Enchanted April
Starring: Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson, Alfred Molina, Neville Phillips, Jim BroadbentDirector: Mike Newell
Studio: MIRAMAX
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Running Time: 95 minutes
DVD Release: May 5th 2009
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DVD Review
Two proper Englishwomen, determined to get away from their drab lives and inattentive husbands, find paradise among the serene countryside of the Italian Rivera in this enchanting adventure staring Josie Lawrence and Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).
When the pair rents a magnificent villa for a month, they share expenses with two unlikely companions an austere widow and a bored socialite. At first, personalities clash, but the hideaway holds a special magic that soon sparks friendships and reminds the women of ways to live and love that have long eluded them. Stellar performances and breathtaking scenery make the Academy Award-nominated Enchanted April (1992: Best Supporting Actress, Joan Plowright; Best Costume Design; Best Adapted Screenplay) a captivating delight for everyone who's ever dreamed of taking the perfect holiday.
User Reviews
Movie Purchase - Rating: 5/5
Great service, the movie was new, I got it before expected. Very satisfied with the service.
My favorite escape movie. - Rating: 4/5
I have watched this movie at least 10 times before receiving the DVD. I watched the DVD twice in one day because I wanted to watch the commentary version. What I love about the movie is how it makes me feel like the sun is warm on my skin and I am feeling the sea weed run through my fingers. I tell people it is a "sensual" film.
This is such a beautiful movie that I was hoping the DVD would have been remastered or whatever it takes to make the pictures clear and bright. Unfortunately, it is just as grainy and drab as the VHS. The commentary did explain (I guess) that they had a very small budget and that it was filmed on 16mm for the BBC television. Then, it was changed to 35mm for limited theatre release. This is the reason I have given it 4 out of 5 stars.
Enchanting Beauty - Rating: 5/5
I will skip reviewing the plot, since many have already done so. Instead, I will write about how I feel about this amazing film. I remember years ago, when I was in my early 20's working in a video store, a man came in to return the video saying it was the worst film he had ever seen. My jaw dropped, because I was totally entranced by this same film, which I had gone to the movies to see three times when it was out the year before.
Now, at 41, I am still awed by its beauty. Since its release, I have always looked to 'Enchanted April' to take me away. And it always does. The acting is superb (or course, look at the cast!) and the cinematography is gorgeous (OK, so what if they used fake wisteria). To quote from the movie: "This place makes me feel flooded with love." Just replace the word 'place' with 'film' and there you have it.
Made primarily for BBC TV, I am still amazed this film was transferred into enhanced Widescreen. In doing so, we seem to lose a bit of image. A perfect example is when Polly Walker's character bumps into Rose's husband, who just arrived and is climbing the stairs to the castle. In the regular version, we see Polly wearing the typical 1920's strapped shoes. This scene remains on my mind because I remember thinking at the time how tightly (uncomfortably so) strapped around her ankles they were. These are not seen in the widescreen version as they are cut off from the screen. Regardless, this film is flawless and its beauty is sure to remain with you for a long time. So much so that when I go visit my family in Italy later this month, i am driving down to Portofino and will visit Castello Brown, where the film was shot.
Enchanted April is wonderful - Rating: 5/5
I have loved Enchantede April for years, and am thrilled to have it on DVD
Love it! - Rating: 5/5
I'm so glad this finally made it to DVD! It took a minute to get into the story line, but now I've watched it several times and love it more each time! It's one of those cozy movies you love to watch when winter keeps dragging on and you need a warm vacation.
