Amazon.com

The fundamental things--engaging characters, impeccable performances, and witty, literate scripts--apply in As Time Goes By, the beloved 1992 British comedy series starring Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer as former lovers Jean and Lionel. He is a divorced ex-army officer. She is a widow who runs the Type for You secretarial agency. They had "a great romance" during the Korean War, but they lost communication. Thirty-eight years later, the two run into each other again and rekindle what had been started so long ago. This series follows the two--along with Jean's twice-divorced daughter, Judith (Moira Brooker); Jean's assistant, Sandy (Jenny Funnell); and Lionel's young trendy publisher, Alastair (Philip Bretherton)--and takes a wry look at love among the youth and the more "mature." The first three episodes of the series introduce the slightly cantankerous yet vibrant characters, set up their history, and lay the groundwork for Jean and Lionel to tentatively circle around each other, trying to decide at what level they should continue their friendship, that is, if they should even continue being friends at all. Mixing modern romance with nostalgia for yesteryear, writer Bob Larbey and director Sydney Lotterby create a delightful comedy and a touching love story.

At the beginning of the series' second season. Lionel has written a dry memoir, My Life in Kenya, and reluctantly prepares for the book launch. As the date approaches, the tentative couple have a too-close encounter with Penny (Moyra Fraser), Jean's former sister-in-law, who invites them to spend the weekend at her country home. Finally, My Life in Kenya is published and Lionel steels himself for the book signing, while an anxious Jean buys up 140 copies herself. These episodes bring the second season to a touching and satisfying conclusion. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Just wonderful!!
I don't even remember when I first saw this show, but I fell in love in that instant! The premise of the show is touching, and those who are only familiar with Judi Dench's movie performances will be delighted by her comic timing. All in all this is a fantastic series and I cannot wait for the whole series to be issued on DVD so I can own each one!

Visiting with Good Friends
"As Time Goes By" is warm and entertaining, having no need to resort to low comedy, sarcasm or smut to be funny. Real people
with real problems, good supporting friends and quirky relatives
complete the "day in the life" routine which most of us face.
Alistair Deacon (Phillip Bretherton) is my favourite character.
A little off-the-wall but always fun and a much needed safety
net for the Hardcastle household, Alistair is a full dimensioned
character brilliantly portrayed by Mr. Bretherton. You get the
feeling that things are going to "pop" when Alistair is around!
We are collecting all the series and we can hardly wait until the
remaining three are released. You won't find better at any price!

A Fantastic Britcom !
This DVD is one of the best and successful British Situation Comedies of all time. It mixes the excellent acting of Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer.

It is an old fashioned comedy, that is completely harmless and brings back what comedy used to be like ! Easy and VERY Funny.

If you like Series 1 & 2. I recommend getting the other series' as well.

Buy Now !

Where is my Lionel?
Okay,I have never met a British TV series that I didn't like,so it comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I own Sets 1-V of As Time Goes By. It is a gentle, civilized comedy about two lovers separated by a undelivered letter forty years before the series opens in c. 1992. Judy Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, as Jean and Lionel, are the perfect middle age lovers: Jean has lines on her face, is not a stick in a size 0 dress, and Lionel has jowls and thinning hair. It matters not! They adore each other and we adore them! The supporting cast is excellent -- especially the young women who portray Judy and Sandy, Jean's daughter by her first marriage, and her assistant respectively. Nothing very profound can be resolved in 30 minutes, but what is is interesting is the process of rediscovery, falling in love, and learning to love and accept each other, "warts and all," that the viewer sees in episode after episode. It is refreshing to see that someone believes that love is just not for the under 30 set. Jean and Lionel are never treated as "cute," as in "how cute that people that age can be in love." Why they even have sex -- always implied and never seen -- and it is treated as a natural and normal state of being for a middle aged couple. Buy the series -- you won't be sorry!

Warm and Witty
The entire "As Time Goes By" series is brilliantly acted by Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer with a superb supporting cast. "As Time Goes By" is a warm and witty comedy of a love lost and found in the golden years. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Every series of British sitcom As Time Goes By is an astonishingpleasure. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer star as Jean and Lionel, twolong-ago sweethearts who fell out of touch during the Korean War,then--due to a chance re-meeting--rekindled their romance in their latemiddle age. Series 6 mostly revolves around Jean's reluctantlyretiring from her business, along with the stumbling romance of herdaughter Judith (Moira Brooks) and their friend Alistair (PhilipBretherton, particularly strong this series). The plots of the show areoften gossamer-thin--one entire episode revolves around circumventing thenosiness of Jean's sister--but it doesn't matter. The rapport betweenDench and Palmer holds a treasure trove of alternating comfort andprickliness. It only takes a half-finished sentence and a disgruntled lookto be screamingly funny. They're as attuned to each other as dancers;their waltz through As Time Goes By is a pleasure to behold.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (4)

We need the rest of the series!
We need the rest of the years on DVD!

The most wonderful TV experience
The story of Lionel and Jean is the single best experience one could have on TV. During a visit home my mother got me hooked on this show and I can't thank her enough. I fell in love with the characters and the story. Judi Dench and Geoffery Palmer are perfectly cast as are the others. Rocky and Madge are endearing as are the others. It is so well written that it makes one believe in true love again. My only regret is that they've stopped producing new shows.

A Great BBC Sitcom!
"As Time Goes By" is one of the best sitcoms that the BBC has ever produced. The humor is gentle, warm and always completely believable. It is well written, well directed and perfectly cast. I have seen every episode a number of times and I never get tired of it.
The show is consistently a cut above the standard sitcom. It is always firmly grounded in reality and the characters are all immensely likeable. Sometimes it seems less like a television show than it does a pleasant visit with friends.
Don't miss this one!

A Surprise For Jean
"As Time Goes By" is the gentle, funny story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two people who used to be in love in the early fifties. When Lionel went off to fight in the Korean War, the two lost touch. They meet again 38 years later, quite by accident, and what is at first an awkward friendship slowly morphs into a warm romance.

In Series 6 of "As Time Goes By" (originally aired in 1997), we are treated to some of the best episodes yet. It is a near-perfect season. Some fans have even pontificated that this could very well have been a great way for the show to have ended. I count myself in that crowd. It is true that some of the supporting character's plot lines are still left at loose ends, but the romance of Jean & Lionel -- the true story arc of the series -- pretty much resolves itself in series 6, and in such powerful, sweet, and meaningful ways.

There are 7 episodes in all on this set. Episode 1 is a cute, slightly suspenseful story about someone stalking Sandy (Jean & Lionel's lodger). We get to meet 'Nails', one of Alistair Deacon's associates. And another interesting addition to the "As Time Goes By" list of memorable guest characters.

Episode 2 takes up one of the last real threads of the Jean & Lionel story arc: Jean's retirement. Lionel is becoming bored without her home during the day, and the issue is pressed. Jean visits a psychotherapist, because leaving work behind makes her feel somewhat purposeless.

With Jean slightly depressed over becoming "semi-retired", and Judith & Sandy dating new, perhaps questionable men, episode 3 centers around a most unwanted visit from Jean's nosy sister-in-law Penny, and her husband Stephen. It features one of the most hilarious evening banter sessions in any sitcom -- ever.

Episode 4 is a cozy little story set at Jean & Lionel's country house. Mrs. Bale, the housekeeper, is grumpy. Lionel gets sick and must be nursed in bed. A grim doctor visits. And Alistair arrives out of the blue from London. It all makes sense in the end. Sort of.

Alistair announces his engagement in episode 5 -- to a woman named 'Mercury', no less! This puts Judith out of sorts, although she tries not to admit it. The scene in the restaurant makes for one of the best of entire series.

Penny & Stephen pop up again in episode 6, this time because they're interested in buying the house next door to Jean & Lionel's. Needless to say, this does not go over well with our star couple, and this entire episode is priceless simply because of the looks on Jean & Lionel's faces.

Episode 7 is truly a classic. Some fans affectionately call it "The War Museum" episode. Lionel takes a trip to the War Museum, and makes a startling, wonderful discovery which he shares with Jeans at episode's end. Their romance has truly come full circle at this point, and a more touching moment you'd be hard put to find. This episode also deals with Lionel attempting to plan a surprise get-a-way for he & Jean, with everyone's help, and their efforts are absolutely hilarious.

With Series 6 of "As Time Goes By", the show is really running like a well-oiled machine. Chapters begin to close (in the best possible ways) for our main characters: Jean 'semi-retires', and the star couple makes a most welcome discovery. The prime story arcs of the series are completed. Jean & Lionel are married and living comfortably & lovingly with one another, ready to sail into the rest of their life together. Now all that really remains is to see if Judith & Alistair will ever decide to make a go of it, and if Sandy will ever find the right man. Perhaps a certain policeman, first seen in episode 6 of this series, can be of some assistance in that regard?

Series 7, 8 and 9 await... ... Read more

Description

The magic, the excitement, the wonder of the true Peter Pan comes to life for the first time in this spellbinding fantasy that critics proclaim "a fun and fantastic tale!" (Daily Herald).Brimming with spectacular special effects and non-stop action, this all-new adventure is sure to be a family favorite for years to come!"One of the finest films of the year!" (Daily Gazette) ... Read more

Reviews (247)

flawless adaptation of this children's classic
I have a child. I have seen EVERY version of Peter Pan made -- many many times. Imagine my *delight* at seeing yet another version (sarcasm here) when the film came out in theaters. I have to admit, however, that I was immediately and continuously impressed by this superb adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic children's tale, and bought the dvd as soon as it came out.

The cast is absolutely perfect. Jeremy Sumpter in the title role is wonderful, bringing a mischievous energy and boyishness to the part that has been amazingly and consistently missing (having been played by Mary Martin and Robin Williams). I'll also single out Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy and Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling for their great performances, but the entire cast is terrific.

The script is spectacular, exploring the subtext of the Pan story in a simple but profound way that puts film critics' shameless psycho-jargon to shame. It is the kernel of truth wrapped round a rousing adventure story -- replete with cruel pirates, brave Indians, sinister mermaids and loyal parents. Captain Hook's cruelty is evident, but takes place mostly off-screen and is never gory. This is a thinking (little) person's Peter Pan, certainly, drawing as it does on previously unexplored themes of the complexity of growing up, the consequences of our choices, and the acceptance of our children as they grow up, but it's also a gorgeous realization of Barrie's (and Wendy's) fantastical imagination.

DVD extras are quite entertaining and include: an alternate ending, deleted scenes, Jason Isaacs' video diary, "The Legacy of Pan" with Sarah Ferguson, and a number of micro-minifeaturettes on flying, sets, etc. Too bad it lacks a commentary track but otherwise lots of fun.

For Pan fans, highest possible recommendation;
for all others, see above.

An endearing tale of everlasting childhood
I just got done watching the movie adaptation for Disney's "Peter Pan" and enjoyed it immensely. I've never been a fan of the animated version but I absolutely loved this recreation of the classic story about the adventures of Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, the intriguing storyteller and mother to the lost boys, Wendy, his pirate nemesis, Captain Hook, who seeks revenge from losing his right hand, which was fed to a crocodile that has since then continued to follow him with a ticking clock inside, wanting to taste more, and of course the magic that is Neverland. However, this new edition doesn't just focus on the greatness of staying young forever (or until you die) but it also shows the sadness of it too, giving this film more substance and meaning. It's definitely geared toward adult audiences who take pleasure in enchanting fantasies, like me, but it's certainly suitable and fun for the whole family.

Although this is based on the popular animation they are similar in plot yet details are slightly altered, giving this several interesting twists so that your uncertain as to what is going to happen next. The beginning even takes place before Nana (the dog nurse) captured Peter Pan's shadow, which I found to be very clever as I always wondered how that happened... Tinkerbell was dazzling as the jealous faery, the sets, or rather special effects were all magnificent, and the entire cast was superbly chosen. This is, in my opinion, one of the better films to come out of 2003 so come be a kid again and enter a world that shall bring that to the surface... That is until you wish to return home.

The Best Movie I've Ever Seen
I loved this movie! I watched it 9 times in five days. I cannot get enough of Jeremy Sumpter. The effects are amazing. I think you would have to be crazy to dislike this movie. It is by far better than Hook. I hated that movie. I was watching it and fell asleep. But P.J. Hogan's version of this classic story kept me wide awake.

An Excellent Adaptation!
I loved this movie! It really stayed with the storyline in J.M. Barrie's novel, but with a few wonderful extras. It was like the play comes to the bigscreen. I loved how the mermaids were portrayed, very creative. Jeremy Sumpter does excellent in his portrayal of Peter Pan, and his costume was very realistic. The soundtrack added to the magic and playfulness of the film. To see Peter and the Darling children fly the way they did was awesome and breathtaking. I can't stop watching this movie. I always felt that the story of Peter Pan was a love story between Peter and Wendy, and this movie reveals that with gentleness and wimsy. A wonderful movie all the way around.

Best movie I've seen in a REALLY long time!
Peter Pan is a really awesome movie! I'm right at that age where I think about guys a lot, so one big factor is that Jeremy Sumpter is really cute! But, I also really love the movie overall. It looks so real that sometimes I go off into huge dreams about visiting Neverland! The movie shows everything just as vivid and bright as I imagined!!! Great work, guys! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Palmer and Oscar-winner Dame Judi Denchare the "dream team" in this beloved British TV series about former loversreunited after 38 years. The third season's the charm as Lionel and Jean takethe next step in their rekindled romance by moving in together. Theirs is, one character notes, "a great love story," one which a publisher friend thinks that--with "a few minor alterations"--might make "a stunning miniseries" for American television. In several memorable episodes, Lionel and Jean's long-delayed dream holiday to Paris becomes a comic nightmare when they babysit a spatting honeymoon couple. Lionel displays his "softer side" when he gives his blessing to his indefatigable 85-year-old father's marriage. Meanwhile, Jean opens a second branch of her secretarial agency. But at the heart of this season is Lionel and Jean's new living arrangement. They are, it is observed, "like ham and eggs," except that they've never lived in the same pan before. It isn't going to be easy, but as Lionel notes, "When did anyone ever claim that love was easy?"

As Time Goes By is all the more precious considering that mature coupleslike Lionel and Jean are irrelevant on American television. "We are relevant," adefiant Jean insists. Better still, they are true. There are moments in thisvery human comedy that will have you, in the words of one ham-handed American television executive, "by the throat," as when Lionel, penning the miniseries,tells Jean what he felt when he first saw her all those years ago: "I saw youand I stopped breathing." --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The World Will Always Welcome Lovers
"As Time Goes By" is the gentle, funny story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two people who used to be in love in the early fifties. When Lionel went off to fight in the Korean War, the two lost touch. They meet again 38 years later, quite by accident, and what is at first an awkward re-kindling slowly morphs into a warm romance.

Season 3 of the series finds things progressing nicely. After a sometimes bumpy ride toward real love, Jean & Lionel begin to take their relationship in a much more definitive direction. Alot happens this season, and it is one of the best of the series.

Episode 1 has Lionel & Jean vacationing in Paris. It is a tender and funny episode, and finds the two having to babysit some squabbling newlyweds.

Episode 2 is a classic: the wedding of Lionel's father Rocky to the charming and unique Madge. Lionel also proposes that he and Jean live together.

Episode 3 is a favorite of mine, as it shows a realistic problem that couples who want to live together face: do I give up my place, or do you give up yours? Oh, and Lionel gets carted off to the police station!

Episode 4 features a visit from Jean's sister-in-law Penny (from Jean's previous marriage), and her long-suffering husband Stephen. Those two are always a treat.

Episode 5 finally has the BIG MOVE. It has one of my favorite parts of the series in it, where Judi Dench does a superb job portraying Jean's emotions, as plans Lionel has made for them end up hurting her feelings.

Episode 6 finds Jean wanting to expand her secretarial agency.

Episode 7 is a pivotal one, for it is the first time that Alistair (Lionel's publisher) mentions that an American network is interested in producing a mini-series out of Jean & Lionel's young romance, and their eventual reuniting. This plot line will carry-through until its resolvement in season 5.

Episode 8 takes place in Los Angeles. Lionel and Jean go there to discuss the mini-series with some rather stereotypical Hollywood types, and Lionel ends up almost losing the deal due to his attitude. I actually really liked this episode. It was a change of pace.

Episode 9: the manager of the secretarial agency's new branch is classy, industrious, sharp as a tack, and attractive: so of course Jean dislikes her from the get-go. A good revelatory episode for some of Jean's insecurities.

And, finally, episode 10 ends the season pretty quietly, as Lionel gets a new secretary to help him write the script for the mini-series, and he expresses misgivings about the whole venture (though the money for it is incentive enough for him to keep going).

"As Time Goes By" is a comfortable show. It takes time to tell its story, and the jokes are nice and smile-inducing, rather than guffaw-laden like some shows are prone to be (not that that is always a bad thing, either). Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench help prove that there is love after 50, as if anyone over 50 needed proof of that, anyway. Curl up next to the one you love and watch this splendid show on crisp & clear DVD, and enjoy. ... Read more

Description

"As Time Goes By" stars Judi Dench & Geoffrey Palmer.Long ago Lionel, a dashing young British Army officer met Jean, a lovely student nurse and fell deeply in love.When Lionel was shipped off to fight in the Korean war the two lost touch.In the first episode of Series One they meet again and slowly begin to rekindle their romance. The wonderful series that ensues is simply a pleasure to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

You'll never get tired of watching this series!
One of the best TV series of all time. Well written, wonderful cast and great direction. The humor is universal. No snappy one-liners or sophmoric slapstick. Just a show that humorously and realistically deals with a heart-warming love story. The entire series is uniformaly excellent. Most other shows have an occasional episode in the series that's not up to par, but not hthis one. Start watching it from Series One and I guarantee you will be hooked!

Wonderful!
Why can't American T.V. be like this? I ask myself this question alot. A lovely and funny story about people. No in-your-face sexuality or violence or stupid 12-year old boy humor.
A show for adults that's intelligent and just wonderful. And the stars of the show aren't 24, they are in their fifties, and they actually look like real people in their fifties (well, Judy Dench does her best, but it's hard to turn a silk purse into a sow's ear, not that fifty year old people should be equated with a sow's ear, just an expression!)
It's just a show about life with the quirky turns, ups and downs that occur. It makes you want to pack your bags and move across the water, or at least find a neighborhood pub for a pint of beer.

Delightful
This is the most enjoyable, refreshing and delightful series I've had the pleasure of watching in a long time.

Stunning DVD
As for content, read the other reviews, stunning cast, believably done, acolades all around. The production values are what caught my attention. If only all DVDs from TV were this GREAT. I've watched the series at least 4 times on my local [tv] station. I will be watching it many more times now that the DVD has been released. I've seen details in the DVD that simply blended into the background before (you can even see the pattern of the wall paper in the room that Jean wants to make into a study for Lionel). The set decorators deserve kudos for their work in making the set so believable. After you've enjoyed the story look again at the settings. Thank you for a magnificent story in a magnificent setting, with magnificent production values. ... Go out and buy this one!!!

A Serene Series Seen Like Never Before
"As Time Goes By" stars Judi Dench & Geoffrey Palmer as Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, who were once lovers in the early 1950s. Lionel went to fight in the Korean war, and the two lost touch. In the very first episode of the series, they meet again and slowly begin to rekindle their romance. The wonderful series that ensues is a pleasure to watch.

This DVD contains all 10 episodes of the 4th season of "As Time Goes By". This is quite an important, funny, and emotional season in the show's history. And, oh, how wonderful it looks on DVD!

Within the 4th season occurs the 25th wedding anniversary of Penny & Stephen (in-laws of Jean), a new "boy"friend for Jean's daughter Judith, Jean's secretary Sandy moving-in to the household, the completion of Lionel's script for a mini-series based on his & Jean's young love affair, and, most importantly, the wedding of Jean & Lionel.

And as for how it looks on DVD: WOW. Now, I have watched British television shows on DVD before, but never has one looked so stunning. The colors are brilliant, the lines are crisp, the picture comes alive. There is one scene in particular, in the episode where Jean & Lionel are on their honeymoon in the hills of Scotland. It looks STUNNING. I'm sorry to gush, but I was just *very* taken aback. By all means, if you are able to, I would recommend getting the 4th season on DVD.

Well, there you have it. If you want a nice, gentle, warm, romantic and funny series with sincere characters and an interesting, hilarious plotline, then by all means start watching "As Time Goes By" today. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Kevin Kline took home an Oscar for his performance as a self-absorbed lothario who prepares for lovemaking by drinking in his own "manly" musk, but it would be hard to single him out as the best thing about the film. The fact is, the entire cast of this hilarious comedy is perfect: John Cleese as the conservative barrister defending a member of sexy Jamie Lee Curtis's gang, Ms. Curtis as the conniving crook out to grab the haul for herself, and Michael Palin as the stuttering, animal-loving hit man whose attempts to murder a little old lady only decrease the size of her poodle pack. Cleese cowrote the zingy script with British comedy veteran Charles Crichton (The Lavender Hill Mob), whose smooth direction balances Monty Python farce, hysterically tasteless gags, and an unexpectedly romantic subplot with style and confidence. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (81)

An Classic Comedy.
When a British Man by the name of George Thomason (Tom Georgeson) came up with the Perfect Crime with his Friend (Micheal Palin), George's Girlfriend-Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her another lover passing as her Brother-Otto (Kevin Kline) to steal a Fortune in Jewels. When his girlfriend and her lover-Otto double cross-George, who came up for the Idea. But when George is being sent to Prison and Keeping a secret, when he hide the Jewels. Then Wanda is trying to seduced George's Lawyer-Archie Leech (John Clesse) to find out, if he knows about the Jewels but Archie ended up falling in love with Wanda.

Directed by Charles Chichton (The Lavender Hill Mob) made a Clever, Outragerous comedy that become a Contemporary Classic. Written by Clesse and Director:Chichton came up with a sure winner, that never seems to run out of energy from the talented cast. Kevin Kline steals the film with his flamboyant Comic Performance that win him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. This was a Box Office Hit in the Summer of 1988. This film might offend some people. This is one of the most funniest movie, ever made. Clesse and Palin re-team together again from thier glory comedy days from the Monty Python's group. Clesse, Curtis, Kline, Palin, Maria Aitken & Cynthia Clesse re-team together again in the Uneven but Funny-Firece Creatures:(1997). Grade:A.

British humor for the American palate
Charles Chrichton's hiatus from the big screen had been interspersed with The Avengers after his direction of The Lavender Hill Mob. John Cleese in fact sought out Chrichton in hopes of a collaboration for A Fish Called Wanda. Starting out with only a rudimentary idea of the story, and Chrichton's request that he wanted "...to see someone steamrolled", the final result was a film that somehow struck a humorous chord all over the world. The film just somehow "worked", and it's been a cherished classic ever sense.

Kevin Kline as the violent, idiotic, and egotistic Otto indirectly steals the film, but it is John Cleese who is the genius behind the scenes. Utilizing the dry absurd whit perfected in Monty Python with co-star Michael Palin, the duo alongside sultry Jamie Lee Curtis evoke a dysfunctional yet harmonistic world of laughs, slaptstick, and that oh so familiar English congeniality that "bloody well works" in comedy.

For those longing for the complicit, balanced, and tight-fitting humor of the older English comedies, such as Alec Guinness in Our Man In Havana, and Alec again in Lavender Hill Mob, A Fish Called Wanda is a must-see. If only Hollywood knew what it was missing too.

Quite simply the best comedy film in decades.
This movie is, in a word, hilarious. I defy anyone to watch it and not have tears streaming down their face from laughter. It's one of those classic, uproariously insane comedies in the Monty Python style, just plain crazy funny. I am an animal lover but even the part where the poodles that get annihilated was hilarious and Michael Palin's reactions to that are beyond funny. This is one movie that is guaranteed to make you scream with laughter. I have seen it about a dozen times and it still makes me laugh till I cry.

Not Monty Python, but funny
I LOVE Monty Python AND John Cleese teaches part-time here at Cornell, so when he gave a talk and mentioned the plot of AFCW, I thought I'd check it out. It was great seeing a couple of the Python troup in a non-Python role. Be warned, although the movie is very funny (7.8 out of 10) it's not at all the same type of humour as Python.

My absolute favorite part, which doesn't give anything about the movie away, is near the end when John Cleese imitates an American accent. Usually we see comedians here making fun of British, French, and other foreign accents, so it was fun to see someone try to imitate us here in the States.

I'd say this is a MUST RENT no matter what and a MUST BUY for anyone who likes British humour and/or wants to see Cleese do something different.

Stands the test of time
I still remember the first time I saw that crazy heist caper called A Fish Called Wanda. My high school drama class went to see a sneak preview double feature of Wanda and Monkey Shines (which I will only go as far as to say that it was pretty awful) and I was floored.

I knew about Monty Python and has all the episodes that my PBS affiliate would broadcast, but was relatively unfamiliar with any work the troupe's members had done outside of the series (I don't even think I had seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail yet), except for a late-night cable run-in with Michael Palin's The Missionary, a mild sex comedy about a missionary and a home for fallen women.

I had no idea what to expect. Palin had always been my favorite Python (and still is), so I was very curious to see what he would do outside the Python realm. I got more than I bargained for.

Written by John Cleese from a story by Cleese and director Charles Crichton (various Ealing comedies including The Lavender Hill Mob), A Fish Called Wanda is a comedy about four crooks (Jamie Lee Curtis: Wanda, Kevin Kline: Otto, Tom Georgeson: George, and Michael Palin: Ken) who are all trying to double-cross each other by linking with other members of the group. Wanda in particular has the cards stacked in her favor, as she is--in one way or another--attempting to seduce all three men.

The humor comes from several directions. As the old lady is the only one who can ID any of them, George asks Ken to eliminate her. Unfortunately, he keeps killing her pet dogs instead--one at a time. As an animal lover, this leaves Ken in no end of distress. Very black humor, indeed. Meanwhile, Otto is trying to get information from Ken by pretending to be gay. Ken isn't either, but Otto doesn't seem to care. He continues to come on to him. (Kline won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar that year for his performance as Otto.)

Surprisingly, A Fish Called Wanda has stood up well over time. It is still one of the films that I continue to return to for dependable belly laughs. The promotional short for the film was one of the funniest things I saw that year and Wanda deserves a full DVD treatment. Until then, though, I guess I'll have to make do. ... Read more

Description

For the first time in ages, Jean (Judi Dench) and Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer) have the house to themselves, which spurs them to look back at nine years of love and laughter. Flashbacks of meetings, partings, comedy and romance are all beautifully woven into a poignant tapestry of memories. Join Jean and Lionel as they remember the best of As Time Goes Byin this exclusive special. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

As Time goes By -You Must Remember This
We avidly have viewed the first six seasons as they have been released on DVD - I was disappointed with this offering only because it covers series not yet released on DVD/VHS and eliminated any element of surprise regarding the forthcomng romances of Judy and Sandy. We started to view this DVD but decided to wait until they release the final three seasons to "Remember this"

Three great bonus episodes
I rented this first from Netflix to see if I wanted to buy it. I was delighted with it. It was fun to have them reminiscing with clips from the various seasons. The three bonus episodes are excellent choices to have included. I'm buying this for my father who has enjoyed all the episodes for years on PBS. I know he'll love this as one of his first DVDs.

Excellent
When I got this, I immediately put in in the DVD player and started watching. As Time Goes By is quite possibly one of the greatest television shows of all time. I was extremely happy with this DVD, and I don't understand why other reviewers didn't like it. I thought it was worth the money.

Dissappointing
I am an avid fan of "As Time Goes By" and i was dissapointed when i got the "You Must Remember This" VHS. I felted betrayed that it included scenes from episodes that are hard to find available to purchase. So the story wasn't really complete for me. I agree with one of the other reviewers who said that the producer's time would have been better spent by doing more seasons. Another thing i have to admit was weird, was that there was no laugh track, it was just silence after the jokes, i'm just use to having it. i would like to get the episodes i missed, to complete the story, esp the love story between Alistair and Judy. Oh well.

Postview of previous attractions
Would that the producers would have spent their time and energy on season SIX, SEVEN, and EIGHT of this truly great Britcom series than to waste their time producing this overview of past glories. AS TIME GOES BY is by my way of thinking the BEST of all the Britcoms that have come across the pond. GIVE US THE REMAINING SEASONS rather that this "Best of . . ." abbreviation. It may be a good introduction for those who have not seen the series on TV but your money is better spent on buying one of the seasons already available on DVD or catching whatever you local PBS station may be using as a filler in its broadcasting schedule. Go for the full blown series, you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A delicious combination of live-action, animation, and special effects tells the fantastical adventures of Alice as she returns to Wonderland, in this imaginative adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story of the same name. Kate Beckinsale plays Alice, a young girl who steps through a magical mirror and is transported from the real world into an enchanted one of talking insects, nonsensical questions, and reversals of logic. Her journey is marked by mostly incomprehensible encounters with quirky characters such as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Red Queen and White Queen, and Humpty Dumpty. Beckinsale's Alice is a believable blend of curiosity, poise, and impertinence whose presence in nearly every scene carries the film. Other strong performances include Desmond Barritt, as Humpty, who recites a chilling rendition of "Beware the Jabberwocky," and Ian Holm (The Lord of the Rings), as White Knight, with a soliloquy as colorful as his hair. If, as Carroll states at the end of his tale, "all life is but a dream," this wacky version is one to remember. (Ages 10 and older) --Lynn Gibson ... Read more

Amazon.com

It may be odd for Americans to imagine Dame Judi Dench, award-winningpowerhouse British thespian, in a TV sitcom, but she and Geoffrey Palmer star inthe wonderful As Time Goes By. As Jean and Lionel, they're a couple whoseromance during the Korean War went awry due to a lost letter--then, 38 yearslater, they meet by accident and pick up where they left off. In Series 5, theyare now a comfortable couple (though prone to spar and bicker), living withJean's daughter Judith and her friend Sandy. The stories revolve around a housein the country, the long-delayed airing of a miniseries that Lionel wrote, andgrappling with their troublesome in-laws--but the plots are secondary to thefantastically well-written and acted interplay between the richly drawncharacters. Even if you haven't seen any earlier episodes, you'll quickly bedrawn into their world. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Love the series
I really enjoy the program, which I have watched from Series 1 through 6. The programs build on one another, but you can watch the individual episodes without seeing the previous ones. That being said, the characters do grow on you if you've watched them progress. You will have watched Jean and Lionel grow from an awkward couple reuniting after moree than 30 years to a married couple with an extended family. Alistair goes from a shallow, materialist with no character development to one who learns to care for others. Judy and Sandy could use some more depth. All-in-all, a great series.

The gentlest of comedies
If you want to find out about middle-class life in England, forget Notting Hill, Bridget Jones, Four Weddings and WATCH THIS! Perhaps more appealing to the over thirty crowd, it's comedy is, nonetheless, definitely universal. This series was made for British crowds and not constucted around ideas of what Americans think Britain is like and so gives a more accurate impression of English life. We don't all live in London or that non-specific natural area always referred to as "the country." We don't all drive around in Mini Coopers and we are capable of producing narratives not based on "gritty Northern life" (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot) "hilarious upper-class rom-coms," or London based ganster films a la Lock, Stock... and Snatch. It's not dramatic or edgey, but it does have some skilled actors with well written and intelligent scripts. BUY IT, WATCH AND LOVE IT!

Keep going
As with all the previous series, Series 5 continues the tradition of smart, witty, and very human comedy. WHERE IS SERIES 6???

Immensely enjoyable
This series just like previous series 1-4 is extremely enjoyable.
I would reccomend this DVD to anyone who loves Brit-comedy.

A Great Series of ATGB for a very nice price
Here's the 5th series of a truely great romantic comedy. All alone it would certainly be confusing to watch but if you have already bought the first 4 series on DVD or watched them on TV, then your in for a real treat.

The main thing I want to point out involves the actual format and not the program. The program itself is by far one of the best (and cleanest) Comedies to come out of the UK in the last 10 years. It's good for the whole family. With the DVD, I noticed no sound problems as noted in another review here. However there were times that the picture seemed a bit grainy. Maybe it's my 6 year old RCA TV, or one of my A/V cables is going bad, but I noticed from time to time that the image didn't appear as crisp as other DVD's or even watching Satellite. It's nothing that really detracts from the series. As, like I said, it's a great show... but as far as DVD quality goes I felt that others might want to know. The extra's are good, but like the past DVD's... really there isn't anything to write home about. It's nice the Tribute at the BAFTA awards... but it's pretty short. The Bio's are as boring as they were on the past disks. I'm not sure if they've been updated at all... but maybe they have. I didn't look that closely. The previews for other shows were ok... but the one for BBC America was perplexing due to the fact that it's been years since they've shown ATGB to my knowledge... and I got a satellite to ensure I'd have BBC-A.

All that asside, this is a great puchase unless you haven't been following the series. In which case I'd recommend you go back and buy the Series 1 & 2 set first. This is a show that's best watched in order. If you've been following the show, there's no reason not to buy this. The DVD route is cheaper than buying it on VHS, the sound and video is better, and it won't take up hardly any shelf space. It would have been nice if this were Series 5 & 6 instead of just 5, but for the price and space it works out pretty much the same. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Funny, poignant, exhilarating: A test on your emotions
The Madness of King George is simply the best movie I have seen in many years. The first thing that attracted me to the movie was the costumes: they are impeccable. The set, costume, and makeup: there is no cause for complaints there and many, many reasons for praise. But the most remarkable thing about this movie is how well each actor fits his or her part, and the pace of this drama. First of all, the acting is wonderful, but this movie was also wonderfully casted. Nigel Hawthorne blew me away with his hilarious, deep and believable portrayal of George III. His madness was heartbreaking and painful for the audience and his sane George the Third was funny in such a way that you couldn't help but root for him. Rupert Everett was simply so detestable that by the end of the movie I couldn't watch any movie with him in it without feeling a little hostile. Helen Mirren is, as always, pitch perfect in her portrayal and absolutely beautiful as Queen Charlotte. The environment created by this wonderful ensemble cast makes the movie exciting and the kind of film that elicits a real emotional response. Who knew that you could feel suspense, pain, happiness and exhilaration from a costume drama about a dead king? As soon as you put this movie in your DVD player you will be hooked, entranced and entertained. If you are even a mild fan of historical dramas, give this movie a chance. It'll only take a few moments for you to love it.

Funny, educational, entertaining.
"The Madness of King George" is a fairly accurate portrayal of George III's battle with insanity and his son. George is sent to an institute where a Dr. Willis hopes to cure him by using discipline. As the mental state of King George seems unfit for a king, his son,the Prince of Wales, tries to pass a bill that will let him replace his father as king. But George prevails in the end and remains King of England. I thought this was an excellent movie. I have always found English history extremely fascinating, and I have always been interested in the rulers of England. I thought this movie did an excellent job of portraying the time and characters. Though there were a few anachronisms (an incorrect map of America; the year 1892 carved on a door even though the movie took place in the 1780's) I thought it was very accurate and very well-researched. And the costumes were very attractive and made the movie fun to watch. I also thought the actors did a wonderful job. Nigel Hawthorne did an excellent job, and he truly deserved his Oscar nomination. Hawthorne provided most of the comic relief in this movie, and he made King George quite an endearing character. Ian Holm did equally as well as Nigel Hawthorne. He has always been a master of facial expressions, and this added to his amusing portrayal of Dr. Willis. And though I'm not much of a fan of Rupert Everett, in fact, I quite dislike him, I must admit he was very good as the Prince of Wales, and he had the right attitude and personality in the movie to pull that role off. I did not care of Helen Mirren, and I feel that an Oscar nomination was wasted on her. Her "German" accent was not consistent, and her acting was good, but not great. I think this was a great movie. It was funny, educational, and most of all - entertaining. This is a movie that I could watch again, and still enjoy just as much as the first time.

Witty and Comical, Sad and Poignant
This marvelous film, THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, was adapted from the stage play, THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III and takes place in 1788. It centers around King George III (of course) and his battle with, what doctors thought at the time, was insanity. (Today, it is generally thought that George was suffering from porphyria, a physical, rather than an emotional, illness.)

As the film opens, George, who's been ruling for thirty years (and lost the American colonies, by the way), is beginning to show sings of definite irritability, belligerence and instability as well as gastric distress. Although his wife, Queen Charlotte, is concerned (she is the mother of his fifteen children, after all), the Prince of Wales looks upon his father's seeming insanity as a chance to finally emerge from limbo and take over as regent.

Although THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is often satirical and comic, it's also a sad film as almost everyone at court does everything they can to exploit poor George during his darkest hour.

George is a comic, but, at the same time, a very sad figure. He may seem to be leading everyone on a merry chase but in reality, he's miserable. He's losing control of both his body and his mind and the "cure," in this case, seems to be every bit as bad as is the disease.

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is a film that works on many levels. On one hand, it's an exploration of King George's descent into madness (whatever the cause) and on the other it's a witty and satirical study of court politics and intrigue. The tragedy of George's illness and the satire of court intrigue work wonderfully well together.

The acting in THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is flawless. Nigel Hawthorne as George, gives a superb and demanding performance that must cover a wide range of emotions from competent king to incorrigible patient. The fact that he's so very unlikable, yet still manages to evoke sympathy from the audience is a tribute to Hawthorne's powers. Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte is also wonderful and she portrays the deep love and devotion between George and Charlotte very convincingly. Ian Holm as the rigid Dr. Willis and Rupert Everett as the Prince of Wales are also excellent.

Sometimes pathos, and even tragedy, can best be portrayed with wit and comedy and this is the case in THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. Despite its dark subject matter, it's not a film that delves deeply into any of the many topics it explores. And, that's definitely not a criticism.

The period costumes and the locations shots add much to this film and are perfectly chosen. And, I don't think one can properly comment on THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE without commenting on its score. Rather than composing something entirely original for this film, period selections, such as Handel's "Water Music" have been used, adding to the film's authentic feel.

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is, in my opinion, a flawless film, but, although everyone in it (and behind it) shines, the film really belongs to Nigel Hawthorne. He's so good, his performance alone is worth the price of the DVD.

a Fantastic Bittersweet film!
This is a triumph of acting. Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren shine in this movie. While it has been criticised that Helen's German accent comes and goes, I think it was acceptable. Accents are just funny that way. And Mirren's acting makes up for it, especially in the "Do you think you are mad" scene after the Handel concert.
Ian Holm gives a superb performance as the determined little "mad doctor".
The costumes are stunning, the music (all Handel, George's favorite) gorgeous and brilliantly adapted, the story is bittersweet, at times painful, other times painfully funny! This movie is an underrated little gem.
Wish the DVD held more features such as behind the scenes or actors bios or something! It's seriously lacking in that department, but doesn't detract from a wonderful film!
Recommended for all Anglophiles.

The king is tortured by bumbling doctors¿ and its fun!!!
I saw this movie on a business trip in London when it first showed in the theaters and again recently on DVD. I enjoyed it very much both times and I recommend this DVD.

While I read a great deal of history, I don't read enough on this period to comment on the accuracy, but this book certainly FELT accurate. The costumes, scenery, bumbling doctors, scheming politicians and scrambling servants set a historical mood that's half the fun in this very enjoyable movie.

Of course, the screenplay is written for a modern audience, so we would, naturally, see irony in the bumbling doctors. Particularly ironic is one doctor's protestation that a doctor's work is of careful observation and should not be swayed by the color of the King's urine.

The scenes of Prime Minister Pitt in Parliament defending his king certainly reminded me of watching Tony Blair in action on CSPAN. I was also left with the impression that it's a lot more fun to be in British Parliament than in U.S. Congress.

One may expect to dislike the King, but in the end, one can't help but feel great sympathy for the man and not just because of the maltreatment he receives from his doctor's.

Overall, the movie was as enjoyable as I remembered it. Unfortunately, other than the trailer, the DVD did not give us any extras to enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (126)

An Extraordinary Experience
I found this movie to be BRILLIANT! Jodie Foster is outstanding in the role of Anna Leonowens - she is a beautiful mix of bravery, intelligence and Victorian elegance. Chow Yun-Fat is also outstanding in the role of King Mongkut - he emits a regal quality as well that of compassion and intelligence. The cinematography is out of this world and the directing exquisite. The dialogue is perfect, and it strikes just the right chord of polished writing. The musical score is breathtaking. The lush scenery and thick emotion is set to elegant, strong, and graceful music. It is forceful when it need be and then fades quietly into the background... at times supporting a scene with gentle rolling waves of ear pleasure. Oh and the costumes! They are completely amazing, and startling in their detail. From the majestic elephants to the smallest noble they are all cloaked in carefully chosen fabrics.

This movie in all its entirety affected me very deeply. The intense emotions of the characters are so expertly performed and directed that they feel incredibly real. These emotions, which course through "Anna and the King," create a moving, exciting, and anticipatory experience. I am very grateful to all of those involved in the making of "Anna and the King" for producing such a beautiful and extraordinary film. Anyone who is contemplating viewing this movie... do it. I only hope that you, too will have the pleasure of being able to fully indulge in this feast for the senses.

A true outstanding epic movie.....
This is a true outstanding epic movie. I'm really surprised why it wasn't hailed as greatly as it should have been. I personally hail it as one of the greatest movies of all time, a true classic in every sense. I've seen it totally ignorant of all the versions that preceded it and I've loved it with the very first few lines "She came unaware of all the suspicion that preceded her" " the first English woman I have seen". This story of two unconventional people in conventional times with all its historical facts and lush gorgeous background is capable of sweeping one's off his feet making him feel all that cultural and emotional struggle that Anna and the King seem to go through. Jodie Foster was lovely and extraordinary although I used to think that she is too modern-looking for such movies...I guess I was gravely mistaken. I think the movie's real surprise is Chow Yun-Fat who was truly amazing. He seems to be so much at home with all this kingly charm. He has such grace and overwhelming presence that would make him probably one of the most remembered kings on the screen. I can't help wondering if the original king was as charming as he was....and wouldn't be nice if all kings were like that? We would surly love them. And what of the palace? Do I dare and say more? I was totally amazed to know that they've built a replica of the original one...wow! I envy Jodie and Chow for being in such lofty surroundings. I think I would write a book if I were to describe everything I loved in this movie...but I must take my hat off to Andy Tennant for making such a masterpiece and for all the designers. Of course, I must not forget the movie's music and photography and the beautiful script that seems to linger in the mind forever for I would always remember that "when a woman has so much to say and doesn't say it. Her silence can be deafening.".

Simply a delightful story
After losing her husband in the jungle of India, Anna Leonowens embarks in a journey that will take her to Siam, where she will tutor the oldest son of King Mongkut. Her son, Louis, and two Hindu servants accompany her in this new endeavor. As soon as Anna sets foot in Bangkok, the difference between cultures surges as a predominant element that will remain present throughout the story. Even though the start is rocky, with Anna being called "Sir" for misogynist reasons and not being given the house she was promised but accommodation in the palace instead, the king discovers quickly the value of this woman that acts very different from what he is used to. That is why he decides that instead of tutoring his oldest son, she will be in charge of teaching all of his children...all 58 of them!

The movie evolves around three clear themes. First, the clash of cultures, which is enlightening and entertaining and as the movie evolves so does the acceptance and admiration each of the characters show for the positive points of the other's culture. Second, the relationship between Anna and the king, which starts as annoyance, moves to respect and continues developing from there. Third, the political atmosphere, which is characterized by attacks to Siamese people by Burmese armies, suspected to be supported by no other than the British Empire (the events unfold in 1862).

Although the movie is rather long, the events unfold at a pace that keeps the viewer interested at all times. The music fits the mood of the action perfectly well, and in the proper scenes it is so uplifting that it steals the attention of the viewer. Jodie Foster delivers a well-rounded role, but in my opinion the performance of Chow Yun-Fat is at a higher level. Finally, the scenery and the palaces where the movie develops are absolutely amazing.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable movie that will leave you thinking for a while about how every culture has its positive aspects and how, with a little patience, everyone can learn to appreciate this.

Had to watch for a school project...
I thought that this film was very beautiful in content...this film had some real substance to it, and the actors did an excellent job in the portrayal of the characters involved...lovely story.....

Absolutely classic
This is one of my favorite movies ever, it can be compared only to Gone With The Wind. It may be not historically accurate but nor was GWTW and it is still a classic. I love every part of it -- the portrayal of the two different cultures as equals, the love story, the beautiful scenery. I've seen it 4 times in the cinema even though I usually watch a movie twice, when it's in cinema and when it comes out in video.
I don't understand why this film wasn't a great success but I don't mind, at least we won't get three awful sequels and two TV shows based on it.

I also recommend the soundtrack, it is beautiful and suits the story well. ... Read more

Description

The magic, the excitement, the wonder of the true Peter Pan comes to life for the first time in this spellbinding fantasy that critics proclaim "a fun and fantastic tale!" (Daily Herald).Brimming with spectacular special effects and non-stop action, this all-new adventure is sure to be a family favorite for years to come!"One of the finest films of the year!" (Daily Gazette) ... Read more

Reviews (247)

flawless adaptation of this children's classic
I have a child. I have seen EVERY version of Peter Pan made -- many many times. Imagine my *delight* at seeing yet another version (sarcasm here) when the film came out in theaters. I have to admit, however, that I was immediately and continuously impressed by this superb adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic children's tale, and bought the dvd as soon as it came out.

The cast is absolutely perfect. Jeremy Sumpter in the title role is wonderful, bringing a mischievous energy and boyishness to the part that has been amazingly and consistently missing (having been played by Mary Martin and Robin Williams). I'll also single out Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy and Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling for their great performances, but the entire cast is terrific.

The script is spectacular, exploring the subtext of the Pan story in a simple but profound way that puts film critics' shameless psycho-jargon to shame. It is the kernel of truth wrapped round a rousing adventure story -- replete with cruel pirates, brave Indians, sinister mermaids and loyal parents. Captain Hook's cruelty is evident, but takes place mostly off-screen and is never gory. This is a thinking (little) person's Peter Pan, certainly, drawing as it does on previously unexplored themes of the complexity of growing up, the consequences of our choices, and the acceptance of our children as they grow up, but it's also a gorgeous realization of Barrie's (and Wendy's) fantastical imagination.

DVD extras are quite entertaining and include: an alternate ending, deleted scenes, Jason Isaacs' video diary, "The Legacy of Pan" with Sarah Ferguson, and a number of micro-minifeaturettes on flying, sets, etc. Too bad it lacks a commentary track but otherwise lots of fun.

For Pan fans, highest possible recommendation;
for all others, see above.

An endearing tale of everlasting childhood
I just got done watching the movie adaptation for Disney's "Peter Pan" and enjoyed it immensely. I've never been a fan of the animated version but I absolutely loved this recreation of the classic story about the adventures of Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, the intriguing storyteller and mother to the lost boys, Wendy, his pirate nemesis, Captain Hook, who seeks revenge from losing his right hand, which was fed to a crocodile that has since then continued to follow him with a ticking clock inside, wanting to taste more, and of course the magic that is Neverland. However, this new edition doesn't just focus on the greatness of staying young forever (or until you die) but it also shows the sadness of it too, giving this film more substance and meaning. It's definitely geared toward adult audiences who take pleasure in enchanting fantasies, like me, but it's certainly suitable and fun for the whole family.

Although this is based on the popular animation they are similar in plot yet details are slightly altered, giving this several interesting twists so that your uncertain as to what is going to happen next. The beginning even takes place before Nana (the dog nurse) captured Peter Pan's shadow, which I found to be very clever as I always wondered how that happened... Tinkerbell was dazzling as the jealous faery, the sets, or rather special effects were all magnificent, and the entire cast was superbly chosen. This is, in my opinion, one of the better films to come out of 2003 so come be a kid again and enter a world that shall bring that to the surface... That is until you wish to return home.

The Best Movie I've Ever Seen
I loved this movie! I watched it 9 times in five days. I cannot get enough of Jeremy Sumpter. The effects are amazing. I think you would have to be crazy to dislike this movie. It is by far better than Hook. I hated that movie. I was watching it and fell asleep. But P.J. Hogan's version of this classic story kept me wide awake.

An Excellent Adaptation!
I loved this movie! It really stayed with the storyline in J.M. Barrie's novel, but with a few wonderful extras. It was like the play comes to the bigscreen. I loved how the mermaids were portrayed, very creative. Jeremy Sumpter does excellent in his portrayal of Peter Pan, and his costume was very realistic. The soundtrack added to the magic and playfulness of the film. To see Peter and the Darling children fly the way they did was awesome and breathtaking. I can't stop watching this movie. I always felt that the story of Peter Pan was a love story between Peter and Wendy, and this movie reveals that with gentleness and wimsy. A wonderful movie all the way around.

Best movie I've seen in a REALLY long time!
Peter Pan is a really awesome movie! I'm right at that age where I think about guys a lot, so one big factor is that Jeremy Sumpter is really cute! But, I also really love the movie overall. It looks so real that sometimes I go off into huge dreams about visiting Neverland! The movie shows everything just as vivid and bright as I imagined!!! Great work, guys! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Peter Greenaway's 8-1/2 Women (1999), a woman's death propelsa bereavedwidower and his son into carnal questing, via a harem of idiosyncraticladies. Similarly, 1985's A Zed and Two Noughts follows the Deuce brothers,zoologists and former Siamese twins, who lose their wives in a bizarrecollision--a great swan crashes into a car driven down Swann's Way by oneAlba Bewick (translates as "white swan"). The brothers become obsessed with photographing and measuring decay ("by degrees of grief"), from Apple toZebra, and equally obsessed with voluptuous Alba, who, having lost one leg inthe wreck, later has the other removed... perhaps for the sake of symmetry.Greenaway's funny, gruesome, gorgeous "zoo" also features hooker Venus diMilo, arbiter of the monetary value of everything; an amputation-happysurgeon who'd like to make Alba fit into a Vermeer painting; a sinisterPhantom of the Zoo who offs black-and-white animals; and other assorted,often twinned, exotics.

Sacha Vierny, who shot Resnais's Last Year at Marienbad andBuñuel's Belle deJour, visualizes Zed in richly erotic detail, every frame a feast for theeyes. Evoking melancholy pavane or stately funeral march, Michael Nyman'smusic marks the inexorable progression of a fever dream celebrating the powerof artifice and nature. Trained as a painter, educated in linguistics andphilosophy, Greenaway deftly weaves an exquisite pattern of puns, colors,images, words, ideas, and music into a cinematic meditation on life, death, andsex. Weird to the max, mesmerizing, and some kind of masterpiece. --Kathleen Murphy ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Origins of Life, Vermeer, symmetry. ZOO.... and OOZe
Everytime I see A Zed and Two Noughts I catch a phrase that I missed the double meaning on the previous time I watched it. Perhaps the fascination of watching bodies decay clouds my perceptions. Perhaps the beauty of the photographic images by Sacha Vierny, The arresting music by Michael Nyman, or the insistent guiding hand of Director Peter Greenaway (who is creating his own cinematic alphabet here, later to be explored in his subsequent films, and drawing upon his wonderful short films and early opus The Falls) is too much for one viewing to contain! Or perhaps it is getting wrapped up in the same mystery that consumes the twin zoologists. Why death, and why a car accident involving a pregnant Swan on Swann's way, no less??!! Speaking of doubles, you have the twin brothers, their two dead wives, the two legless lovers, the doctor who is a descendant of the master forger (a great faker must be praised I guess!) Van Meegeren, himself a double (dubious) of the painter Vermeer,or the fact that there are Vermeers in the film, and they are doubled on camera in certain shots, and more and more...
Is this a waste of film? DEFINITELY NOT. You go into a film with the knowledge you have up to that point, and sometimes a film challenges you to rise to the occasion as opposed to talking down to an audience. This is not for people who think watching a movie means some quiet time and maybe a laugh or two. This is a film where you are constantly challenged to make observations and opinions based on what you are shown. There is a thesis here, and I am not sure whether it is an artistic thesis, a scientific thesis, a moral and ethical thesis, or all or none of the above, but what I do know is that this is one of the most challenging pieces of moving image I have ever seen (I have only seen about 1,600 films in my life, so I admit I have not seen that much), and it is easier to walk away from it then to stay and appreciate the rich complexities of knowledge this film draws from. The choice is yours but I highly recommend it for knowledge seekers.
The DVD is of great quality, and except for the lack of extras (I would have LOVED to have seen the trailer for this film), it is a worthy purchase.

A must see
The very first time I watched this film was not in a theatre but on a small black and white TV (at the time I was about 17 and still living with my parents, so what do you expect :-). It made a tremendous impression on me then and it's still my favorite film ever. The plot is rich and weird, the music addictive and the dialogues are both odd and witty. As you might expect of one of the early films by Greenaway, the alphabet plays a big part in this film. A film about the beginnings of life, birth, life itself, death and decay. Excellent usage of clips of natural history films with the distinctive voice of David Attenborough. There are many storylines in this film and there's a kind of character development you don't see to often in these modern times. Greenaway created an atmosphere I had never seen before in films and very few films are even coming close to it.

All in all, as you might have noticed, I'm a sucker for this film. I can recommend it to anyone. And hey, if you don't like the pictures, you can still play the DVD and not watch it, but enjoy the soundtrack.

Get the BFI Version
If you have a European or multi-region DVD player, get the BFI edition of this movie, which includes a director's commentary and introduction, trailers for this and The Draughtsman's Contract and extracts from a "making of" documentary.

The film itself? Brilliant, arch, beautifully photographed and probably Greenaway's most accessible work.

A dark celebration by the simetry
This film is an intelligent puzzle. You must be building the story , the clues are given ironically, tragicaly and above all subrepticiously.
Two twins married with two sisters , a swan , murder, guilty the same lover, the one and the couple are engaged, come together , and become unending laberynth of borgian proportions. A man dreams that another guy dreams. This story is just fascinatong
The archetipes are precisely defined. Oparin makes his own web.
The feelings involved around a common tragedy, just having the zoo as a huge frame where the life begins and ends, without any pain, with natural precision. The speling music of Nyman, Sacha Vierny and his amazing photography, the dark poetry supports the dialogues, the desperation seems even not forced but she assumes slowly its place in the play.
Greenaway is a brilliant director with a unpleasant life's view. What it realy is amazing is the total absence of feelings in every one of the depicted characters. ou won't see a teardrop, even in the worst of one situation.
The homagge to Vermeer makes the film still more interesting, arrestong and provocative, in a style who reminds us to Luis Buñuel but without the religious ethics underlayed of the spanish director.
Certainly the multiple readings that Zoo and two noughts offer us walk around the biology, the huge affection of Greenaway by the insects, worms and all that little universe who survives under our indiferent behavior.
This trilogy of films together with the bely of an architect and drowning by numbers, allows us to traduce the universe of this excentric and irreverent film maker.
Don't miss this film.

Pointless
Like many of Peter Greenaway's movies, this one suffers from several problems. The most critical of these is that his opening scenes never emotionally tie you to any of the characters, resulting in you watching 2 hours of film without really caring. Secondly, his filming technique is basically more appropriate for a play - all the scenes look like they were specifically made as movie sets rather than as natural surroundings, and his direction of the lighting makes it obvious that everything is artificially lit. Thirdly, his subject matter. always bizarre, just isn't interesting. Why can't he pick the bizarre and the interesting? If you like film noir, then this isn't it. Having sat through 113 minutes of this, all I was left with was how pointless and a waste of film this was. ... Read more