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Amazon.co.uk Review
There are many striking sequences in this latest take on Richard Matheson’s book, I Am Legend. The most memorable? A deserted New York City, overgrown and abandoned with Smith walking right through the middle of it. The sheer logistics of staging such a scene are staggering to behold, but the film benefits enormously from moments like this. They help get across the solitude that Smith’s character faces, as seemingly the last human being left on the planet Earth.
But is he alone? It certainly doesn’t appear to be the case, even though Smith is pretty much front and centre of everything the film does. It’s a strong performance too, and it really has to be. But for at least two thirds of its running time, I Am Legend is a terrific post-apocalyptic thriller.
The film, sadly, peters out a little as it heads towards its final act, not aided by some troubling computer effects work. But for the most part if looks glorious, and proves to be a rich home cinema workout. Superb visuals dominate much of the what the film does right, and the haunting surround soundtrack is both eery and very, very effective. And while I Am Legend is clearly a film with problems, it’s an interesting project for a big budget blockbuster, and one that wins more battles than it loses. It looks terrific on Blu-ray, too.--Simon Brew
Product Description
Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli RichardsonDirector: Francis Lawrence
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Just to add a little note to go with other comments - I thought the film was good in its own right, but changed too many things from the book for my own liking... The ending and subsequent twisting of the 'legend' meaning from the one in the book was a bit trite, I thought. I have since found the alternative ending, which I much prefer. It is available on the web (search for it) and also on the 2-disk edition (apparently).
I would recommend getting the 2-disk edition just for the alternative ending, which adds a layer or two to the story that the original theatrical ending didn't even hint at.
I would recommend the book strongly if you want a much more than usually thoughtful take on the vampire/zombie take-over idea.
BBC radio also broadcast a full reading of the book a while back, so look out for that being re-broadcast - it was very good.
I would recommend getting the 2-disk edition just for the alternative ending, which adds a layer or two to the story that the original theatrical ending didn't even hint at.
I would recommend the book strongly if you want a much more than usually thoughtful take on the vampire/zombie take-over idea.
BBC radio also broadcast a full reading of the book a while back, so look out for that being re-broadcast - it was very good.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
I was quite reluctant about watching this film seeing as most reviews complained about how awful it was. But I thought I'd give it a try and "I am Legend" turned out to be a surprisingly good movie with a brilliantly controlled performance from Will Smith.
The film starts with a whole host of production companies as Emma Thompson does a prologue in the form of a TV interview. From then on (until half-way through) the movie is simply Smith and his dog wondering the streets of New York trying to survive - with the occasional flashback, of course. In the latter, less good, section all hell brakes loose as the 'infected' go hunting.
The normal ending lacks fluidity but the alternative version is far better, displaying much more emotion and simplicity.
So, my advice would be to buy this blu-ray - which is truly marvellous with shining NY shots - purely for the alternative ending and don't bother with the other version. You'll be much more satisfied that way.
The film starts with a whole host of production companies as Emma Thompson does a prologue in the form of a TV interview. From then on (until half-way through) the movie is simply Smith and his dog wondering the streets of New York trying to survive - with the occasional flashback, of course. In the latter, less good, section all hell brakes loose as the 'infected' go hunting.
The normal ending lacks fluidity but the alternative version is far better, displaying much more emotion and simplicity.
So, my advice would be to buy this blu-ray - which is truly marvellous with shining NY shots - purely for the alternative ending and don't bother with the other version. You'll be much more satisfied that way.
89 of 102 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Pro's
The opening half of the movie...in which New York is vividly recast as post-apocalyptic dystopia.
Smith's portrayal of a man slowly going insane. Considering this is a big-budget Hollywood movie, this is subtle and quietly moving. Flashbacks to pre-apocalypse confusion are interspersed with care and inform Smith's character and the plot.
The idea that it is Smith who is now the monster. After all, from the perspective of the other residents of the new New York it is Smith who is the outsider. He lurks in his basement like a Frankenstein conducting lethal experiments on innocent subjects he captures.
The sense of dread. This is built slowly and cumulatively. The scene where the dog runs into a dark, seemingly empty building is exquisitely tense.
Sam the Dog. Seems strange to praise a dog for its acting, but for most of the film it's just Smith and Sam and they make a fine double act.
Con's
The second half of the movie. Once the monsters are revealed in all their CGI glory the movie turns into a loud, shouty action flick. The psychological and moral arguments are shunted out of the way and we are left with a series of ever-louder explosions.
I'd consider this an interesting but flawed movie. The first half is great - filled with loads of striking imagery and interesting thoughts about isolation, survival, personal morality, the boundaries of sanity and human arrogance. The second half is more interested in bombs, guns, and monsters. Worth watching for the performances of Smith and Sam.
The opening half of the movie...in which New York is vividly recast as post-apocalyptic dystopia.
Smith's portrayal of a man slowly going insane. Considering this is a big-budget Hollywood movie, this is subtle and quietly moving. Flashbacks to pre-apocalypse confusion are interspersed with care and inform Smith's character and the plot.
The idea that it is Smith who is now the monster. After all, from the perspective of the other residents of the new New York it is Smith who is the outsider. He lurks in his basement like a Frankenstein conducting lethal experiments on innocent subjects he captures.
The sense of dread. This is built slowly and cumulatively. The scene where the dog runs into a dark, seemingly empty building is exquisitely tense.
Sam the Dog. Seems strange to praise a dog for its acting, but for most of the film it's just Smith and Sam and they make a fine double act.
Con's
The second half of the movie. Once the monsters are revealed in all their CGI glory the movie turns into a loud, shouty action flick. The psychological and moral arguments are shunted out of the way and we are left with a series of ever-louder explosions.
I'd consider this an interesting but flawed movie. The first half is great - filled with loads of striking imagery and interesting thoughts about isolation, survival, personal morality, the boundaries of sanity and human arrogance. The second half is more interested in bombs, guns, and monsters. Worth watching for the performances of Smith and Sam.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great
Just love this film,I not worry if others not like,I do I just wish there was a follow up.
Any way rent it 1st and then buy if U like.
Any way rent it 1st and then buy if U like.
Published 3 days ago by David
"nothing was supposed to happen the way it did"
(the film)
The last man on earth is not alone. Will Smith portrays that lone survivor in I Am Legend, the action epic fusing heart pounding excitement with a mind blowing... Read more
The last man on earth is not alone. Will Smith portrays that lone survivor in I Am Legend, the action epic fusing heart pounding excitement with a mind blowing... Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. F. husseiny
A brilliant film
This is one of the very few 'zombie virus' films that mixes both action, emotion and a tight plot succesfully. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sam
Great Film
I think I Am Legend is a good film.
I like Will Smith and the story is also really interesting. Read more
I like Will Smith and the story is also really interesting. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. Fortune
You feel his loneliness!
People giving bad reviews keep banging on about the book! I have never read the book that this movie is based on, but if it was that friggin damn good then why didn't they make the... Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. BEGGS
Not impressed.
If you are expecting this to be the same as the book then you are going to be let down. Personally I found it mildly boring and scanned forward in quite a few places.
Published 4 months ago by Nick Erlastyk
Excellent video quality, slightly disappointing audio
This BD was received accompanied by substantial expectations, having read a few more technical Blu-ray reviews of it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Martin Hattingh
the most boring film ever made
i really thought this was gonna be a great film to watch
but i got so bored with this after 20 mins i just had to turn it off
i also checked it up on wikipedia and... Read more
but i got so bored with this after 20 mins i just had to turn it off
i also checked it up on wikipedia and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by D. Lench
CGI-fest that never captures the mood
I was really looking forward to this film and its a good yarn at least. The Omega man is a classic though so its hard to see what the thinking was here with this film to try and do... Read more
Published 7 months ago by JrF
I am Legend 2 DVD edition
Yes, I thought the alternative ending was much better than the original, makes the movie! Would recommend anyone watching the movie, was sad about his dog though. Read more
Published 9 months ago by davidS
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