Running Time 360 Mins.
Format: DVD MOVIE
Customer Reviews:
Delightful.......2007-06-27
This DVD deserves more than 5 stars. Is very fine making and pleasant. More indepth of the story. As European I was delighted to spend hours of
viewing this French version....WELL DONE .....
"I'm Number 34 ~ When Vengence is Allied With Justice".......2007-06-02
Note: French with English subtitles.
The French adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo' released in '99 as a television mini-series is a daunting 6 six hour and 54 minute production that is at times a little challenging to stay with, but overall will prove to be a satisfying and enjoyable watch. Gerard Depardieu is superb as the brooding and calculating Edmund Dantes proving once and for all that he is truly one of the best actors in the world today. The locations and sets are magnificent, the acting excellent and the women beautiful (Julie Depardieu as Valentine, Florence Darel as Camille, Ines Sastre as Princess Haydee and Ornella Muti as the beloved Mercedes).
Word of advice, take your time to watch this feature over a period of several sittings. If you tire at any given point turn it off and come back again later, you'll enjoy the subtle nuances that permeate this extaordinary film much more if you're rested and focused.
My rating: 4 1/2 Stars.
Love this show.......2007-05-16
I saw this on TV and loved it. I taped it on VHS, with commercials, finally decided to purchase a DVD. Gerard Depardieu is wonderful in the part, I like that it's in French with subtitles, and it's of course a great story with all the elements.
Best film adaptation yet, but still not perfect.......2007-02-19
I'm a big fan of Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, and read an unabridged version (the penguin classics edition) about 2 years ago. As you can imagine, faithfully converting a 1200+ page novel to film, even a 6 1/2+ hour film, is extremely difficult.
Judging the film on its own merits, it probably would have earned 5 stars. Despite it's length, it really doesn't have very many "slow" parts and I enjoyed it quite a bit, watching it over a period of two evenings. There are a few cheesy parts (it seems somewhat low budget and/or cheesy at times compared to the hollywood films we're used to), but the overall piece is excellent. The acting was good and the subtitles didn't bother me a bit, although I've never been bothered by subtitles.
I am a little bit surprised, however, at some of the reviews stating how true this film is to the novel - there really are a number of completely unneccessary differences versus the novel.
For example, it completely glosses over the entire first 1/4 or so of the book, without developing the relationship between Dantes and his accusors, and between Dantes and Faria. They also unneccessarily changed the dialogue of several key scenes, such as with Dantes' controntation with Morcerf, which detracted somewhat from the story if only for those of us who have read the book (come on though, how could the director think he knows better than Dumas?). The worst offense, however, was the ending - they completely changed it! Now, I understand some of the differences versus the novel were necessary given the task of converting 1200+ pages to 6.5 hours, but many of the differences were quite simply unnecessary and detracted from the story - hence the reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
On the plus side, I think Depardieu's interpretation of Monte Cristo was quite good, if a little unbelievable (come on, in order to pull off masquerading as 3-4 different characters without anyone catching on would require somewhat nondescript features, i.e. near average height and build ... Depardieu sticks out like a sore thumb regardless of which disguise he's wearing). But his Monte Cristo isn't the all-knowing, invincible Monte Cristo from the novel, and I think that does make the viewer better able to relate to the character.
Overall - a good interpretation of a great story. It's not perfect, but it's probably the best film adaptation out there.
The Count.......2007-01-26
I am a Monte Cristo fan and I have all versions but one - the Richard Chamberlain version (anyone wanting to sell?) - and I rate this as good, although highlighting different parts of the original story. A fantastic and entertaining film.
![The Count of Monte - Cristo [ 1975, IMPORT , ALL REGIONS ]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21Umtquf5UL.jpg)
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The Count of Monte - Cristo [ 1975, IMPORT , ALL REGIONS ]
Starring:
Richard Chamberlain , and
Tony Curtis
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The Count of Monte Cristo
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Product Features:
- The Count of Monte - Cristo DVD
- Richard Chamberlain
- Tony Curtis
ASIN: B000U34PM6 |
Product Description
Officially licensed release from South Korea is All-Region NTSC Code 0 (playable worldwide) with 4:3 Full Screen display, Dolby Digital Surround Sound in ENGLISH with optional (removable) Korean subtitles. SUMMARY: Richard Chamberlain stars in this lavishly appointed adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure story. When Count Edmond Dantes (Richard Chamberlain) is stripped of his wealth and sent to prison for crimes he did not commit, he swears to get revenge against those who wronged him. With the help of Abbe (Trevor Howard), a fellow prisoner, the Count escapes and sets forth to see that justice is done. The supporting cast includes Tony Curtis as Mondego, Louis Jourdan as De Villefort, and Donald Pleasance as Danglars. This seventh of eight film versions of The Count of Monte Cristo was produced for American television but received a theatrical release in Europe
Product Description
SUMMARY: Richard Chamberlain stars in this lavishly appointed adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure story. When Count Edmond Dantes (Richard Chamberlain) is stripped of his wealth and sent to prison for crimes he did not commit, he swears to get revenge against those who wronged him. With the help of Abbe (Trevor Howard), a fellow prisoner, the Count escapes and sets forth to see that justice is done. The supporting cast includes Tony Curtis as Mondego, Louis Jourdan as De Villefort, and Donald Pleasance as Danglars. This seventh of eight film versions of The Count of Monte Cristo was produced for American television but received a theatrical release in Europe.
++++ DVD FEATURES: This officially licensed release from South Korea is All-Region NTSC Code 0 (playable worldwide) with 4:3 Full Screen display, Dolby Digital Surround Sound in ENGLISH or GERMAN with optional (removable) German or Korean subtitles.
Customer Reviews:
ThecCount of monte christo.......2007-06-09
What a load of rubbish re time to write a review about how much foreign asian ius in this. I wanted NOT DER GRAF VON MONT CHRISTO BUT The count of Monte Christo. I'm a long time Collector Buyer of Amazon and not too happy. I do like the movie.
A Great Family Movie........2006-12-03
This version of the classic Dumas novel is very entertaining. It boasts a superb troupe of actors:
Tony Curtis, Donald Pleasance, and Louis Jourdan are the triumvirate of villians whose conspiracy causes a great injustice.
Trevor Howard does a marvellous job as the tutor and mentor of our story's hero.
But this film is really Richard Chamberlain's tour de force who begins the story as the young sailor Edmund Dantes, and who, through his wrongful imprisonment in the Chateau d'If (and a treasure map of his mentor) is transformed into the 'Avenging Angel' - the Count of Monte Cristo. Chamberlain's performance is very moving.
The story's themes of lost love, the unfairness of life, despair, and revenge are universal human experiences which are timeless.
I heartily recommend this film.
-------------------------------------
For Lenore.
Great quality DVD.......2006-09-22
I bought a copy of this DVD from Salesawake. It is a great transfer, looking far better than my old VHS copy. It is also letterboxed. If this is a favorite movie of yours, and you have it on VHS, it is well worth the price to upgrade.
follows Dumas' book, Count ..........2006-07-30
This is an excellent rendition of Dumas' story line of the Count of Monte Cristo (as opposed to the late version of '95 which is terribly tinsel town p.c.)
It would have been nice had it followed completely Dumas' book where the Count ends happily with the African princess, but oh well ...
The Count of Monte-Cristo (Der Graf von Monte Christo).......2006-03-30
I purchased this dvd because I had previously viewed the original and thought it a worthwhile gift for the children in our family. I was displeased to note how may of what I deem to be crucial scense have been deleted.
It is easy to understand how those who elected to make the film would have been compelled to eliminate much of the prose/dialog that the author included since this work was originally written as a play .. the medium then practiced at the time of its creation. Yet, it boggles my mind that the simple transfer from video to dvd should further reduce the content.
I have given this product 3 stars because what remains is still a classic and a valuable learning tool for one's children. However, as a commercial product I can not endorse it for the butchery that has occurred.
For those who enjoy such classics .. look elsewhere for some other product that hasn't reduced the content.
Amazon.com
Gankutsuou, designer-director Mahiro Maeda's adaptation of Alexander Dumas's novel of revenge, shifts the action to a sci-fi future of easy space travel. The series opens with the carnival on the moon (instead of Rome), where Albert de Morcerf and Franz d'Epinay meet the title Count, whom Maeda has reimagined as a cross between a Byronic hero and a Yoshitaka Amano-esque vampire. The designers put elaborate patterns on the characters' hair and clothes, but the patterns don't move with the characters. As a result, Albert, Franz, and the Count often look like disembodied heads floating over a patterned background. The overly detailed settings and cheesy 3-D CG effects add more discordant visual notes. But the overripe imagery can't disguise the limits of the animation or the ineffectual storytelling. The Count of Monte Cristo has been filmed at least five times previously, but Maeda's is the first version to make Dumas's characters uninteresting. (Rated 16 and older: violence, brief nudity, sexual innuendo, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
Dumas Would Be Proud.......2007-07-25
Gankutsuou is based off of the classic "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. In this beautifully drawn and portrayed version of the timeless classic, we see the exciting tale of the Count unfold with a futuristic twist. Set in the distant future, the Count returns once again to seek his revenge.
What really sets this anime apart from others is the way the plot is exposed. It's so thick and twisted that you can't help but be sucked into it. Also, though the anime stays true to the basic plot of the book, Gankutsuou has it's own twists and unique story line that will captivate anime fans and readers all over again. Accompanied by stunning scenery, gorgeous artistry, and a slew of intriguing characters, Gankutsuou will thrill you like no other anime you've ever seen.
Whether you're new to the timeless literary classic or a returning fanatic like myself, Gankutsuou is an anime you can't afford to pass up!!
Recommended viewing age: 13+ (brief nudity and some adult situations...and NO THAT DOESN'T MEAN SEX!!!!)
Enjoy!
Count of.......2007-07-04
After having watched all of the episodes I can say that I am very glad I stuck past the first few episodes. The story becomes really interesting once the revenge sets in, you get a much better feel of all of the characters. There are only a few people who I could hate or love all the way through, they do a good job of showing everyone as human, with their own feelings and reason. One thing I like (which is a problem in some titles) is that the story never feels rushed, it really works well and ends smoothly.
The art style is amazing and is more than just eye candy. They use an interesting style of prints for hair, clothes, and backgrounds. This not only goes to accentuate the characters as people but also shows you their class and importance. When you see a poor part of town there is nothing but watercolor, everyone is dull and flat, when you see Paris or Luna and the people there- everything is popping, sparkeling, extravagant.
Phenominal, Entertaining and a little Bizarre.......2007-06-04
First, let me say that the unusual style of the series is at first a little off-putting. Once you fall into the story, however, you don't notice that style as much, and that's really how it SHOULD be - unusual style can't hold my attention for long.
It's Count of Monte Cristo in space, (mostly) from Albert's perspective. We get to experience the Count's revenge through Albert, which adds a bit more suspense, I think. I'd never read the book, but was, like most people, familiar with the story.
The Good: The story, characters and animation are all top drawer. The Count's character design is very attractive, too. I came to care about the characters and feel sorry for them during their inevitable downward spiral, through their poor choices. What's especially good is that the story doesn't "dumb it down" and spell out certain things (such as a character's love for another), but leaves the viewer to decide.
Plus, the climax is one of the best I've ever seen.
The Bad: There is some CG work here which isn't very good at all (robots fighting), and could have been done without. But it's a minor quibble.
The Ugly: None!
NOTE: This is NOT a series for kids. There are issues of sexuality, death, sacrifice, brutal betrayal and a little incest. It's a very adult theme, but very enjoyable.
Also, the box for this first volume is really lovely. It's kind of shiny with golden touches and looks really nice on the shelf!
Overall, this is one of my FAVORITE series, in the top 3, and I've seen a lot of anime. ;)
Punk Rock Opera.......2007-03-30
This has to be the most original, non genre specific anime to date.
Although I wouldn't consider this the best anime of all time, it's certainly in my top 10 list, and I'd go as far as to say that it's in my top 5.
Mahiro Maeda has managed to recreate a classic tale, using a medium never tried before, and pull it off seamlessly. The style of animation is nothing short of breathtaking; there are times when you're so engrossed in the grandeur of it all that you're able to reach that Zen like level that all cinematography strives for, and you find that you've become completely lost in the film. There's even a small feeling of loss when each episode ends, leaving you slightly short of breath.
One caveat: I didn't watch the English version, so I can't really comment on how well it was dubbed. Because this series was so dialogue heavy, the subtitles were distracting at times, but if the dubbing is up to par, I won't hesitate to watch it all over again, because I'm sure that I missed out on a quite a bit by having to read my way through.
The Bottom Line: Not to be missed, even if you're not an anime fan. This is truly deserving of all 5 stars.
Not Your Average Count.......2007-03-13
I am a huge fan of Dumas and The Count of Monte Cristo in particular. I also like many different movie genres. As such, this set worked for me. I would caution purists, however, to start slowly as this set is not for everyone.
The series is told from Albert's point of view. It's set in the future. It begins in the middle of the book. And, it does have some homoerotic overtones (Albert and his best friend, Franz d'Epinay). That said, I thought the adaptation stuck fairly close to the actual plot of Dumas' work...more in keeping with the Depardieu French version of the film than the Chamberlain version of the early 70s or the remake with Caveziel (both great in their own right.)
The only thing that was jarring for me was the depiction of the Count. He's drawn as a vampire (in anime, this means blue skin). He has vampiric teeth and is a very remote and cold figure (readers of the book will recall that Dumas' description is almost vampiric...perhaps influenced by Stoker.) So, while the depiction was on point with the original work, it was odd to see. This, because I have been conditioned to expect handsome men in the title role, not "vampiric" actors!
I think fans of the book should try this version if they are adventurous and open to different artistic forms and visions. Start, however, with the first DVD/VHS tape and see how you feel before continuing.
Anime fans w/an interest in classic literature (although some argue the point when it comes to Dumas) may well be pleased and find themselves interested in returning to the source material.
If the novel is taught to students over the age of 15 or 16, I think this version could be shown (along with the Caveziel or Chamberlain versions), in order to provide the students with an opportunity to compare/contrast the material.
Worth purchasing.
Customer Reviews:
Punk Rock Opera.......2007-03-31
This has to be the most original, non genre specific anime to date.
Although I wouldn't consider this the best anime of all time, it's certainly in my top 10 list, and I'd go as far as to say that it's in my top 5.
Mahiro Maeda has managed to recreate a classic tale, using a medium never tried before, and pull it off seamlessly. The style of animation is nothing short of breathtaking; there are times when you're so engrossed in the grandeur of it all that you're able to reach that Zen like level that all cinematography strives for, and you find that you've become completely lost in the film. There's even a small feeling of loss when each episode ends, leaving you slightly short of breath.
One caveat: I didn't watch the English version, so I can't really comment on how well it was dubbed. Because this series was so dialogue heavy, the subtitles were distracting at times, but if the dubbing is up to par, I won't hesitate to watch it all over again, because I'm sure that I missed out on a quite a bit by having to read my way through.
The Bottom Line: Not to be missed, even if you're not an anime fan. This is truly deserving of all 5 stars.
Intoxicatingly and Visually Addictive!.......2006-03-06
I absolutely love this series. Out of all the anime I have seen, this is the best of a whole new animation. I saw the previous movies of the 1970's "Count of Monte Cristo" starring Richard Chamberlain and the new version of the movie as well. Haidee's godess themed outfit looks beautiful. It moves as if it were alive! This series of course contains mature themes and nudity, NOT FOR THE KIDDIES! This volume gets deeper into the count's plot of revenge. Even the people get too close for comfort get ruined unaware of what he intentionally has on his mind.
Don't miss out on the next series!
A Dark Tale of Devilish Delight.......2006-02-01
In the second volume of Gankutsuou, Mahiro Maeda's (Blue Submarine #6) dark twist to the literary classic "The Count of Monte Cristo," the story continues to slowly unfold as the Count begins to pinpoint all those responsible for his past. Though this volume contains no action, this series continually gets better and deeper as the intrigue plays out around all of the characters. This series is carried by excellent plotting and it's risk-taking style of animation.
In this volume, the characters face what it truly means to love, as two characters, Albert and Franz, must deal with arranged marriages, while another, Maximilliam, a commoner, finds himself in love with the woman arranged to be married to Franz. During all of this, the Count's wicked games continue, as he spurs friends on to duel, hands over a ring capable of injecting poison, and unites two past lovers in an attempt to bring back terrible memories. This volume reveals a lot of the characters' emotions, enlightening us on two minor characters, Maximilliam and Valentine, who served a brief part in volume one, as well as introducing a couple new characters to the mix of deception.
This series, despite having almost no action to speak of, is one of the best I've seen in a long time. The rich animation and the fact that Mahiro Maeda is willing to institute plot elements such as homosexuality that may alienate those uninterested in such things makes this series more alluring than other blandly plotted anime. Though the reference for this series is considered one of the greatest novels ever written, it takes a great deal of skill to be able to translate that for an anime format. Mahiro Maeda did an excellent job at doing just that. If you haven't already began collecting this, then start now and get both volumes one and two. If you have began collecting this series, then don't miss out on this volume.
Customer Reviews:
liked it so much i'm buying.......2007-09-03
It is a testament to this series that I am buying this DVD after I watched it through Netflix (though I had purchased all the others up until that point). Gankutsuou has been an inspirational series for me, getting me to read the original Count of Monte Cristo and reminding me that even though there is a lot of garbage to sift through when it comes to anime that is available in the US, it's worth it if you can find gems like this one. The voice acting in both versions is amazing, and Taylor Henry's Count is superb.
The end of this series seems to leave things unresolved, which is actually refreshing. Is the Count redeemed? Is he saved by Albert? Ultimately, as Maeda says in the extras, this story is about Albert. The last episode simply focuses on him and how he's dealing with life. At first I thought the final episode was a bit unnecessary, but it left me with a good feeling and looking back it makes sense that the episode was what it was. Life goes on for Albert, and that's a good thing.
I really enjoyed this series, and as someone who's love of anime has decreased in recent years, I am so happy I found something as good as this.
One episode too long..........2007-01-25
IMO this series could have ended with episode 23; it completes the story and would have let the story end on a high point. Instead, it ends on the next episode which really doesn't do anything for the story other than show you the characters after time has passed.
Despite my complaint, I urge you to watch this series. It is probably one of the best I have seen and is a pretty good interpretation of the classic novel. In fact, after watching this I went ahead and read the book all over again.
Highly recommended!
Solid Ending To a Strong Series.......2006-10-27
As I watched through the final episodes, The exitement was almost too much to bear. So much happens in just the first two episodes of this volume (21 and 22). Although the exitement peiters off after this, you aren't left with that "So what just happened?" feeling that most anime's give. You get a sense of relief that the characters have kept on living even after their lives were turned upside-down and seemingly torn apart. There's not much more to be said about it except, well, watch it.
dramatic anime.......2006-09-15
I just finished watching all the chapters. I LOVED everything about this anime: The characters, settings, plot, and tiwists. It is one of the best I have seen in awhile. It stays realistic in that not all stories have a happy ending but yet can be entertaining. I became really attached to this story so much that I didn't want to reach the end. I promise that if you watch the first two or three episodes you WILL BE HOOKED till the end. In closing I just highly reconmind this anime if your into dark stories.
A suprising ending, but a decent cap to an astounding series..........2006-09-12
For those of you keeping up with the anime version of Le Comte, you won't be all that suprised with the revelations concerning the supernatural origins of Edmund's symbiotic relationship with Gankutsuou... though, the truth behind the Chateau d'If is a little odd. I was expecting a little more "substance" to Abbe when he showed up... this version was a little pale in comparison.
The last four episodes bring everything to a head... Danglars is off planet trying to escape scandal and financial ruin, Villefort is taken to court, and Morcerf impliments a military coup against the Parisean government after being disgraced by Haydee earlier in the series.
All the while, Albert can only plea with The Count to give up his revenge, a plea that falls on deaf ears... or does it? The series sums up with a spectacular duel underneath the Champs Elysees with a definite ending that I REALLY didn't see coming and a denouement episode that takes place five years after the ultimate climax.
The art direction/design is, of course, as spectacular as it has been throughout the entire series... both alien and familiar at the same time; vibrant, beautiful and disturbing.
The choice to go as far afield as they did from the original work doesn't detract from the series itself, as it does an admirable job at staying true to much of the spirit of Dumas' work, while going its own way concerning the character's ultimate fates... but, for nostalgic romantics such as myself, it hurts a little to see certain people die whilst others were renewed and forgiven.
Now... I call upon the production company to give us a sequel! "Space Rogues: Benedetto and Edward Strike Back!"
![The Count of Monte-Cristo [Region 2]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21h94kvWLkL.jpg)
Average customer rating:
- Cut verison of a fine miniseries
- In different language
- Crucial cuts make a mess
- A complete waste of time
- my favorite movie
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The Count of Monte-Cristo [Region 2]
Starring:
Richard Chamberlain ,
Kate Nelligan ,
Tony Curtis ,
Louis Jourdan , and
Angelo Infanti
Director:
David Greene
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Action & Adventure
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| DVD
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Chamberlain, Richard
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
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Curtis, Tony
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
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Dawson, Anthony
| ( D )
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Howard, Trevor
| ( H )
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Infanti, Angelo
| ( I )
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Jourdan, Louis
| ( J )
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Michael, Ralph
| ( M )
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Nelligan, Kate
| ( N )
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Pleasence, Donald
| ( P )
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Power, Taryn
| ( P )
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Greene, David
| ( G )
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( C )
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The Count of Monte Cristo
ASIN: B00005K8NL |
Customer Reviews:
Cut verison of a fine miniseries.......2007-07-07
When I first saw the Count of Monte Cristo it was presented in the TV mini-series format, which provided more depth to the performances of the actors. And followed the sequence of this classic very closely. Giving great drama to the trails of Edmond. From arrest, to years in prison, escape, obtaining the treasure of Monte Cristo, and finally revenge. But this beautiful mini-series was cut fron a multi hour sensation, into as poor imatation of the original work. If the original mini-series was to be released, I beleive you to be greatly entertained. But of the Movie version is to be released, you will find dis-jointed scenes and a story that many times is hard to follow because the essence of this story was left on the edditing room floor.
In different language.......2007-05-31
Well, it's for anyone who can read or hear German. There is no English language or subtitled for English so I send it back for refund.
Crucial cuts make a mess.......2006-07-16
After waiting for some time for this to be issued on tape, my disapointment knows no bounds.
I give the VHS version of this otherwise excellent production only 1 star as the deletions from the original broadcast make the story illogical and hard to follow. Missing is the complete "tableaux" scene which makes the confrontation between Dantes and Fernand Mondego and the subsequent duel with Albert Mondego understandable. One wonders about the studio's choice of editor for this VHS release. Hope they corrected the omissions in the DVD version.
A complete waste of time.......2006-05-25
With a story like The Count of Monte Cristo, you'd think even the most inept filmmaker couldn't go far wrong. Not so. Even Richard Chamberlain's good looks and mellow voice can't rescue this bland and lifeless film, especially not with that ghastly haircut. If you want to let your eyes glaze over for a while, ask a boring neighbor to show you his vacation videos. You'll be showing kindness to a fellow human being that way, instead of wasting your money on this drivel.
my favorite movie.......2005-11-19
I can't wait for the Richard Chamberlain edition of the movie to be available on DVD. I hope they fix the one problem that exists on the VHS - the semaphore station man says "you insult me sir, but it is an insult..." which makes no sense. These additional words were in the movie the first time I watched it but are not on the VHS - "...I can live with." He takes the money and sends the bogus message.
When I watch the movie I always speak the lines, but would love to see the DVD include the lines.
Description
As the Count gradually makes his introductions to all of the most prominent families in Paris, betrayal, deception and intrigue disrupt the world that Albert has always known. Three of the most illustrious men, including Albert's own father, harbor a secret so terrible that exposure would irrevocably ruin their lives. With the arrival of a funeral notice bearing the forbidden name of Edmond Dantes, that secret threatens to come to the surface and all of the aristocracy teeters on the brink of disaster.
Customer Reviews:
Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo - Chapter 3.......2007-01-09
Fast Devilery. Product as described.
Gankutsuou: Better Than 5.......2006-04-04
I don't see many anime like this. In fact, any form of entertainment is capable of doing what Gankutsuou is and has been doing since it's release. And what is it doing? Well, it just keeps getting better, even halfway through the series. You expect a wall to go up by this point, but not with Gankutsuou. The suspense keeps rising, the intricate plot gets deeper, and the characters are beginning to reveal their truest emotions. Yet Gankutsuou is doing all this at a brisk pace--hell, the series itself starts halfway through Dumas' original work, right when the Count is just beginning his plot for revenge and not during his time in prison or his childhood. I think if Gankutsuou keeps this up, it may actually push certain fans away because of just how intense it actually is.
In this, the third volume, the Count finally begins targeting those responsible for putting him away. Under the guise of a friendly neighbor, he infiltrates the highest of France's society and slowly forces his plot onto others. Meanwhile, Albert faces his own problems, mostly dealing with all the different modes of love; friendship, true love, false love, and his own personal feeling. During all of this, people die and lives are put into extreme danger. I hate to reveal anymore of the plot so I'll leave it that.
GONZO seems to know what makes a good anime, and they put a lot into the anime that they know will succeed. Like Samurai 7 and Last Exile, Gankutsuou makes quite an impression. It has an artistic style all its own, which is both mesmerizing and startlingly beautiful at times. The way in which the story is presented, with very little care to what may be taboo or not, is kind of refreshing. The mature themes that makes this anime 16+ is what makes this anime great. It directly targets a more mature audience. I'd recommend this anime to anyone who enjoys darker anime and excellent story-telling. If I could, I'd recommend this to everyone but the mature situations can be a bit disturbing to younger audiences. I will, however, encourage any anime fan sixteen or older to pick up this series: it may end up being the next great anime to impact the American industry.
Description
Naive, trusting Albert finally has all his illusions shattered as the Count admits that everything he has done and said has been for the sake of vengeance. Just like a master chess player, the Count positions his pieces to attack, setting traps and predicting every move. Everyone is a pawn for the Count to achieve his goal...and no sacrifice is too large: Haidee, Andrea, and even the Count's own humanity. At the same time, Albert's quickly losing everything in Paris: friends and family are disappearing and his nobility is stripped from him. How can Albert possibly recover while the Count continues on his destructive path of retribution?
Customer Reviews:
Best Anime DVD Ever!!!.......2006-09-29
Yes, everyone, I said that this is the best ever. Someone who hasn't seen the previous volumes could watch this and understand quite a bit of what is going on. The story is beautifully played out. The events will leave you breathless, raising the questions of what happens next and why.
Then, of course, there is the animation. Your eyes will bulge at the sights created during the events that take place. And there's even more eye-popping stuff with the extras.
So if you like anime, and especially this series, pick this DVD up. It is impossible to be disappointed buy it.
Bide your time, and hold out hope.
Ultimate version of Dumas' masterpiece (no spoilers).......2006-08-17
I am going to be frank - I absolutely worship this anime. If you are only going to buy one complete anime series, let it be Gankutsuou. It does not get much better than this.
(This review is more generally addressed to the whole series, rather than just Volume 5. Therfore, no spoilers. If you have purchased the DVD volumes up until now, there is no reason to stop - it only gets better!)
While never aspiring for otaku status, I have still watched a fair share of anime over the years, including all kind of styles and range of quality. But rarely do I come across something that moves, fascinates, excites and satisfies me so much as Gankutsuou. Before Gankutsuou, my favorite anime series were "Last Exile", "Kino's Journey", "Samurai 7", "Cowboy Bebop", "Gantz", "Haibane Renmei" etc, just to give you a flavor of what I'm into.
I do not hesitate to say that Gankutsuou is the ultimate rendition of Alexandre Dumas' fabled story of "The Count of Monte Cristo", putting every previous version to shame. The backbone of the story remains the same: a heartrending tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. But the setting in Gankutsuou is completely alien to the original, literally. Even more strikingly, we are being served the story chiefly from the point of view of one of the innocent victims of the Count's crushing revenge, rather than from the Count himself. Apart from being based on a literary masterpiece, and a beautiful adaptation thereof, there are many things that contribute to making this one of the best animes of all time, in my opinion.
Visuals. Simply stunning.
Gonzo animation studios, of much acclaim, but also recently taking a lot of stick for uneven productions, has done an amazing job of turning Gankutsuou into a visual masterpiece. A combination of computer graphics with traditional animation, and an original texture mapping technique which gives life and character to normally dull and plain one-colored surfaces, together creates an incredibly rich and dense scenery. There is a feast for the eye in in every scene. (among the jaw-droppers are of course the Count's space ship in Volume 1, and Haydée's dress in Volume 2)
Music. Absolutely beautiful.
The musical score is almost as rich and varied as the graphics, ranging from orchestral-style movie type scoring to solo piano, to solo guitar strums, to some more heavy-hitting beats for the closing titles. Very artfully composed and fitting perfectly into the story; the music never feels out of place or distracting.
The voice actors (Japanese cast) are a doing a fantastic job as well. There is essentially none of the anime-style "overacting" that is sometimes common, but rather the cast employs a very westernized style. The characters they portray run deep, and you feel like you get to know them on a very personal plane as the series develops. All the hallmarks of a truly great performance and script. Some of the voices in particular are simply awe-inspiring, like the Count himself...what a presence!
If I have one gripe with the series, it would be the lyrics of the opening and closing titles - they basically spell out exactly what the whole series is about! Now, if you are familiar with the original Dumas story this might not be much of a spoiler, but still, it feels like the lyrics are giving away just a little too much.
Anyway, all things considered, this is an anime masterpiece that you only see once in a hundred shows, and well worth every penny you spend on buying the entire series.
Mesdames, Messieurs; adieu.
DVD:
- The Dark Crystal
- The Dirty Dozen
- The Italian Job (Special Collector's Edition)
- The Jack Ryan Special Edition Collection (The Hunt for Red October/Patriot Games/Clear and Present Danger/The Sum of All Fears)
- The Last Dragon
- The Lost Battalion
- The Odyssey
- The Other Side Of Heaven
- The Patriot (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]
- The Perfect Storm
DVD
DVD
Les Miserables
The Three Musketeers
The Man in the Iron Mask
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves
Gladiator (Widescreen Edition)
