Fanny And Alexander [DVD] [1982]

But, pairing with one of the finest cinematographers of all times, he concocted many of the strongest brews in the history of cinema.

Fanny och Alexander may be his Masterpiece. He devouted uncounted hours to take this film where no other has ever even tried to go. Painstankingly crafted scenes and shots that may have, sometimes, been rehearsed an insane number of times, deliver a creepy, light and luminous, dark and incredibly finely woven tapestry of ideas in one film.

This work from Bergman can be and is, indeed, a benchmark to understand writing, storytelling, lighting, film sensitivity, bleach process, artistic performance, emotional shifts, colour and subtle sound recording.

The first time I saw this film was in 1986 on tv. I was quite young and I sat through five hours just wanting more. Longing... craving for more.

I searched for the film for years and couldn't find a copy, except for the original theatrical release, but I didn't want it. It was incomplete. In 2002 I found the dvd. Now, I know almost every line by heart. My students know it very well and, most amazing thing, they love it over many, many other films that show more recent technology. We go through the five hours with one "intermission" for tea or coffee, exchanging ideas and predicting where the story will go in the next chapters.

The output has always been the same: there's no film like this one. It excels in every small detail. It has some of the greatest actors ever in Sweden. Even Gunnar Johansson, ill, and old, gave all his strenght to his singing in one of the most moving theatre scenes in the film.

The chidren are superb. But Bertil Guve's part IS the film. His depiction of Bergman as a child is absolutely superb. Beyond any film with a lad carrying such a load on his shoulders. His anger, his fears, his desperation transpire Bergman's most ambitious project in a way that will make you laugh, cry or simply feel exhausted.

I don't want to finish without saying a word about Sven Nyvqist and music. Sven shot many Bergman's films and was his right hand. Bergman always considered his opinions as key decisions to make his films more gripping. Nyvqist deftly uses light and textures as no other cinematographer has ever done.

The score for this film is as essential as cinematography. An issue thet always was a most for Bergman.

If you want to live one of the most rewarding cinematographic experiences of your life, buy this film. You won't be dissapointed.

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The Film: If you have found your way here among the Amazon listings, then it is unlikely that you do not already know that this is one of the finest productions ever committed to film. No superlatives can exaggerate the brilliance and depth of "Fanny and Alexander". Here are Bergman and Nykvist working at the absolute height of their powers to produce the warmest, most visually rich and profound storytelling that they have ever given us. It is not as bleak as some of Bergman's earlier films (although there are some disturbing scenes) but the overall impact is uplifting and (for me) deeply moving. This is an unusual film that uses a large cast to tell the intricate story of an extended theatrical family in Uppsala in the early years of the 20th century. All of this is seen through the eyes of the two children; the Fanny and Alexander of the title. I saw the film on its' first release more than 20 years ago in both the emasculated theatrical release and in the five hour version made for Swedish television. I was stunned by it then and have been bowled over by it once again in this wonderful new release.

The DVD: I was amazed to find what else was included in this set when it arrived, as the description gave few clues. The presentation of the films is faultless; a real labour of love. The sound is superb and the whole thing has a visual beauty that is extraordinary. Even the Main Menus are finely done, in keeping with the tone and mood of the films themselves. The English subtitles seem good; although not perfectly accurate and Americanised in places. Not only do you get the complete five-hour television version on two discs (in four episodes) but you also get the complete theatrical version on another single disc. The five-hour version is unequivocally the one to watch. If the length bothers you, view it a bit at a time as four separate episodes. This is probably the best way to see the film, but I have to say that even at one sitting it doesn't seem long at all. I have sat through films of a fraction of the length that seemed much longer. The theatrical release cuts out the soul of the story. It seems a very odd idea to include it alongside the complete version, but this is probably to allow purchasers the chance to enjoy the extras. You might want to watch it for a fascinating and scholarly exposition by Peter Cowie (but only after you have watched the longer version). You certainly wouldn't want to watch it for the dubbing in American English! I'm afraid that I have never seen a dubbed foreign-language film that wasn't unwatchable and this is no exception.

So what's on the two additional discs? I will not list everything but within the cornucopia is Bergman's own illuminating "Making of ..." documentary, an equally intriguing interview with Nils Petter Sundgren that is roughly contemporary with the film and Bergman's recently-recorded (2003) introductions to several of his finest films. The discs are Region 1 NTSC encoded, so you need a suitable player and TV. The slip case and packaging are exceptional. Given the reservations expressed in earlier reviews about Artificial Eye's presentation of this film, you might want to explore this version.

I recommend this film, and particularly this superlative edition, unreservedly. Here is a true masterpiece of European cinema that has hardly been shown in our cinemas or on television. This is also a film so visually and thematically rich that it repays repeated viewings. Surely the best possible reason for owning a DVD player!

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It is a very long film (5 hours), so watch it over two sessions. I guarantee after watching the first disc you will hardly be able to wait to see the second. One can only echo the quote from The Times 'Extraordinary cinematic magic'.

Surely it ranks besides the finest films ever made.

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