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Amazon.co.uk Review
Citizen Kane is considered by many to be Orson Welles's masterpiece, but more than a few prominent critics have argued that his second film, 1942's The Magnificent Ambersons, is an even greater artistic achievement. It's certainly the source of the most painful injustice of Welles's brief career in Hollywood, having been seized from the director's control, drastically cut from over two hours to merely 88 minutes, and reshot with a different, upbeat ending that Welles vehemently disapproved of. Adapted by Welles from the novel by Booth Tarkington, it remains a truncated masterpiece, as impressive for what remains as for the even greater film it might have been. The story is set during the late 19th century and follows the rise and fall of the wealthy Amberson family of Indianapolis, Indiana. Central to the drama is George Amberson Minafer (Tim Holt), who is snobbishly to the manor born, and whose petty jealousies and truculent pride compel him to prevent a wealthy inventor (Joseph Cotten) from marrying his widowed mother (Dolores Costello). This in part is the cause of the Ambersons' downfall, and ultimately leads to George's humbling "comeuppance" at the film's dramatic conclusion. It's an absorbing tale of fading traditions and changing times, and it's also a magnificent showcase for Welles's cinematic audacity, famous among film students for its long, fluid shots and ambitious compositions. Responding to the film's drastic cutting and re-editing, Welles justifiably complained that "they destroyed the heart of the film, really." And yet, the director's stamp of genius is evident throughout--the work of a young master (Welles was only 26 when the film was made) that still shines despite its unfortunate fate. --Jeff Shannon
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This film is almost as fresh and original as Citizen Kane but for different reasons. It's darker and more lingering, and Stanley Cortez's deep contrast black and white photography is breathtaking. The oppressive sets are shot from low angles often with minimal camera movement and should be viewed in 4:3 aspect to appreciate their carefully controlled composition. Many of the scenes consist of long uncut shots where the actors move in and out of shadows to assemble themselves, disperse, and come together again in an obviously carefully arranged manner that must have required hours of painstaking rehearsal. This - the very antithesis of 21st century jump cutting - is what stands out in Ambersons. It's a grand noir amalgam of theatre and photography and in some senses even ballet.
Some of the acting is a little wooden but more than made up for by Joseph Cotten and Agnes Moorhead's fine performances - to say nothing of Orson Welles' narration.
It's frustrating that RKO butchered the cut in Orson's absence and apparently destroyed the original (no director's cut here I fear). The print used here is not restored but nevertheless the transfer of picture and sound are pretty good. You would be wise to ignore the crass ending - re-shot without Welles, but it's remarkable that what's left still has the power to amaze after 65 years.
Some of the acting is a little wooden but more than made up for by Joseph Cotten and Agnes Moorhead's fine performances - to say nothing of Orson Welles' narration.
It's frustrating that RKO butchered the cut in Orson's absence and apparently destroyed the original (no director's cut here I fear). The print used here is not restored but nevertheless the transfer of picture and sound are pretty good. You would be wise to ignore the crass ending - re-shot without Welles, but it's remarkable that what's left still has the power to amaze after 65 years.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I don't know what one of the other (two) reviewers has been watching.....but take it from me the quality of picture/sound on this disc is impressive. I watched this again last night and the film remains one of my favourites, and all the more so for the transfer to DVD which is quite acceptable. Stunningly shot, wonderful sets, great lighting and acting that will take your breath away. Cotten and Moorehead are simply wonderful, and there are other great peformances also from an impressive cast. This disc has been available at a 'knock down' price for some time now and includes 'An Unfinished Masterpiece' which is an interview with film critic/author Bill Krohn that is well worth watching. Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the film, and in the absence of anything better at this stage I'd thoroughly recommend this DVD. I don't think that you will be disappointed.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Welles' second masterpiece after Citizen Kane, is in my opinion a far more enjoyable film. Although it may have been butchered by the studio it is still a sensational achievement. Fantastic photography and very innovative end credit sequence. Well worth a watch.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
"The Magnificent Ambersons ... Agnes Moorehead At Her Finest Hour ......
RKO Radio Pictures presents "THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS" (1942) - (88 min/B&W) -- Starring: Joseph Cotten, Dolores Costello, Anne Baxter, Tim Holt & Agnes Moorehead & Ray... Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Lovins
Not so magnificent
Coming out in dvd very late and in a bad copy does not help Orson Welles' reputation, and The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) is simply a stuffy old movie, crowded with equally stuffy... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Dr René Codoni
A butchered masterpiece but a masterpiece nevertheless
Based on the Booth Tarkington novel, Orson Welles second film (his follow up to CITIZEN KANE) follows the fall of an arrogant, upper middle class prig (Tim Holt) who sees his... Read more
Published 16 months ago by The CinemaScope Cat
Magnificent Ambersons
Lovely film. For those who like the old time film this one is perfect. Joseph Cotton at his best.
Published on 26 Feb 2010 by Brenda M. Watkins
Great movie, crappy transfer
I am an Orson Welles fan, so I was looking forward to finally getting this on DVD. There are Spanish, etc versions out there, some pricey, but I thought that an offical Universal... Read more
Published on 4 Jun 2006 by Michael A. Anderson
Sheer brilliance
A poignant drama that is still powerful and meaningful after sixty years. The direction and photography are impeccable and the performances are completely memorable. Read more
Published on 8 July 2003 by Scarlet
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