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Amazon.co.uk review
One of the first things a viewer notices about Cloverfield is that it doesn't play by ordinary storytelling rules, making this intriguing horror film as much a novelty as an event. Told from the vertiginous point-of-view of a camcorder-wielding group of friends, Cloverfield begins like a television soap opera about young Manhattanites coping with changes in their personal lives. Rob (Michael Stahl-David) is leaving New York to take an executive job at a company in Japan. At his goodbye party in a crowded loft, Rob’s brother Jason (Mike Vogel) hands a camcorder to best friend Hud (T.J. Miller), who proceeds to tape the proceedings over old footage of Rob’s ex-girlfriend, Beth (Odette Yustman)--images shot during happy times in their ex-relationship. Naturally, Beth shows up at the party with a new beau, bumming Rob out completely. Just before one's eyes glaze over from all this heartbreaking stuff (captured by Hud, who's something of a doofus, in laughably shaky camerawork), the unexpected happens: New York is suddenly under attack from a Godzilla-like monster stomping through midtown and destroying everything and everybody in sight. Rob and company hit the streets, but rather than run with other evacuees, they head toward the center of the storm so that Rob can rescue an injured Beth. There are casualties along the way, but the journey into fear is fascinating and immediate if emotionally remote--a consequence of seeing these proceedings through the singular, subjective perspective of a camcorder and of a story that intentionally leaves major questions unanswered: Who or what is this monster? Where did it come from? The lack of a backstory, and spare views of the marauding creature, are clever ways by producer J.J. Abrams and director Matt Reeves to keep an audience focused exclusively on what’s on the screen. But it also makes Cloverfield curiously uninvolving. Ultimately, Cloverfield, with its spectacular effects brilliantly woven into a home-video look, is a celebration of infinite possibilities in this age of accessible, digital media. -Tom Keogh
Synopsis
A highly-classified video tape confiscated by the U.S. military shows the devastating effects of a monster attack on New York City. Crudely shot on handycam by a group of friends at a party, the film quickly evolves into a blow-by-blow account of the most surreal and terrifying ordeal of their young lives. The first 20 minutes or so could easily be mistaken for some glossy American soap opera, populated as it is by successful, good-looking people. As the camera clumsily weaves its way around the party guests, we're treated to snippets of conversations that provide a back story to the characters' lives. Suddenly and without warning, a series of earth-shattering tremors rock the city, causing mass panic in the streets below. It soon becomes apparent that this is no natural disaster, as the city is ripped apart by some gargantuan and malevolent force. Creature features such as this are often only as good as their special effects will allow, and Cloverfield scores very highly in that department. The visuals are simply stunning and so seamlessly executed that they'll have you ducking for cover. In fact, some of the effects are so uncomfortably realistic--buildings collapsing into plumes of smoke, bits of debris falling from the sky--that they will inevitably evoke painful memories of 9/11. The filmmakers were careful not to reveal the monster too early on in the film, as the anticipation of seeing it for the first time is half the fun. Instead, they tease the viewer with flashes of a giant tail or leg in between skyscrapers. This makes the final reveal that much more satisfying, as the unknown becomes known. But where the film tantalises, it also frustrates as it offers no answers to the most obvious questions (What is this thing? How did it suddenly appear out of nowhere? What's its beef with New York City?). Ironically, it's this very inscrutability that makes the film so intriguing, as we are reminded that wanton acts of destruction--such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11--always leave questions unanswered. Shot in real-time in a cinema verite style similar to Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield's exploitation of the digital video format is a bold move that pays off handsomely.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Like the Matrix 10 years ago Cloverfield has set a new standard for action cinema. Movie snobs often dismiss genre movies like this one as low brow. But the genius of Cloverfield is it's structure; the whole movie is an exercise in keeping an audience on the edge of their seats and it works. Every time it looks like things couldn't possibly get worse they do, then just when things look like they've calmed down a tad the next shock hits. None of which sounds that impressive, until you see just how well it's done here.
Although there's nothing oscar worthy from the cast the films is buoyed along by some convincing performances and humor in particular is played just right: it's funny but not so funny that you relax. The story pulls surprisingly few punches and even seems a little daring for a big budget action movie, culminating in a conclusion that stayed with me long after the movie finished; it's often I've said that about a film of this type. Best of all there is more to Cloverfield then just digital effects and screaming. The main characters find themselves caught between an apparently unstoppable natural force and a military or authoritarian presence that is potentially just as deadly (it's not clear which is responsible for the climatic scene under the bridge). As such the story is a fitting parable for the modern mindset of the average person in the west at this time in history: little people caught between corporate hunger, rising and falling political empires, wars they don't understand, apparently uncatchable enemies who wage war in urban areas and of course the environmental holocaust Hollywood has worked so hard to prophecy. The end result reminded me of the sense of powerless desperation that came from watching 'An Inconvenient Truth' for the first time.
On a technical level every thing looks spot on and the sound mix is one of the best I have ever experienced on domestic speakers, making this the perfect film to show off your new home cinema system.
Unfortunately the special features for this 2 disc edition aren't that special. The deleted scenes and alternate endings run to about 5 minutes tops and really disappoint. The making of features are typical: the cast come over as like-able but most of the time is spent on extremely dull digital effects people. There are only so many ways of saying "We did it with computers. It was complicated.". There's certainly nothing extra here that makes it worth buying this over the single disc edition.
Although there's nothing oscar worthy from the cast the films is buoyed along by some convincing performances and humor in particular is played just right: it's funny but not so funny that you relax. The story pulls surprisingly few punches and even seems a little daring for a big budget action movie, culminating in a conclusion that stayed with me long after the movie finished; it's often I've said that about a film of this type. Best of all there is more to Cloverfield then just digital effects and screaming. The main characters find themselves caught between an apparently unstoppable natural force and a military or authoritarian presence that is potentially just as deadly (it's not clear which is responsible for the climatic scene under the bridge). As such the story is a fitting parable for the modern mindset of the average person in the west at this time in history: little people caught between corporate hunger, rising and falling political empires, wars they don't understand, apparently uncatchable enemies who wage war in urban areas and of course the environmental holocaust Hollywood has worked so hard to prophecy. The end result reminded me of the sense of powerless desperation that came from watching 'An Inconvenient Truth' for the first time.
On a technical level every thing looks spot on and the sound mix is one of the best I have ever experienced on domestic speakers, making this the perfect film to show off your new home cinema system.
Unfortunately the special features for this 2 disc edition aren't that special. The deleted scenes and alternate endings run to about 5 minutes tops and really disappoint. The making of features are typical: the cast come over as like-able but most of the time is spent on extremely dull digital effects people. There are only so many ways of saying "We did it with computers. It was complicated.". There's certainly nothing extra here that makes it worth buying this over the single disc edition.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Having waited for this movie to be released on dvd, i am pleased to say how impressive Cloverfield actually is.A genuinely original monster movie [ if somewhat disturbing, bearing in mind its obvious use of the terrible events of 9 / 11 as a not so subtle reference point ].It is a tense, intellegent and deliberately downbeat film that cleverly disguises its big budget effects through nifty single shot,or out of alignment camera work.This gives Cloverfield the real sense of putting the viewer right into the thick of the action,in a way that few recent movies have matched.
With some brilliantly tense set pieces [and the occasional flaw],Cloverfield is terrific entertainment,and one of the few movies in recent years to justify its build up.
EXTRAS,
The extras on the second disc are adequate, but an opportunity was missed to fully expand on the Cloverfield phenomenon.Where for example are the excellent "news" stories that previewed the film? These would have been most welcome and genuinely in keeping with the story, as would a documentary outlining the whole internet buzz surrounding the film.
What you do get are 5 minutes of deleted scenes[ of minimal consequence ], 2 alternative endings [ ditto],a "making of" documentary which oddly enough erodes some of the mystique surrounding the film.
By far the most interesting are the "in film" mini documentaries that are accessable via icons as the film progresses.However be warned they will unintentionally upset the flow of the movie if you decide to watch them as part of your viewing experience ["news" footage or other stuff relating to the plot may have been more useful in keeping with the spirit of the film].After all if we are expected to suspend our belief for 70 odd minutes, maybe the film makers should have encouraged the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding events of Cloverfield.It may also have been to the films advantage to remain somewhat coy about the actual monster, as the partial shots of its tail,and distance shots are just so effective in maintaining the general air of menace,but these are merely points rather than criticisms, as the finished movie still does a fine job of opening the door for a genuine resurgence in well made monster flicks.
Overall though Cloverfield is a fantastic and slightly disturbing major film, served by nothing more than adequate extras. Expect an "ultimate edition " in the not too distant future.
With some brilliantly tense set pieces [and the occasional flaw],Cloverfield is terrific entertainment,and one of the few movies in recent years to justify its build up.
EXTRAS,
The extras on the second disc are adequate, but an opportunity was missed to fully expand on the Cloverfield phenomenon.Where for example are the excellent "news" stories that previewed the film? These would have been most welcome and genuinely in keeping with the story, as would a documentary outlining the whole internet buzz surrounding the film.
What you do get are 5 minutes of deleted scenes[ of minimal consequence ], 2 alternative endings [ ditto],a "making of" documentary which oddly enough erodes some of the mystique surrounding the film.
By far the most interesting are the "in film" mini documentaries that are accessable via icons as the film progresses.However be warned they will unintentionally upset the flow of the movie if you decide to watch them as part of your viewing experience ["news" footage or other stuff relating to the plot may have been more useful in keeping with the spirit of the film].After all if we are expected to suspend our belief for 70 odd minutes, maybe the film makers should have encouraged the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding events of Cloverfield.It may also have been to the films advantage to remain somewhat coy about the actual monster, as the partial shots of its tail,and distance shots are just so effective in maintaining the general air of menace,but these are merely points rather than criticisms, as the finished movie still does a fine job of opening the door for a genuine resurgence in well made monster flicks.
Overall though Cloverfield is a fantastic and slightly disturbing major film, served by nothing more than adequate extras. Expect an "ultimate edition " in the not too distant future.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Camcorder home video style of filming is the thing that holds this film together. The film Cloverfield is interesting and worth seeing at least once. It is not the greatest movie ever made, and it is not the most original, but it does have some strong merit.
I will not give away too much about the plot because not knowing exactly what will happen is a key part of the films impact. However I will say that the idea is that you are watching a Camcorder home video recording of a day that starts in an ordinary domestic way. The first twenty minutes or so are a bit routine. The story is soap opera style as we get to learn about the characters through wobbly Camcorder images. We see the inter wrangling between the characters and then suddenly a monumental event takes place that turns the story on its head and thrusts both the characters and the viewer on a disastarous adventure.
What actually happens, and why it is happening isn't fully explained in the film but then its not supposed to because it keeps the continuity of the unravelling Camcorder witnessing recording. Just as in real life the characters would not have immediate availability as to the cause of the event.
The film has a science fiction element and the special effects are very good. These special effects still come over quiet well despite the shaky Camcorder film style and the lack of production camera angle editing you would get in most films.
Generally this is a film that is quite good. It has its own uniqueness and it is reasonably entertaining.
I will not give away too much about the plot because not knowing exactly what will happen is a key part of the films impact. However I will say that the idea is that you are watching a Camcorder home video recording of a day that starts in an ordinary domestic way. The first twenty minutes or so are a bit routine. The story is soap opera style as we get to learn about the characters through wobbly Camcorder images. We see the inter wrangling between the characters and then suddenly a monumental event takes place that turns the story on its head and thrusts both the characters and the viewer on a disastarous adventure.
What actually happens, and why it is happening isn't fully explained in the film but then its not supposed to because it keeps the continuity of the unravelling Camcorder witnessing recording. Just as in real life the characters would not have immediate availability as to the cause of the event.
The film has a science fiction element and the special effects are very good. These special effects still come over quiet well despite the shaky Camcorder film style and the lack of production camera angle editing you would get in most films.
Generally this is a film that is quite good. It has its own uniqueness and it is reasonably entertaining.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Cloverfield DVD - Good movie, poor quality case
Bought the DVD of Cloverfield because I have always liked the movie, but the case seems to be made of a very cheap plastic, and part of the inside has broken, and the DVD is... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Merwaan A. Chaudhry
Just the hand-cam. rampaging-monster date-movie I ordered ...
(Hope I'm not giving away too much if I let slip that 'Cloverfield' is a monster-movie.)
Virtually the whole of 'Cloverfield' is supposedly filmed on a hand-held camera by a... Read more
Virtually the whole of 'Cloverfield' is supposedly filmed on a hand-held camera by a... Read more
Published on 16 May 2010 by Brian Flange
Fantastic
This is a great film. I just got into it as soon as it started and have watched it 2 or 3 times now. Watched with the directors commentary and the extra hidden bits too. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2010 by Mr. DJ Jackson
Al-Qaedzilla!?!
The central conceit of the film is that we are watching footage retrieved from a handicam belonging to a member of the public and found by the authorities at a location "formerly... Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2010 by M. Southwood
Formula: Godzilla plus Blair Witch Project, result = $170,602,318
On the night off a party, a group of friends in New York City are caught up in a gruesome and horrifying death match as a mysterious monster attacks New York City, if that isn't... Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2009 by J. Dale
Fantastic
When I was a kid I used to watch those very bad Godzilla films and I loved them.
Then they remade Godzilla and managed to make those bad films even worse by trying to be good... Read more
Then they remade Godzilla and managed to make those bad films even worse by trying to be good... Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2009 by M. POWELL
Cloverfield Special edition
The DVD package I ordered was a very good price compared with normal shop prices.It arrived a few days after I ordered it,well packaged. Read more
Published on 11 April 2009 by Mr. N. P. Osborne
Don't bother
Bought this for my husbands' birthday as he's been on & on about it. I read the reviews on here & had my doubts but got it anyway. Wish I hadn't. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2009 by Yorkney
Blair Witch meets Godzilla
Handheld camera in a monstermovie, with all the action seen firsthand from the eyes of people like you and me, like in Spielberg's "War of the Worlds". Read more
Published on 28 Feb 2009 by S. Bach
What a pile of rubbish
i couldn't wait for the film to end. The first film in a long time where I struggled whether to actually wait for the finish. Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2009 by sybil
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