Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)For my birthday I received the new DVD of Victor Fleming's 1948 Technicolor production of "Joan of Arc" starring the ever radiant Ingrid Bergman. Image produced the DVD and the UCLA film archive spent years restoring the film and putting in all the footage trimmed from its original 146 minute release. Many of us saw a shortened and doctored print of this film on television growing up. I did not know than that the film had not only been cut down, but additional footage, including the maps showing Joan's journey had actually been added along the way. This edited version was released on VHS by Sterling Video and on Laserdisc by VidAmerica. Both editions have been unavailable for some time. I managed to rent the Laserdisc after reading another review that said it featured the "shorter version". It corresponded to what I remembered watching on TV so it dawned on me that I had never seen the entire film. I assumed the rest was probably lost and I never would, but thanks to the painstaking efforts of the UCLA film archive with help from the Motion Picture Academy, private collecters and even (according to the insert) a film museum in the Netherlands, we have the complete film magnificently restored. Ingrid Bergman turns in a wonderful perfomance along with Jose Ferrer, Cecil Kellaway and host of other well known faces from that time. George Zucco even has a small part as captain of a border guard and for once does not play a heavy. Ingrid Bergman caught some flak at the time for playing against type herself as her own personal life came under scrutiny. Despite this she was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. The film won three Oscars including a special award to producer Walter Wanger, Cinematography and Costume Design. It was also nominated for Supporting Actor-Jose Ferrer, Art Direction, Film Editing and Score. Thanks to Image entertainment for bringing yet another classic gem to DVD! Make some popcorn and enjoy the show. Thanks!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Joan of Arc (1948)
Academy Award-winner Ingrid Bergman (Casablanca) is spellbinding as the 15th century French peasant girl who rouses a nation and inspires the world with her faith and bravery. Fiercely believing that she is directed by God, Joan triumphantly leads an army into battle against the British, who are driven from France. When a new king (Jose Ferrer in a extraordinary film debut) is crowned, Joan's influence grows and makes him wary of her power, ultimately betraying her to martyrdom. This powerful, visually stunning epic of one of history's most fascinating heroines features spectacular action and unforgettable drama! Completely restored, original full-length version with footage not seen in the U.S.,from Victor Fleming, Director of Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Winner of three Academy Awards®: Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Honorary Award to producer Walter Wanger with Five additional Academy Award®: nominations: Best Actress (Ingrid Bergman), Best Supporting Actor (Jose Ferrer), Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Score.
0 comments:
Post a Comment