Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate
Winslet, James Fleet, Harriet Walter, Gemma Jones
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 5/5
This is one of my favorite films. I was very excited to
learn that this was going to be one of Twilight Time’s releases. They didn’t
let me down yet again in the mastery they show to important pieces of cinema.
This is a truly a gorgeous film in so many wonderful ways. The sets, costumes are
breathtaking. The utter fantastic cinematography. The amazing direction, and
most of all flawless performances by all involved. This is one of those films I
return to over and over again. I am a lover of blu-ray, and this is kind of
a big deal for me, being able to own this film. This film was treated with
amazing care, and crafted through an excellent transfer.
I love literature. I love reading. Something many people don’t
know about me is I am a book fiend. I read constantly. A little self-promotion
I also review, and run my own book page www.classicbookreading.com where I review books, instead of movies. Jane Austin is
one of my favorite writers. I have read all her books, and enjoy the many film
adaptions of her work. Director Ang Lee brought her visionary talent from page, to his visionary talent on screen. This is a wonderful example of Austin’s vision
made into a film of importance, and great care, and love to her vision. Ang Lee
is one of the most fascinating directors ever to grace the world of film
making. His many films, always stand out. He is a master talent that knows what
he wants, and creates that ultimate vision for the viewer. Sense and Sensibility
is a prime example of that expertise.
Starring the amazing, beautiful and very talented Emma
Thompson. Thompson is a beautiful soul on screen. I absolutely love her. She
captures the character of Elinor Dashwood in a flawless way. That is something
so important about this film is the amazing ensemble cast of performers. The extraordinary,
gorgeous Kate Winslet. Winslet is breathtaking and utterly flooring as an
actress. She always makes me giddy watching her. She plays the character of
Marianne with perfection. Also starring the amazing, underrated actor James
Fleet as John Dashwood. The wonderful Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars. And also
starring the one and only master, talented, perfected actor Alan Rickman. Rickman
is one of the greatest actors of all time. He is one of my favorites, and I always make it a goal to see all his movies. He plays the character of Colonel
Brandon in Sense and Sensibility. The whole cast is amazing and each one bring
to life unforgettable characters, in unforgettable performances.
The plot is true to all of Austin’s books. A death, lack of
money, love, courtship. On his deathbed Mr. Dashwood tells his son John to take
care of his second wife and their three daughters. By accustom they will
inherit nothing. John agrees but his greedy wife Fanny, changes his mind, and
gives them hardly anything. Soon John and his wife Fanny move into the big
house, forcing the second wife, and the daughters, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret
to find a place to stay. Meanwhile Fanny invites her brother Edward to stay.
Soon Elinor and Edward take to liking to each other, but Fanny has no part of this
and tells Mrs. Dashwood that Edward would not inherit anything if he was to
marry someone of no importance, basically referring to her daughter Elinor.
Soon the daughters and Mrs. Dashwood is offered to stay in a small cottage house
by a cousin, solving their home situation. Soon the other daughter Marianne
catches the eye of Colonel Brandon, and so begins like in Jane Austin fashion,
the trials of love, money and importance.
The movie changes many things, and also adds to the plot.
This reality never takes away from the story, it just adds more wonder to the
plot. This was honored and praised by many and rightly it should be. This film received
many awards, and nominations, including over 7 Academy Award Nominations. Emma
Thompson who also wrote the screenplay for this movie, also won the Academy
Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Breathtaking cinematography by Michael Coulter. Which he was
nominated for an Academy Award for Sense and Sensibility, which I personally
feel he should have won. The direction, acting, music, sets, costumes, cinematography
is all perfection, equaling a flawless film. Sense and Sensibility is one of
those films that is a grand achievement in film making.
Audio/Video: 5/5
This has never sounded or looked any better. I have seen
this on VHS, TV, DVD but this Blu-ray is what it’s all about. Amazing transfer
and utterly flawless sound. Simply put, pure perfection.
LANGUAGES: German and English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 5.1
DTS-HD MA, English 2.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
SUBTITLES: English
Extras: 5/5
This is loaded with a wonderful array of Special Features.
The new and always amazing Isolated Score Track. The music is by Scottish
composer Patrick Doyle, who is a flawless example of how important film scores are.
He is a master talent who has done many examples of flawless composing for
movies like Henry V (1989), Needful Things (1993), Hamlet (1996), 1997’s Donnie
Brasco, 2001’s Gosford Park and many
others. He is a wonderful, talented musician that allows the music to come to
life.
Audio Commentary with Actress Emma Thompson and Producer
Lindsay Doran. Always a wonderful listen to hear the ones involved in the film
talk about their experience. Emma Thompson is flawless.
Audio Commentary with Director Ang Lee and Co-Producer James
Schamus. Another great listen. Lee is a master film maker and hearing him talk
is always a priceless treat.
Adapting Austen
Elegance & Simplicity: The Wardrobe of Sense and Sensibility
Locating the World of Sense and Sensibility
A Sense of Character
A Very Quiet Man
Deleted Scenes
Emma Thompson’s Golden Globe Acceptance Speech
Original Theatrical Trailer
Overall:
Twilight Time has done it again in bringing an important
piece of cinema to a new wonderful outlet. This blu-ray is amazing and is
something to own. This 3,000 unit production of this important piece of cinema, and one of Jane Austin’s greatest works turned into one of the greatest film
adaptions ever done of her work. This is a lovely new blu-ray to praise and
give huge accolades to.
Another fantastic product by Twilight Time.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
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