Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, et
al.
Director:
James Cameron
Edition Details:
• Color, Closed-captioned, THX,
Widescreen, Dolby, Collector's Edition
• Theatrical trailer(s)
•
Dynamic interactive menus
• THX certified widescreen transfer
•
Widescreen letterbox format
• ASIN: 0792156684
¡@
Editorial Reviews
When the
theatrical release of James Cameron's Titanic was delayed from July
to December of 1997, media pundits speculated that Cameron's
$200 million disaster epic would cause the director's downfall,
signal the end of the blockbuster era, and sink Paramount Studios as
quickly as the ill-fated luxury liner had sunk on that fateful night of
April 14, 1912. Some studio executives were confident, others
horrified, but the clarity of hindsight turned Cameron into an
Oscar-winning genius.
From Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Sweeping romance set against the backdrop of the R. M. S. Titanic's maiden
voyage in 1912--and framed by a modern-day story of a salvager who stumbles
onto a heretofore unknown survivor of the sinking (beautifully played by 1930s
leading lady Stuart). Spectacular in every way, an eye-filling re-creation
of the sights and sounds of the grandest ship of its time, but what keeps
it afloat are the magnetic performances of the young leads. Storytelling
savvy and momentum make up for some banal.
Customer Reviews of
the Day
A flawed but breathtaking movie,
January 20, 2000
Reviewer: Ralf B. from Germany
When I read some of
the customer's reviews of "Titanic", I realize that it is often treated
inappropriately harshly. Many dislike the romantic plot and say that the
screenplay is just a series of cliches.
People who say that are correct but they miss the point of "Titanic".
James Cameron intended to bring back the great epic cinema. He wanted to
make a film of such scope, that it would make other filmmakers say: "This
cannot be done anymore." In many ways James Cameron succeeded brilliantly.
"Titanic" is a film of truly titanic proportions with striking images
worthy of David Lean. Especially the second half delivers one memorable
scene after another. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do a good job and
all the technical aspects of the film are unbelievably well realized. If
Cameron had managed to write an at least slightly more subtle screenplay
without the unnecessary demonization of the Billy Zane character, the
film's impact would be definitive.
The reason for the hatred of many viewers is maybe its unparalleled
commercial success. Of course it is not the best film ever and one can
argue wether it desreved 11 Academy Awards but ultimately none of these
things should be taken into account when you evaluate a film. James
Cameron delievered a sweeping epic that manages to captivate for more than
three hours and I think that this is a tremendous achievement.
A riveting cinema event!,
April 6, 2000
Reviewer: hauntnut from Topsail Beach, North
Carolina
Rarely has Hollywood come up with a movie to satisfy
the likes and tastes of many: special effects buffs, love story seekers,
and historical followers. Titanic is one of those rare gems, hosting all
of those factors and even more packed into the 3 1/2 hour feature. After a
long-delayed opening date and a budget that seemed to keep on growing, the
movie, which opened in December '97, quickly gained back its costs and
much more. The harrowing, fictional love story centers on a debutante
engaged to a swarthy but arrogant aristocrat and her experience on the
famed ocean liner. Her sights are soon set on a steerage passenger, and
the two develop a passionate romance. The ship soon meets its fate,
tossing them, and everyone aboard, into a fight for survival. The special
effects are amazing, seamless even, and one might go so far as to say
realistic. The sound effects are loud and explosive, making the sinking of
the ship a truly visceral experience. The DVD edition of this movie is a
winner, with the widescreen version of the film and Dolby soundtracks that
produce deep bass. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting
for?
