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Amazon.co.uk Review
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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
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...
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
The tale of John merrick, crueley dubbed the elephant man is brought to the screen by genius/madman director David lynch in a film that was nominated for 8 oscars. I don't need to go deeper into any plot synopsis for this one, Amazon's gives you the gist suffice to say all these years on the film is still brilliant and well worth watching, even if your one of those strange people that hates black and white film. Some of Britains finest actors appear giving it their all including John gielgud Anthony hopkins and John Hurt as merrick himself in a performance that should have got him the oscar.
Older films can often be hit or miss on blu-ray, some like the omega man or close encounters can look fine others like evil dead 2 are not so good. Fortunately this one fits in the latter quality with hi-def bringing out all the details in the picture supurbly, ok some of the print grain also shows as this is the sharpest picture quality I have seen with the movie, the sound mix and general audio quality are also excellent. The extras on the disc, as with any lynch disc, are limited to interviews and on this a short documentary on the real elephant man but this is certainly better than previous bare bones releases and the packaging and book that come with it are excellent. I got this as an xmas present and was highly impressed and while it's certainly dearer than the standard dvd blu ray owning lynch fans and apreciaters of quality cinema could do a lot worse than treating themselves to this disc.
Older films can often be hit or miss on blu-ray, some like the omega man or close encounters can look fine others like evil dead 2 are not so good. Fortunately this one fits in the latter quality with hi-def bringing out all the details in the picture supurbly, ok some of the print grain also shows as this is the sharpest picture quality I have seen with the movie, the sound mix and general audio quality are also excellent. The extras on the disc, as with any lynch disc, are limited to interviews and on this a short documentary on the real elephant man but this is certainly better than previous bare bones releases and the packaging and book that come with it are excellent. I got this as an xmas present and was highly impressed and while it's certainly dearer than the standard dvd blu ray owning lynch fans and apreciaters of quality cinema could do a lot worse than treating themselves to this disc.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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 3 months ago by A. Holyoake
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 4 months ago by john
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 5 months ago by Aeolian Harp
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 6 months ago by Charles C. Fensch
Wonderful Film
The elephant man's me favourite film.
It's funny and sad, and you know exactly what you're going to get.
P/W: Nineoutoften.
It's funny and sad, and you know exactly what you're going to get.
P/W: Nineoutoften.
Published 9 months ago by Nora Pilkington
Don't know coz not opened it yet.
Waited quite a while for this to be delivered. Don't know the condition of the product because I bought it as a present for someone whose birthday is not till August. Read more
Published 10 months ago by felinefosterer
Superb
Another wonderful performance by John Hurt. He portrays the sad, touching character of John Merrick. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Akfie
Intense and thought-provoking
My Thoughts: The legendary Joseph (also sometimes mistakenly called "John") Merrick is ingrained in history as the so-called "freak" that terrified people in a carnival side-show... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dismal Angel
Wonderful and sad film...
...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... Read more
Published 13 months ago by andy.b.
Fantastic!
Absolutely Brilliant! Great film, despite its age, made better by the excellent customer service I recieved. Read more
Published 18 months ago by KaJW
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