The Princess Bride - Dread Pirate Edition

Amazon.com essential video

Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story.

And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity...

The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland

Description

From celebrated director Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally) and Oscar®-winning screenwriter William Goldman (Chaplin) comes "an enchanting fantasy" (Time) filled with adventure, romance and plenty of "good-hearted fun" (Roger Ebert). Featuring a spectacular cast thatincludes Robin Wright (Forrest Gump), Cary Elwes (Liar, Liar), Mandy Patinkin (Dick Tracy) and Billy Crystal (City Slickers), this wonderful fairy tale about a Princess named Buttercup and her beloved is "a real dream of a movie" (People).

Customer Reviews:

One of the best movies ever made, with a decent DVD treatment..........2007-09-05

It is no exaggeration to call "The Princess Bride" one of the best movies ever made. Even though it was made on what would be considered a small budget, and had no big name actors, it became a perennial classic of young and old alike since its initial release in 1987. The first time I saw "Bride" I was four years old(1989), and ever since then it has remained one of my favorite movies of all time. It never gets boring or unfunny as many times as you view it, and I have seen it 300+ times. So, the question remains, "What makes this such a special movie?"

William Goldman wrote the screenplay in 1973, and it took 14 years to get the movie off the ground, and this movie is worth the work that it took to get it made. From beginning to end there is no boring parts. Some of the most quoted lines of all time "My name is Inigo Mantoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!" and "Love, twue love." Remain overused by people who may have never even seen the film.

There is an endearing innocence which this film portrays, that true love can and will conquer all. That real love is pure, honest, and beautiful. It is not a deep movie, but it does portray big feelings and honest emotions in all of its characters, as bizzare as some of them may be. There are no wasted lines, no filler, just pure fun.

These are the things that have made this movie stand the test of time. It can, and always will be a great film because of its carefree and fun attitude, and emotional honesty towards its most unsympathetic characters (Prince Humperdink). It doesn't try to be a great movie, but it is. It is as William Goldman says in his commentary on this disc (not verbatum), that you do not know when a movie will be a hit, there is no formula, you just have to release it and see if people like it or not... And they do! :D

I cannot say that one DVD edition is better than any other for this movie, it is up to you to decide which one you would like to purchase; either way, the movie is the centerpiece, and the rest is really just excess.

God Bless & *ENJOY* ~Amy

All time great.......2007-09-01

I was always thrown off by the title, I assumed it was a chick flick. After seeing it, it's one of my favorites.

This Film Is A Joy.......2007-08-28

When the great William Goldman wrote the screenplay for Rob Reiner's 1987 film version of his own 1973 novel, The Princess Bride, Goldman actually outdid his own original work that was itself virtually flawless!

This is a perfectly cast production filled start to finish with great lines, wonderful scenes, unforgettable characters, and moments that are fun to watch over and over. It's also a romantic tale brimming with castles, dungeons, a cheek pinching grandpa, a beautiful maiden, dashing heroes, swordfights, torture, treachery, piracy on the high seas, magic, miracles, revenge, rodents of unusual size, and True Love. It's been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it on the big screen as a child, and I'll probably still be in love with this story when I'm old and gray.

I have not one bad thing to say about this enchanting movie.

No, not one.

This is not a chick flick.......2007-08-27

It's not a chick flick. It has: a Giant, an albino, swordsmen, sword fights, fist fights, chase scenes, fire, explosions... I don't know. It's a fun, entertaining movie to watch... for men and women.

Not just a "kissing movie"..........2007-08-25

One of the most entertaining movies to come out of Hollywood, "The Princess Bride" has the rare capacity to make you laugh harder with each viewing. And I have viewed it dozens of times. It translates across generations and languages. The DVD ups the entertainment factor with interviews with the ensemble cast, Rob Reiner, and William Goldman (the author of the book upon which the movie is based.) I was especially touched by the moving tributes to the late Andre (the Giant) Roussimoff.

I have owned this movie as a VHS tape since it was introduced. It has finally worn out, so naturally, I had to buy the DVD. What a joy!

If you haven't seen the movie, buy it now. You won't regret it. The world is full of Princess bride fans. How else will you know how to respond when they say, "Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!"

5 Animated Adventures: Black Tulip / Corsican Bros. / Princess & the Pirate / Tale of Two Kitties / Three Musketeers

Average customer rating:

5 Animated Adventures: Black Tulip / Corsican Bros. / Princess & the Pirate / Tale of Two Kitties / Three Musketeers

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Good Housekeeping is proud to present 5 animated adventures that are sure to be great fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages will be delighted with the stunning artwork and stories that are certain to become classics. This one of a kind collection captures the essence and quality only Good Housekeeping could produce. Black Tulip: Wishing to grow the perfect black tulip to win the prize money in a local competition, Corneliu must battle the evil Boxel and save a beautiful gypsy girl - all before the competiton! Corsican Brothers: Journey through the mystical world of the Corsican Brothers as they learn the secrets behind their magical amulets and the power they have within themselves. Princess & Pirate: This delightful tale for fans of Robin Hood and Treasure Island, follows the exciting adventures of a damsel in distress who longs to be rescued by a certain good-natured pirate. Tale of 2 Kitties: The literary classic "A Tale of Two Cities," comes to animated life in this amusing story that combines engaging songs with amusing characters. Children will definitely fall in love with this masterpiece. 3 Musketeers: The original story of bravery and loyalty comes to animated life in this amazing video. See the Musketeer's values put to the test as they defend their King and his land in this timeless tale.

The Princess and the Pirate/Tale of Two Kitties

Average customer rating:

The Princess and the Pirate/Tale of Two Kitties
Starring: Simitar DVD
Manufacturer: Simitar Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: 6305254656
Release Date: 1998-12-14

DVD:

DVD

DVD