TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
The Elephant Man [1980]
![The Elephant Man [1980]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51C4z4oGbML._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £17.99
Our Price: £4.48 (subject to change)
"I Am A Human Being..."
Review date: 2008-09-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
"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...
Similar Products
- The short films of David Lynch [1966]
- The Straight Story [1999]
- No Country For Old Men [2007]
- Doctor Strangelove (Collectors Edition) [1963]
- Inland Empire [2007]
Reviews
Get this copy!
Review date: 2008-09-08 Rating: 10 out of 10
I already had The Elephant Man, but I took a chance on this "special edition" (Optimum, August 2008) having an improved picture. Freddie Francis's silvery monochrome deserves the best possible transfer and I'm glad to say this is a real step up. As for the film - well, if it doesn't have you in tears at least twice, then you are not a human being - you are an animal!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Anthony Hopkins
Wendy Hiller
John Hurt
John Gielgud
Anne Bancroft
Creators:
Anthony Hopkins (Primary Contributor)
John Hurt (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5055201803863
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2008-08-04
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1980