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The American President [DVD] [1995]

DVD ~ Michael Douglas

4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

RRP:	�15.99
Price:	�4.18 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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This item: The American President [DVD] [1995] DVD ~ Michael Douglas
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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	94% buy the item featured on this page: The American President [DVD] [1995] 4.6 out of 5 stars (13) �4.18
	3% buy Dave [DVD] [1993] 4.9 out of 5 stars (14) �2.98
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Product details

Actors: Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Anna Deavere Smith
Directors: Rob Reiner
Writers: Aaron Sorkin
Producers: Rob Reiner, Barbara Maltby, Charles Newirth, Jeffrey Stott
Format: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
Language English, French, German
Subtitles: English, German, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Japanese
Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Classification: 15
Studio: Universal Pictures UK
DVD Release Date: 2 Sep 2002
Run Time: 109 minutes

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

ASIN: B00004CZN5
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 3,287 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)
Popular in this category:
#74 in DVD > Comedy > Romantic

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Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review

What sounds like a high-concept romantic comedy pitch from hell--widower president falls for smart lobbyist while the world watches--is actually intelligent, charming, touching and quite funny. Granted, it's wish fulfilment all the way (when was the last time you saw a president who was truly presidential?) but in the capable hands of writer Aaron Sorkin (TV's Sports Night) and director Rob Reiner, TheAmerican President is incredibly enjoyable entertainment with quite a few ideas about both romance and the government. Michael Douglas stars as the president, who after three years in office starts thinking about the possibility of dating. When he auspiciously encounters cutthroat environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), sparks begin to crackle and the two begin a tentative but heartfelt romance. Of course, his job gets in the way--their first kiss is interrupted by a Libyan bombing--but darn it if these two kids aren't going to try and make it work! However, they hadn't counted on the president's Republican antagonist (Richard Dreyfuss), who starts carping about family values. The predictable plot--Douglas finally goes to bat for his lady and his country--is leavened by Sorkin's wonderful, snappy dialogue and a light touch from the usually subtle-as-a-sledgehammer Reiner. Both manage to create a believable White House-office atmosphere (with a crack staff including Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Anna Deavere Smith and Samantha Mathis) as well as a plausible and funny dating scenario. The true success of the movie, though, rides squarely on Douglas and Bening; this is unequivocally Douglas's best comedic performance (ergo his best performance, period) and Bening, usually such a good bad girl, takes a standard career-woman role and fleshes it out magnificently. You can see in an instant why Douglas would fall for her. One of the best unsung romantic comedies of the 90s. --Mark Englehart

Special Features

2.35 Wide Screen
DVD 9
Czech\French\German\Hungarian\Italian\Polish\Spanish
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Production Notes
Trailer
Danish\Dutch\English\Finnish\French\German\Norwegian\Portuguese\Swedish

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Customer Reviews

13 Reviews

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharp script and great acting., 20 Jul 2001

By	H. Baker (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The writer Aaron Sorkin of 'A Few Good Men' fame has crafted yet another razor sharp script that is supported by a solid cast. The story is based around too good to be true President Andrew Shepherd (Douglas)who falls for environmental lobbyist Sydney Wade (Bening). His popularity rating falls rapidly (to the delight of evil Republican Richard Dreyfuss). Bening as always glides through the part with ease and Douglas gets a chance to show off the fact that he can actually act extremely well. He seems to get better with age. Most of the credit however must go to Martin Sheen who steals the show as the Chief of Staff. He does not do enough films for my liking. To see him at his best watch 'The West Wing' on TV (also scripted by Aaron Sorkin) which is in the same vein as 'The American President'. Michael J Fox and David Paymer are also fantastic in their supporting roles. The Director Rob Reiner keeps a good pace and manages to maintain the atmosphere throughout the film. Despite having a predictable and idealistic plot, it is a very entertaining feel good film.

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars politics and romance mixed perfectly, 30 Dec 2006

By	Hill Walker "Pennine Dweller" (The Pennines of course!) - See all my reviews

Annette Benning is lovely; she exudes obvious sharp wit and political astuteness in this role but it's perfectly balanced by her senior prom-girl delight and endearing naivety at the enormity of the context of the relationship being proposed to her.

Aaron Sorkin's screenplay shows all the rapid fire acuity and understanding of complex political argot as would be so fabulously demonstrated later in The West Wing and it's nice to see some of the actors/characters (minor and major) who would also appear in that series.

Yes, the politics are clearly biased towards liberal idealism (the press room speech is excellent and reminds me of something similar in The Contender) but who wants to watch a depiction of a right wing administration? The real thing's too horrible to experience although I'm sure it would make interesting viewing.

Benning and Douglas are well cast in terms of their realistic and believable respective ages and the potential for what would have to be a truly romantic (and ultimately sexual) chemistry.

Douglas delivers a very effective and engagingly appealing imperiousness which works well.

Fox is great as a younger man with such a high responsibility.

I had to keep pinching myself that Sheen's not Bartlett! First time I watched the film he just looked wrong but I got used to it.

Easily takes repeat viewing to fully appreciate the large number of little gems Sorkin's worked into the dialogue.

Super film

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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The loneliest job . . ., 20 Feb 2006

By	Stephen A. Haines (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The American President [VHS] [1995] (VHS Tape)

This film makes a serious effort to tackle a serious subject. How far may the electorate intrude on a public figure's private life? Michael Douglas' role of Andrew Sheppard is a modern reflection of Woodrow Wilson's nearly state-secret marriage in the latter days of his presidency. Douglas' portrayal reflects an equivalent political scene, as well. Wilson struggled with the biggest issue of his day, the League of Nations. Sheppard is seeking passage of environmental legislation. Both, confronted with the need to compromise, are in vulnerable positions. As so often with American politics, the public are led by unscrupulous politicians to overlook serious issues and target incumbents with tainted personal considerations. Wilson scandalized America with his marriage. Even later historians credited Mrs Wilson with forcing policies she favoured through an ill, weakened president.

Douglas carries his role quite suitably. He's a far cry from the austere Wilson, portraying Sheppard with a Kennedyesque panache. He amply demonstrates what a president must endure in having vital legislation adopted. The "Crime Bill" episode is reminiscent of the Kennedy brothers' efforts to curb Mafia power in the 1960s.

There is just enough of the daughter's presence to keep that issue before us, but the apparent limited age distance between her and Bening makes one wonder what this would to after the Banns are published. Douglas' initial efforts to court Bening superbly demonstrate the constraints the world's most powerful figure operates in, the florist call being one of the finer sequences. Reiner is able to balance the personal with the political. Bening's presence is more commanding than a legislative document, but her performance as a lobbyist is strong enough to keep the real issue before us. The screenplay falls just short of being truly expressive on issues. That may come, someday.

Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen [especially the latter] turn in strong performances as presidential advisors. Sheen is vividly realistic as the long-term counsel, but Fox comes through in a climatic scene urging Sheppard to reverse an attitude. Richard Dreyfuss, however, turns in a very special performance as the petty-minded Kansas senator. Whether this is Reiner's personal assault on Bob Dole is irrelevant. Reiner deftly exposes how low American politics can sink in the hands of the uncaring. The contrast is vividly displayed in Douglas' lament over the innocent people he must destroy in exercising policy curbing terrorism. He carries it off with fine credibility. In the last analysis, this is a film worth having and re-viewing. It has a timeless quality, reflecting the feeling of hope we once had about what a human being a president could be. Perhaps it will come again. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Only 4 Stars?
This film should have been awful but is nearer to a classic.
Michael Douglas gives another top notch performance startillingly similar to all his other performances. Read more

Published 13 months ago by S. Thomson

5.0 out of 5 stars Best feelgood movie ever
This is one of the best feelgood movies ever. As well as the romance between the President and the lobbyist (and Michael Douglas is more presidential than any US President... Read more

Published on 21 Jan 2006

4.0 out of 5 stars a must see for any rom-com lover
From the start you can see the story line coming a mile off but then cant you in any rom-com yet The American President manages to exceed all expectatations and still have you... Read more

Published on 4 Jan 2006 by LAdy_B

4.0 out of 5 stars Idealistic presidential politics and relationships
Before the successful run of the series 'West Wing', Aaron Sorkin created another presidential drama for the big screen, entitled 'The American President' (the film co-stars... Read more

Published on 15 Dec 2005 by Kurt Messick

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this flick
OK maybe I'm a bit of an old romantic - but this is still a good film. For 90 minutes odd one could nearly believe that people in politics can once in a while get a backbone, and... Read more

Published on 18 Aug 2005 by Fergal O'Shea

5.0 out of 5 stars Who knew Micheal Douglas was so attractive?
Well what can I say? I'm impressed. I approached with caution and was pleasantly surprised. It was funny, wit and a hell of alot smarter than your usual rom-com. Read more

Published on 1 Feb 2005 by pollymoir

5.0 out of 5 stars Great acting for a wonderful script
This film is a true classic. Aaron Sorkin's script is made by some great acting from Douglas and Benning. The supporting cast of Michael J Fox, Martin Sheen et al. Read more

Published on 6 Feb 2004 by James Adams

4.0 out of 5 stars What romance should be about
Andrew Shepard (Douglas) is the president of the United States. Coming up to the election he meets one of the press (Annette Bening), who is actually trying to beet him on the... Read more

Published on 24 Aug 2003 by spaceally

4.0 out of 5 stars Love and Power
It's always hard falling in love. But doing so with the eyes of the world on you, is quite another thing. Read more

Published on 22 Jul 2002 by Miss A Clarke

5.0 out of 5 stars Red-gold Annette Bening
Annette Bening, with her incredibly expressive face and her striking and very becoming red-gold hair, make this film. Read more

Published on 25 April 2000 by Jan Mattson

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