 | | |
| The Umbrellas of Cherbourg | 
 enlarge | Actors: Jose Bartel, Michel Benoist, Georges Blaness, Dorothee Blank, Pierre Caden
Studio: KOCH LORBER FILMS
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.98
Buy New: $11.36
You Save: $13.62 (55%)
Buy New/Used from $10.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  (113 reviews)
Sales Rank: 15259
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dvd-video, Original Recording Remastered, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: French (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 92 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: KCHDKLF3014D
ISBN: 141720026X
UPC: 741952301493
EAN: 9781417200269
ASIN: B0001BMLUA
Release Date: April 6, 2004
Theatrical Release Date: December 16, 1964
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Koch International Release Date: 04/06/2004 Run time: 92 minutes
Amazon.com
Jacques Demy's haunting romantic musical is an enchanting, one-of-a-kind musical experience. It's basically a movie operetta, in which the characters sing all the dialogue (or, rather, lyrics--by director Demy) to Michel Legrand's lovely score. The story spans five years (1957-1962) in the life of Genevieve (the ethereally beautiful Catherine Deneuve in the role that launched her to international stardom), the teenage daughter of a woman who owns a Cherbourg umbrella shop. After Genevieve's boyfriend Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) is drafted and sent off to Algeria, she discovers she's pregnant ... and complications ensue. With its dazzling candy-colored palette, Umbrellas of Cherbourg looks sweet and dreamy. Restored and rereleased in 1995 to rapturous acclaim and the renewed delight of all who got the chance to see it. The video release is taken from the restored version. --Jim Emerson
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 108 more reviews...
 If it takes forever I'll wait for you... December 6, 2008
A visual and auditory masterpiece...a work of art. At least as important the film is INTELLIGENT. This is a genuinely beautiful film but, for all its beauty, it is at the same time realistic and perhaps even cynical. It is, in fact, a deconstruction of the classic romantic fable.
The 16 y.o. Genevieve, who is about to be separated from her boyfriend, the garage mechanic, Guy, because of the Algerian War, sings a haunting tune that includes the lyrics... 'If it takes forever I will wait for you...' Forever? Well, maybe not. Genevieve, confronted with an unexpected pregnancy and a Guy who seldom writes, soon turns to the thoroughly likeable and generous and well-to-do Roland Cassard, who loves Genevieve and wants to marry her despite the fact that she is pregnant. Encouraged by her mother Genevieve turns to him and, together, they plan for the arrival of 'their child'.
Guy, injured by a grenade shell fragment, returns to find that his girlfriend and child now belong to another. No, I won't attempt to tell the whole story. See it yourself and you won't be disappointed.
For all the beautiful characters, perhaps the most wonderful and genuinely decent person is Madeleine who is in the background for most of the film. Despite Catherine Deneuve's [Genevieve's] vulnerability and delicate beauty, Madeleine...for me, at least...was the real star.
Ron Braithwaite, author of novels--'Skull Rack' and 'Hummingbird God'--on the Conquest of Mexico
 Never received the package November 3, 2008
Same as the other two titles the package never got to me, most likely it was shipped all together in one box.
How can I get a refound?
 musical drama October 31, 2008
Few directors have dared to shoot a drama in which every single line is sung by the actors. The result is somewhat surprising at first but is hardly noticeable after 10-20 minutes. The storyline was probably very dary in the 60's (teen pregnancy), but has aged a little bit since. It is nevertheless a charming movie with a young and beautiful catherine deneuve.
 Vivid Colors and Endless Music September 12, 2008
Genevieve (Catherine Denevue) and her mother (Anne Vernon) live above their shop called The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Genevieve is in love with Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), a young auto mechanic with dark hair and a dazzling smile. The two date secretly and plan their future together; finally Genevieve's mother finds out about her boyfriend. She is unimpressed and warns her of the dangers of young love. Fortunately for her, Guy recieves his draft notice and will be away for two years. After a tearful goodbye, Guy reluctantly leaves with the promise of Genevieve's hand when he returns. As the weeks go by, Genevieve becomes pale and weak. Her stomach begins to expand, revealing Guy's child growing inside. Her mother insists that Genevieve marry the jewelry merchant from America (Marc Michel) that has taken a liking to the young blonde, but Genevieve is reluctant to give up her romance for stability. As times goes by, though, and the separation gets harder, the temptation of wealth gets stronger.
Umbrellas of Cherbourg is completely sung; there is no spoken dialogue like in a traditional musical. It might take some getting used to, but it is worth sitting through. Visually, this is a stunning film. All of the sets are bright and cheerful and are well coordinated to the seasons and moods. In spite of the colorful sets and costumes, this movie is quite depressing. Do not expect that everything will be wrapped up neatly in the end with an extravagant musical number to finish it all off. It is haunting and memorable, a lovely film.
Classic Favorite September 2, 2008
I don't usually like this type of movie, it is sung all the way through, but the music is so haunting, that you will remember it long after the memories of the actual story is gone.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| | |