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From Amazon.co.uk
You could only see his eyes behind the layers of makeup in The Elephant Man but those expressive orbs earned John Hurt a well-deserved Oscar nomination for his moving portrayal of John Merrick, the grotesquely deformed Victorian man. Inarticulate and abused, Merrick is the virtual slave of a carnival barker (Freddie Jones) until dedicated London doctor Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins in a powerfully understated performance) rescues him and offers him an existence with dignity. Anne Bancroft co-stars as the actress whose visit to Merrick makes him a social curiosity, with John Gielgud and Wendy Hiller as dubious hospital staffers won over by Merrick. David Lynch earned his only Oscar nominations as director and co-writer of this sombre drama, which he shot in a rich black-and-white palette, a sometimes stark, sometimes dreamy visual style that at times recalls the offbeat expressionism of his first film, Eraserhead. It remains a perfect marriage between traditional Hollywood historical drama and Lynch's unique cinematic eye, a compassionate human tale delivered in a gothic vein. The film earned eight Oscar nominations in all and though it left the Oscar ceremony empty-handed, its dramatic power and handsome yet haunting imagery remain just as strong today. --Sean Axmaker, Amazon.com
On the DVD: Being black and white, it's easier to judge the digital transfer in terms of shade and thankfully this print looks just fine. There's a little confusion over the sound, however, which is advertised as Stereo on the box but says Mono on the Audio Menu. It certainly seems to be a basic Dolby stereo but it's a shame Lynch hasn't given it the personal touch since he's obsessed with mixing his films' sound himself. From the nicely thought-out animated menus there's a gallery of 20 photos and a misguiding, dramatic theatrical trailer. The only other extra is a 64-page book of which only 10 pages relate directly to the film (the rest re-tell Lynch's career and the real Elephant Man's life). --Paul Tonks
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Featurette, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: David Lynch, creator of Twin Peaks and acclaimed director of 'Eraserhead', 'Blue Velvet' and 'Wild At Heart', directs this bizarre but true story of courage and human dignity. John Hurt gives the performance of a lifetime as John Merrick, the worst "freak" known to Victorian medical science, a man whose body is hideously distorted into a grotesque parody of an elephant. Rescued from a travelling freak show by Sir Frederick Treves, Merrick gradually reveals himself to be a strangely sweet and gentle man, remarkably unembittered by the degradation and torment he suffered at the circus. Beautifully shot by Freddie Francis and with an excellent supporting cast including Sir John Gielgud, Anne Bancroft and Dame Wendy Hiller, 'The Elephant Man' is a compelling, moving and enchanting story. The film was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, Golden Globes, Oscar Academy Awards, ...The Elephant Man
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Now Zoltan
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's easy to forget what a one-off work of genius this movie is. Think about it - a young David Lynch fresh off Eraserhead and bubbling with talent and creativity. A cast of the UKs finest actors - pre ham Anthony Hopkins, Johns Hurt and Geilgud, a wonderful turn by Freddie Jones. All shot by arguably the best cinematographer ever from these shores, Freddie Francis. Did I mention Chris Tuckers makeup effects? It's a never to be repeated mix of talents and the resultant film is luminous, dark, tragic and unforgettable.
This blu ray is a revelation - the glistening, steamy Victorian world is even more vivid. This is a must have for all movie lovers, and the packaging is great too.
This blu ray is a revelation - the glistening, steamy Victorian world is even more vivid. This is a must have for all movie lovers, and the packaging is great too.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. B. A. D. Plowman
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
"The Elephant Man" is without a doubt one of the most beautifully realised movies ever made. Every element is spot on, from the compassionate performances to the striking black and white cinematography.
I first saw this film as a floppy-haired schoolboy in the 1980's. It knocked me sideways back then, and on each subsequent viewing it has never failed to coax the tears from my eyes.
Briefly - It is the true tale of John Merrick, an astonishingly deformed man who was admitted to the Royal London Hospital in the 1880's. To say that he faced hardships is an understatement. He was fully exposed to the ugly prejudices of Victorian society. I will not reveal too many details, but his harsh treatment is presented here unflinchingly. If you have not seen this movie, experience it now and prepare for a heart-rending two hours that can be cherished again and again.
If you HAVE seen this movie, this special edition DVD is still well worth a purchase. It features a highly insightful documentary that presents life in Victorian London; the accuracy of the movie with regards to Merrick's life, and the book upon which this movie was based. Also featured on the disc is a great interview with John Hurt (who gave the performance of his career as Merrick). Finally, and most tantalisingly, there is a conversation with the enigmatic director David Lynch. Lynch discusses the development of the film in intricate detail, and his words are invaluable. It is rare that we get to see Lynch interviewed at all, being the elusive creature that he is...which makes this extra feature all the more vital!
So...a great DVD package all said and done. An absolutely stunning movie accompanied by wonderful extras. I bought this DVD when it was previously released in a basic format, but still I had no hesitation in snapping up this special edition. Some things are just too special to miss...
I first saw this film as a floppy-haired schoolboy in the 1980's. It knocked me sideways back then, and on each subsequent viewing it has never failed to coax the tears from my eyes.
Briefly - It is the true tale of John Merrick, an astonishingly deformed man who was admitted to the Royal London Hospital in the 1880's. To say that he faced hardships is an understatement. He was fully exposed to the ugly prejudices of Victorian society. I will not reveal too many details, but his harsh treatment is presented here unflinchingly. If you have not seen this movie, experience it now and prepare for a heart-rending two hours that can be cherished again and again.
If you HAVE seen this movie, this special edition DVD is still well worth a purchase. It features a highly insightful documentary that presents life in Victorian London; the accuracy of the movie with regards to Merrick's life, and the book upon which this movie was based. Also featured on the disc is a great interview with John Hurt (who gave the performance of his career as Merrick). Finally, and most tantalisingly, there is a conversation with the enigmatic director David Lynch. Lynch discusses the development of the film in intricate detail, and his words are invaluable. It is rare that we get to see Lynch interviewed at all, being the elusive creature that he is...which makes this extra feature all the more vital!
So...a great DVD package all said and done. An absolutely stunning movie accompanied by wonderful extras. I bought this DVD when it was previously released in a basic format, but still I had no hesitation in snapping up this special edition. Some things are just too special to miss...
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By andy.b.
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
...which really shines in this blu-ray version,picture quality and sound are vastly superior to dvd versions,extras are informative but short,and the notebook that comes with the film is informative and interesting to film buffs like myself.Well worth your money if you want to appreciate the film as Lynch intended you too.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent film.
What can I say a classic film which I saw years ago and still enjoyed today. John Hurt is great in the part of John Merrick. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alexandrea59
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant
great film. loved it, great service and excellent arrival. thanks you and i shall be buying more dvds of your company in the future
Published 2 months ago by scott ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Classic
Bought this to watch with my 10 year old as she had been asking me about victorian freak shows and the like. Read more
Published 2 months ago by j parsons
5.0 out of 5 stars
Runtime?
Why does the newer Special Edition DVD have a film runtime of 118 minutes, when the film & the original DVD run for 124 minutes? What has been cut out in the newer version ?
Published 7 months ago by D. High
4.0 out of 5 stars
Elephant Man DVD
Arrived on time and as described. Not sure if it is the original recording, seemed there may have been bits missing.
Published 9 months ago by Adem O. Adem
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Elephant Man - Special Edition DVD, demonstrating class and...
This film holds a denominate place in my heart. Its core is unpretentious and undemanding, never attempting to alter the life of a man and place it in a modern setting. Read more
Published 10 months ago by AngryGoldfish
5.0 out of 5 stars
the elephant man the story based on Joseph Merrick
The elephant man film starring john hurt as Joseph (john as he Is in the film) Merrick. Anthony Hopkins as the doctor who helps john. Read more
Published 15 months ago by A. Holyoake
4.0 out of 5 stars
the elephant man.
this is a very good film got it 4 my son 4 xmas. anthony hopkins plays john merrick in a true story need 2 say no more.
Published 16 months ago by john
5.0 out of 5 stars
Touching film
Very well acted film - John Hurt is amazing as Joseph Merrick. The extras- interviews and documentary on Joseph Merrick were very interesting. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Aeolian Harp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glad to have a copy...
Blu-ray not available here in United States, so this is a real treat! Fast shipping, too! Thank you for a movie I've long wanted on Blu-Ray!
Published 18 months ago by Charles C. Fensch
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