack Lemmon)--and on Ed's discovery of a son he never knew. The Oscar-winning script flows freely between that search and Charles's earlier experiences in the unnamed country (in the true account, Chile). Providing a link between those two stories is Charles's wife Beth (Sissy Spacek), who follows her father-in-law around a country in chaos, teeming with reckless authority and disinterested American diplomats (epitomized by ace character actor David Clennon). The film, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and won the Cannes Film Festival's top prize, is certainly manipulative, but it works because of its finely detailed human elements. Usually emotionally extroverted, Lemmon gives one of his finest performances playing against that type--here, he's a controlled, intellectual man who learns more about his son, and his country, than he ever dreamed he would. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

corruption and its many destructive depths...............2007-08-30

MISSING, based on the book by Thomas Hauser, examined the fated journey that Ed Horman and his daughter took, as well as the strides they made in attempting to locate his son, Charles, a missing journalist who disappeared in Chile, during the height of Allende's dictatorship in the early 1970s. Though, this film adaptation does not mention Chile directly, you don't have to read between the lines too closely to know what country it is alluding to. Director Costa-Gavras powerfully directed this piece, and his cast works brilliantly together. Jack Lemmon is stoic and very believable as Ed, Sissy Spacek is chilling as Charles Horman's wife, and John Shea does a great job in portraying the missing journalist.

I couldn't help feeling a sense of profound rage as I watched the horrible political corruption that existed in 1970s Chile, and how seemingly apathetic the United States government appeared, especially when they were called upon to search for and follow up on the case of Charles Horman. It was almost as though one human life was of little or no interest to those in political office, perhaps due to the fact that it wasn't significant or "high profile" enough to earn their compassion. This is definitely a film worthy of its critical acclaim and will really make you think.

A great Movie that depicts how the corrupt govermments works in time of crisis.......2007-07-26

A wonderful movie that has important information of how one or various liberal citizens of a country were left behind on purpose by knowing too much during the Coup D Etat by Pinochet in Chile on 1973

Harrowing and unforgettable.......2007-07-20

Sissy Spacek gives her usual solid performance here, and if you thought Jack Lemmon was only suited to comedies...well, think again. It's frightening to think that not only were U.S. agencies involved in disappearances, torture and murder, but also that it happened to thousands of people and we'll never know the details or even where the bodies are.

Missing.......2007-07-09

Director Costa-Gavras's first American made film is a stunning political thriller, elevated not only by the ring of truth but a shattering Oscar-nominated performance by Lemmon. His Ed Horman is an imperfect father but a good American, who rightly feels betrayed by the country he trusted, but also by his own failure and inability to make peace with a son he never fully accepted or understood. Spacek makes the complex character of Beth her own, and we feel immeasurable sympathy for this odd couple as they grope for answers they won't enjoy hearing. A potent, heartbreaking drama of the first order.

The type of movies they should make more of.......2007-05-13

"Missing" is a very well acted and very moving film. It raises a lot of morality questions about the US Government's involvement in the Chilean Military Coup, and uncovers the deception and horror even acted against its own people. There should be more films like this rather than the usual formula of 'America is always right'.

Average customer rating:

my first love Lisa Whelchel
Watch Out
The mother of one of the boys.
double mcguffin
Personal Classic!

The Double McGuffin
Starring: Ernest Borgnine , George Kennedy , Elke Sommer , Ed 'Too Tall' Jones , and Lyle Alzado
Director: Joe Camp
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
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ASIN: B0006Q945K
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

my first love Lisa Whelchel.......2007-06-14

I had to have this when I found out it was on DVD. A nice transfer, though no extras which would have been fun. I loved Lisa when she was a Mouseketeer and I was a young'un, and she's ever so adorable here too. Quick shipping and quality product.

Watch Out.......2007-02-13

I remember watching this movie as a kid so I recently purchased it for nostalge reasons. I was quite shocked to realize that there is nudity in the first few minutes of this film, so it's not exactly family friendly. Skip this one if you have kids or object to nudity.

The mother of one of the boys........2006-09-06

As the mother of one of the boys in this movie, I was very excited to find it is now on DVD. Our VHS copies are old and so we ordered a couple of the DVDs.It will be fun to watch it again.
This movie is a good movie for old and young, even though a couple of scenes were a bit long. We have enjoyed watching it along with our grandchildren, especially seeing our son as a teenager again. The kids in this movie did a good job and were fun to be around during the filming, as they had to have a parent with them.
Yes, things in the movie, such as the computers, have changed, but I think kids today will enjoy the mystery of this film.

double mcguffin.......2006-02-26

i agree i watched this as a kid late 70s early 80s and i am now 36 and thought that possibly it wasnt going to be as good as i had thought after all those years. But i watched it with my 3 boys, they loved it as much as i did and i loved it just as much. A must see

Personal Classic!.......2005-09-15

First, if one reviewer was actually in the film and loved it, how come he only gave it 2 stars? For being in it, he should have given it 5!

Now this film was always on my mind since around 1980 when I was a young child. I NEVER forgot about this film. This film always had a special place in my heart as I always wanted to be like the kids, smart, rich and having secret compartments in their rooms.

I used to watch this film every chance I could on either HBO or The Movie Channel back when those channels were indeed premium. I recalled that it came on a lot, but not that much. Then it just stopped coming on and I had not seen it since around 1981 or so. That is a good while. I recently tracked down the DVD. I am a DVD purist, so I was disappointed that it was not widescreen , if it was ever shot in widescreen. The picture quality was surprisingly great for a film that not many recall or ever heard of. The DVD quality was great overall, but some extras could have worked. I don't even think it had the trailer on it. I saw a trailer on the internet.

Upon watching this movie, I was watching to see if I got the same feeling I had when I recalled it from so long ago. I wanted to see if it would have the same effect on me now as it did back then. I have to say that it did! Unlike a lot of movies that i loved from back in the day (16 Candles and a lot of kung-fu films), it was still as good as I recalled. Only the computers(I did not know of or had ever heard of anything called a computer back then. I did know about Atari though!) and other technology looks so -old now.

As I watched, I was looking to see if I would become mystified at the setup which is the discovery of the case with the money in it. I was. Also, as I watched the film, I realized that this film, the characters, their lines and most everything else shaped my personality and being. Yeah, it's that deep. As a little kid, this had a profound influence on me. Watching it and realizing this was shocking. It also let me see how it is to get older and remember back 25 years ago! That in and of itself is shocking! I can also recall the time period very well as for some reason, they were the best years of my life. Maybe it was because of Star Wars or the neighborhood. I don't know, but you can't go wrong with this film.

One other thing, at the time, I did not realize that the kids were 'country.' Dion Pride playing the guitar, I did not realize who he was. I thought that he was just a new actor. He did a great job. I could not find a credit for him being in anything else which is weird. I did not realize that he sang the songs in the film too! Then I looked it up and saw that he was Charlie Pirde's son. That made sense. That arthur character, back then I did not know if he was a male or female and I am still not sure today! That one cannot be solved with age.

Average customer rating:

Highly Underrated, Classic Hitchcock
This is the way the master ends, not with a bang but a giggle
Out with a bang.......
It's a Rental first
A disappointing end to a great career

Family Plot
Starring: Edith Atwater , Nicholas Colasanto , Bruce Dern , William Devane , and Barbara Harris
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CCW2UW
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Amazon.com

Alfred Hitchcock's final film is understated comic fun that mixes suspense with deft humor, thanks to a solid cast. The plot centers on the kidnapping of an heir and a diamond theft by a pair of bad guys led by Karen Black and William Devane. The cops seem befuddled, but that doesn't stop a questionable psychic (Barbara Harris) and her not overly bright boyfriend (Bruce Dern, in a rare good-guy role) from picking up the trail and actually solving the crime. Did she do it with actual psychic powers? That's part of the fun of Harris's enjoyably ditsy performance. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Highly Underrated, Classic Hitchcock.......2007-07-15

Alfred Hitchock's Family Plot is not only his last movie, but highly enjoyable and the final chapter to a career full of brilliant filmmaking.

Barbara Harris shines as Blanche Tyler, a phony psychic who hits it big when one of her wealthy clients offers her $10,000 to track down her dead sister's adopted child who is the last remaining heir to the millions she will pass along. With the help of her boyfriend George (Bruce Dern), the two set out to find the nephew, going by the name Arthur Adamson (played brilliantly by William Devane), who has blossomed into a prominant jeweler, diamond thief, and murderer. Eventually Blanche and George track down Arthur and his girlfriend Fran (Karen Black), but with a chilling conclusion that is pure Hitchcock magic.

The film delights with its strong lead performances and witty dialogue. Although obviously not Hitchcock's best work, the film is solid, and keeps the viewer enthralled throughout.

The DVD contains a digitally remastered version of the film, with improved audio and video from its original state. The bonus features on the disc include an imformative 48-minute documentary entitled "Plotting Family Plot," which chronicles the making of the film from pre-production to casting and filming. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage and stills as well as interviews with cast members Bruce Dern, Karen Black, William Devane, composer John Williams, and Hitch's daughter Pat Hitchcock O'Connell. In addition, there are two original theatrical trailers for the film, some storyboards for the car chase scene, and production notes, photographs, and posters.

This is the way the master ends, not with a bang but a giggle.......2007-03-07

So Alfred Hitchcock, the master of horror and suspense, ended his career with a...comedy?

'Cause that's what it is. This movie has none of the horror of Psycho, very little of the suspense of North by Northwest, none of the twistedness of Spellbound--and so if you go into it expecting any of that, you'll be sorely disappointed. If you go into it expecting a bit of looniness and a chance to chuckle now and then without having to think very hard, though, it actually turns out to be a decent movie.

Not one of the master's best, certainly, but then again, even an off day for Hitchcock was better than many directors' bests. Worth considering, at least as a rental.

Out with a bang..............2006-10-31

Poor ol' Hitch. He didn't go out with a bang. I was looking forward to this film so much, considering it was his last film. I thought it would be interesting to see how his style would hold up in 1976 compared to his prime of the 40's, 50's, and early 60's. Even Frenzy from 72 was a far superior film, actually one of my favorites. But I must say I was highly disappointed in this pitiful film. The only good part was the down the hill in the car scene. And Barbara Harris is pretty entertaining lady. Other than that, it was quite hideous. "Frenzy" should have been his last flick for sure. The question is, "Is it a comedy or suspense?" Well, unfortunately, neither, because it's not funny, suspenseful, or even interesting at all. No disrepect though because he is still one of the greatest directors ever.....

It's a Rental first.......2006-09-11

Hitchcock was one of those rare directors I could buy any DVD at the store, without even seeing the film first, and KNOW it was going to be a worthwhile purchase. Sadly, Family Plot has broken that.

Aside from the opening title sequence, it does not feel at all like a Hitchcock film, but rather a run of the mill talking head detective mystery of the 70s, with rather bland/dry acting. There is little of the Hitch suspense throughout, aside from a decent ending, it's fairly conventional and doesn't really scream Hitch at all - and in fact at times, feels more like a TV movie.

Frankly I'd say this is a rental only and I'd save the cash for any of the other 60 films Hitch made. Transfer was a bit subpar as many of the blacks are washed out, which is odd since the film is not that old.

A disappointing end to a great career.......2006-06-23

It's hard to believe that this is an Alfred Hitchcock film. If this is any indication, Hitch was beginning to lose it at the end of his life, and bowed out just in time.

Even Hitchcock couldn't save a bad script, which is 90% of the problem - his quality control seems to have been totally shot when he read it and thought it was a good idea. It's not so much the structure of the plot -- Hitch could have easily worked within its comedy/drama/mystery setup. Plot holes abound (for example, a jeweler's home with ZERO burglar alarms?), but these could have been tightened up with a few script revisions.

However, the dialogue and characterizations are simply atrocious. The dialogue has way too many profanities and little of the wit, style and real humor of most of Hitchcock's classic scripts. The two "heroes" are totally unappealing, and the acting doesn't help. Barbara Harris' Blanche is supposed to be ditzy and cute, but her performance makes her shrill and stupid. George, played by Bruce Dern, comes across as a boorish, vulgar jerk. It's hard for them to establish any romantic chemistry when they spend most of their time bickering.
On the other hand, William Devane and Karen Black, as the villains, come off as wooden and lifeless . My wife was rooting for all four of them to buy the farm at the end!

Hitchcock's direction is uninspired. There is one interesting shot (the graveyard sequence) but, at best, we've seen it before (the out of control car). The film looks like a tacky 70's TV movie or a poor episode of "McMillan and Wife", rather than a film from one of history's great directors. And the ending, to say the least, is anticlimactic and dumb.

This one is only for Hitchcock completists and those who want to see every one of his films, like my wife and me. But do NOT let this be your first Hitchcock movie, or you might never want to see another. Go for "Psycho", "The Birds", "Strangers of a Train" or "North By Northwest" instead.

Average customer rating:

One of Oswald's 'Trigger' Films?
A drama and nothing more
"They'll all be blown to hell, which is where they belong."
Obscure Huston film surfaces
We Were Strangers (1949)

We Were Strangers
Starring: Jennifer Jones , John Garfield , Pedro Armendáriz , Gilbert Roland , and Ramon Novarro
Director: John Huston
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00070HK42
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Amazon.com

Following the 1948 one-two punch of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and Key Largo, and before hitting the halcyon streak of The Asphalt Jungle (1950), The Red Badge of Courage (1951), and The African Queen (1951), John Huston directed a fascinating movie called We Were Strangers--which could have been the working title of almost any picture Huston made. The first endeavor of his and Sam Spiegel's independent Horizon company, it's a very offbeat film that deserves to be better known. In 1933, an American leftist (John Garfield) returns to his native Cuba to help topple a dictator. Thrown together with a diverse band of co-conspirators--including a recently radicalized young woman (Jennifer Jones) and an endearingly lusty proletarian (Gilbert Roland)--he hatches a macabre plot for planting a bomb under El Presidente and his cabinet. Have no doubt that, in finest Hustonian tradition, the quest will trace a twisted itinerary, with several grotesque detours, to the most bitterly ironical of endings. The casting of Garfield, soon to be a victim of the Hollywood blacklist, retrospectively darkens this HUAC-era production. Aesthetically, the Cuban setting, spare rhythms, and stylized, quasi-literary dialogue speak to the looming shadow of Ernest Hemingway, a big influence on Huston's early writing and a boon companion of the director and co-screenwriter Peter Viertel, while in theme and mood the picture honors the growing cult of French Existentialism-with-a-capital-E (hardly coincidentally, Huston had directed the first American stage production of No Exit not long before). --Richard T. Jameson

Customer Reviews:

One of Oswald's 'Trigger' Films?.......2007-09-04

The most recent issue of FILMFAX Magazine (Autumn, 2007) includes an interesting article which claims that this movie was one of JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald's 'trigger' films.

Oswald's widow went on record (in the Warren Report) stating that Oswald watched this film twice in 24 hours when it was shown on a local Dallas TV station, just over a month before Kennedy was killed. Researchers have verified that "We Were Strangers" was, indeed, screened twice in Dallas over a weekend in October of 1963. Following Kennedy's death, the film was effectively buried---it wasn't shown again on TV and was never released on video. It was only released on DVD about five years ago. Even the official PR copy for the DVD neglects to mention these facts.

Nobody knows if Oswald ever saw "The Manchurian Candidate". But he did absolutely see "We Were Strangers". Wondering what he was looking for in this movie, and wondering how this movie might've influenced history, make watching this film an interesting experience.

A drama and nothing more.......2007-01-04

I bought this movie for its historic value. Practically no film exists that covers Cuba during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Although I knew this was a US interpretation of the period and that it was made in the 1950s, I had hoped for some nod to the Cuban revolution of 1933. In fact, it is an overly dramatic love story of revolutionaries fighting for some undefined revolution who dig a tunnel from the home of an innocent and beautiful orphaned young woman. The rest is entirely predictable. She falls in love with one of the ardent young insurrectionists who is killed. Cuba is only some exotic backdrop for the age-old story of youthful promise and sacrifice. For today's taste, the acting is blatant, overdrawn, sappy, and predictable.

"They'll all be blown to hell, which is where they belong.".......2005-03-23

This neglected, controversial, and highly underated John Huston classic has thankfully been released on dvd so that movie buffs can rediscover this "lost" gem. While the dvd has no bonus features (besides a few meaningless theatrical trailors) it at least has a great sound quality and very good picture quality.

John Garfield stars as Tony Fenner, a Cuban-born expatriate who returns to his now troubled country for one purpose: to wipe out the dictator Gerardo Machado and his sinister puppet government. To do this he recruits a handful of brave Cuban patriots, including China Valdes (played by Jennifer Jones), a beautiful young woman who recently witnessed her own brother's murder by the evil chief-of-police, Ariete (played to perfection by Pedro Armendariz). China and Tony slowly but surely fall in love as they work together to free Cuba from dictatorship.

Tony and his comrades are plotting to blow up the Cuban government with a bomb, but when the plan goes wrong, they must split up and try to make their escape as best as possible. When Tony and China are trapped in a building and surrounded by the ruthless police, they decide to fight (rather than be caught and executed) back with a Thompson sub-machine gun and dynamite!

This movie was one of John Garfield's last roles before he was unjustly blacklisted, a blow that many say led to his fatal heart attack at age 39. Jennifer Jones and John Garfield have good chemistry together and the supporting cast is wonderful. If you enjoy classic movies add this explosive thriller to your collection!

Obscure Huston film surfaces.......2005-03-09

In between making the classics "Treasure of the Sierre Madre" (1948) and "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950), John Huston made "We Were Strangers," which virtually vanished and was never released on VHS and seldom shown on television. At the time of the film's release, which was right at the beginning of the HUAC Committee and American political paranoia, it predictably received unfavorable and questionable attention. It was released in April of 1949 but audiences were perplexed by it and it quickly vanished from theaters.

Based on the overthrow of Cuban dictator Geraldo Machado Morales in 1933, the story is about a group of revolutionaries who plot to bring down their corrupt government. China (pronounced Cheena) Valdez witnesses her brother's murder after he distributes leftist pamphlets and vows that she will kill his assassin. At his funeral, however, she is persuaded to join an underground group whose motives are more carefully orchestrated. China's house is next door to a cemetery and the leader of the group (John Garfield) devises a scheme to assasinate an official whose family plot is in the cemetery and detonate a bomb at the man's funeral thereby killing as many officials as possible. To do this, they must dig a tunnel from China's house to the cemetery. Most of the movie is concentrated on the digging of the tunnel as Garfield and Jones' develop a romantic interest in each other. However, the film never lets the romantic issues overpower the film's basic purposes of depicting the desperateness of the Cuban terrorists and the film ends with a violent and exciting shoot-out sequence.

The film often suffers in a few places from sluggish pacing but the performances are all first rate. Jennifer Jones, doing a convincing Cuban accent, is radiant but intense as China and has good chemisty with Garfield. The supporting players are unusually fine. Pedro Armendariz, as the corrupt police chief, is deliciously menacing. Look for silent greats Gilbert Roland and Ramon Navarro in strong supporting parts as members of the resistance. Look for a cameo appearance by director John Huston who appears as a bank teller.

Many of the film's outdoor scenes are shot against rear projections, which are quite noticable. The film, however, achieves an almost documentary-like feel with its stark black and white photography.

This high definition dvd transfer is very good with excellent contrast and a minimum of softness and grain. There are a few noticable specks and scratches but nothing to warrant any serious complaints. Sadly, there are no extra features provided.

We Were Strangers (1949).......2004-12-27

At long last a forgotten blockbuster film from Hollywood's Golden Era will soon be released on DVD! Passed up for re-issue on video this action packed, star studded epic will leave an unforgettable impression. Starring Jennifer Jones as the sultry cuban belle and revolutionary, "China" Valdes, John Garfield as Tony Fenner, a courageous Cuban-American revolutionary, Pedro Armendariz as Ariete, the ruthless chief of dictator Machado's police and co-starring Gilbert Roland, Morris Ankrum, Ramon Novarro and others. Filmed entirely in Havana, Cuba in 1948 and released in 1949, this film is based on a true story of the Cuban underground fight against the dictatorship of Machado,during the final days of his regime in 1933.
"We Were Strangers" is definitely one of Hollywood's best action films, virtually forgotten but luckily will soon be available.
I highly recommend this film. Do not miss it as it will definitely become one of your favorites!

Average customer rating:

Highly Underrated, Classic Hitchcock
This is the way the master ends, not with a bang but a giggle
Out with a bang.......
It's a Rental first
A disappointing end to a great career

Family Plot
Starring: Edith Atwater , Karen Black , Nicholas Colasanto , Bruce Dern , and William Devane
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000055Y15
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Highly Underrated, Classic Hitchcock.......2007-07-15

This is the way the master ends, not with a bang but a giggle.......2007-03-07

Out with a bang..............2006-10-31

It's a Rental first.......2006-09-11

A disappointing end to a great career.......2006-06-23

Alfred Hitchcock The Masterpiece Collection - Frenzy / Family Plot / AFI Salute to Alfred Hitchcock plus other extras Bonus Disc (DVD)

Average customer rating:

Alfred Hitchcock The Masterpiece Collection - Frenzy / Family Plot / AFI Salute to Alfred Hitchcock plus other extras Bonus Disc (DVD)

Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000M2LWWQ

Product Description

Three Disc Set .. Frenzy and Family Plot Discs contain bonus features and the Bonus Disc contains a Fifteen Minute portion of the AFI Salute to Alfred Hitchcock, Masters of Cinema: Alfred Hitchcock, All About "The Birds" and The Making of "Psycho"

Average customer rating:

A Mafia mish mash of a movie...
Cheap Sopranos rip off falls way short
GREAT MAFIA MOVIE

Mafioso: The Father, The Son
Starring: Leo Rossi , Johnny Williams , Robert Constanzo , and Sal Mazzotta
Director: Anthony Caldarella
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002V7SLG
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Description

Don Antonio Paradiso is a pious man, a loving husband, a devoted father...andthe head of a legendary crime family that "owns" the city of Philidelphia. His son Franks is the heir apparent to his father's empire, but an assassination attempt wreaks havoc on both personal and business dealings. Together with the most trusted members of the Paradiso organisation, Frank tries to discover who is responsible. But as he gets closer, he not only becomes a target himself, he discovers betrayal where he least expects it.

Customer Reviews: