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List Price: $14.94 | | Label: Sony Pictures
Salesrank: 1739
Released: October 5, 1999 |
| Our Price: $7.98 |
| Used Price: $5.45 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
This sumptuous and moving 1994 film written and directed by Bernard Rose (Candyman) investigates the artistic and romantic passions of one of the greatest composers of all time. Featuring a superb performance by Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy) as Ludwig van Beethoven, Immortal Beloved is full of uncommonly vivid, rich imagery as it charts the tumultuous life of the deaf child prodigy and his rise to the height of musical achievement. Along the way, he attempts to play mentor to his nephew, attend to his many passionate romances--the most stable one was with a countess (Isabella Rossellini)--and fight bouts of depression and madness that ruled his life and his art. The film is framed around a "Rosebud"-type letter found after the composer's death that makes up the crux of the story. Jeroen Krabbé (The Fugitive), playing Beethoven's lifelong friend, attempts to discover who Beethoven's muse really was, becoming as driven as his friend in discovering the unlikely identity of the composer's "immortal beloved." Through this we gain an insight into the nature of obsession, romance, and the heights and sacrifices of artistic achievement. The film exhibits some extraordinary sound design, and the finale features a magical encapsulation of Beethoven's life and loves set to his "Ode to Joy." As an exciting and passionate journey, Immortal Beloved is its own masterpiece. --Robert Lane
Immortal Beloved Reviews:
Beautiful and tragic 
2008-08-19 - Wonderful recounting of Beethoven's life, though not exactly true to history; but after doing some research, I could see that in order to not distract the viewer with a lot of details, it was necessary to combine truisms and take a few liberties in order to make a point. For instance, the fact that it was never discovered who his Immortal Beloved ever was in reality; that it could have been a number of women, and the "letter" was actually a series of three letters written over several days would have been confusing and taken away from the drama and intensity at hand. Obviously, someone had to be chosen as his Immortal Beloved and someone was. It is still worth seeing and will bring the most avid classical musical lover to tears. If you want a good cry, hear beautiful music, and watch great acting, you must see this movie.
Not so great 
2008-07-23 - While watching this, I couldn't help feeling that the director was TRYING to make a masterpiece, rather than actually produce one. The acting is good, but not extraordinary. As far as the actual shots and music editing, I felt as though I was watching a made-for-TV movie. Many times throughout the movie, Beethoven's glorious music was just playing in the background, with no connection to the story. Absolutely poor music editing! Come on now, Beethoven deserves nothing less than brilliance...
Great "demo disc" for showing friends 1080p at it's best.
2008-07-19 - This blu-ray disc is a must have for any fan of classical music. I was pleasantly surprised at how extremely good the hi-def picture looks and the music is amazing in surround sound. Highly recommend.
Amazing movie and awesome quality 
2008-07-18 - The level of detail in the Blu Ray version is amazing. The sound and picture is so clear and crisp. Many have raved about this movie, and it is a spectacular movie. Do yourself a favor and watch it in hi-def, you will enjoy this great movie even more.
amazing
2008-05-25 - I first bought this movie for my late father who loved Beethoven music. When I knew it was available on bluray I didn't hesitate and bought it. The image is beyond words. the music.... also
