Hugh Jackman Movie:

		List Price: $34.99		Label: Warner Bros. Pictures Salesrank: 45138 Released: October 2, 2007
		Our Price: $25.95
		MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Media: HD DVD

Editorial Review:
Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Past, present, future. Through time and space, one man embarks on a bold 1000-year odyssey to defeat humankind's most indomitable foe: Death. Hugh Jackman plays that man, devoted to one woman (Rachel Weisz) and determined to protect her from forces that threaten her existence. His quest leads him to a Tree of Life...and to an adventure into eternity. Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream) directs, continuing his string of imaginative, involving filmmaking with a tale alive with ideas and filled with astonishing vistas. "Not many films can blow your mind and break your heart at the same time, but this one will" (Drew McWeeny, Ain't It Cool News).

Description of The Fountain [HD DVD]:
Science fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), who labored for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky's real-life companion) play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveler seeking a gateway to the afterlife)-–who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death-–the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s-–but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for The Fountain has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for Requiem) delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. --Paul Gaita

The Fountain [HD DVD] Reviews:
Give it a chance
2008-11-16 - It's a real shame that this movie has been so negatively received by many people. Honestly, I think you have to give it a chance and open up your mind to see the masterpiece that it is. While watching it the first time, I thought it was absolutely horrendous, but after it finally ended, it was like all the pieces came together and there was something brilliant within. I've watched it a few more times after that and each time I notice these various ideas (sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant) that really evoke deep poignancy and thoughtful reflection.

It's a profound spiritual journey that addresses the basic human condition and the biggest question(s) of life that we all face. And no, I don't think its mission is to discredit Christianity nor to uphold it. The answer it gives is ambiguous (like a good answer to any unanswerable question), and it is presented in a beautiful, mystical way that really deepens ones sense of life and spirituality (at least in my experience).

If you come to this movie with the same attitude as any other movie (like Star Wars, or some typical romantic drama, or any other "typical" movie) you will certainly be disappointed. I think that is why many people don't like it; they have the wrong expectations. If you come to this movie expecting a deep spiritual experience and you wish to have your mind and spirit opened to a greater sense of profundity, intrigue, and mystique - I think you will be pleased.

If you don't get anything out of it, and reading the analyses of others doesn't help, then I suppose this movie was not intended for someone of your mindset.

Give it a chance and I hope you will see "The Fountain" is a spiritual masterpiece.

Mind-Blowing
2008-11-16 - This movie absolutely blew my mind. I wasn't even nearly prepared for it. I never thought of death like this... I pretty much cried for about two hours continuously after watching it. I can understand that many people may not like this movie because they don't understand it. Just be patient, have an open-mind, and think about life as a whole.

Watch this movie
2008-11-10 - Watch this movie only to see how horrible it is. I'm sorry but I thought movies were for entertainment. The only brain power that I should be using is for studying and for school. I do not think that a movie should give you a headache. Anyone that tries to be so deep is full of it.

The Fountain - Blu-ray Info
2008-10-26 - Version: U.S.A / Warner / Region A, B, C
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
VC-1 BD-25 / Advanced Profile 3
Running time: 1:36:34
Movie size: 15,35 GB
Disc size: 21,95 GB
Average video bit rate: 18.75 Mbps
Number of chapters: 23
Subtitles: English / English SDH / French / Spanish

No Lossless (HD) audio

Dolby Digital Audio English 640 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 640kbps
Dolby Digital Audio French 640 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 640kbps

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Version: U.K / Region B
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
MPEG-2 BD-50
Running time: 1:36:55
Movie size: 28,63 GB
Disc size: 44,04 GB
Average video bit rate: 33.31 Mbps
Number of chapters: 20
Subtitles: English SDH / Danish / Dutch / Finnish / French / Norwegian / Swedish

DTS-HD Master Audio English 4036 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 4036kbps (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 1536kbps)

#Deleted scene: Life On Ship (4:28 min)

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#Featurettes - Inside The Fountain: Death and Rebirth (63:39 min)
--Australia (7:38)
--The 21st Century (10:19)
--Spain - 16th Century (13:27)
--New Spain (9:57)
--The Endless Field (7:08)
--The Future (15:10)
#The Interview (Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz) - (13:09 min)
#Theatrical trailer
#High Definition Bonus features:
--Peter Parks Bonus - Macro Photography Loop (4:46 min)
--Behind The Story
--VFX Step By Step (8:43 min)
--Inside The Director's Mind - Scene To Storyboard Comparison (15:32 min)

Good movie, poor SKU
2008-10-22 - The Fountain is a good movie, and worth re-watching. It is a sort of fantasy/allegory that focuses a lot more on style than character development, but I still found the plot to be coherent and the movie compelling enough to care about what was going on. You need to be in a contemplative, patient mood to watch this movie: it is not exactly action-packed, and the themes and characterization are subtle.

My principle complaint is that this edition is a major disappointment. Underwhelming visuals, essentially devoid of special features, nothing packed in the box except the disc. When I buy a Blu-ray movie I am expecting the definitive edition for the price I am being charged. That means carefully mastered visuals, well-done commentary tracks, deleted scenes. I am really expecting more than what may as well be a recording of the movie off HBO.