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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 4227
Released: September 4, 2001 |
| Our Price: $9.99 |
| Used Price: $3.02 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story.
And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity...
The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland
Description of The Princess Bride (Special Edition):
Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story. And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity... The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland
Beyond The Princess Bride on DVD
Watch Once on DVD | 
Check out an old favorite, Willow on DVD | 
See the new classic Under the Same Moon on DVD |
Stills from The Princess Bride (Click for larger image) The Princess Bride (Special Edition) Reviews:
As you wish 
2008-10-04 - You got a evil prince who wants war with a neighboring kingdom. A pirate chasing after his true love. A giant, and a swordsman built on revenge with the classic fantasy story of good vs evil. You will find this fantasy movie to be in the vein of Willow, Legend, Labyrinth, the 10th kingdom, The never ending story.
Its a pretty good movie but from a guys point of view there was too much "true love" nagging on your emotions and not enough action/fight sequences. But then again since this was filmed in the 80s I guess newer viewers might be jaded by all of Hollywood's special effects.
The Princess Bride - More than just a fairy tale
2008-10-03 - This classic movie brings viewers of all ages back to a time when movie making and storytelling were one in the same. No special effects were needed, just good acting and a great story line.
I highly recommend this movie!
Fun movie, fun book
2008-10-02 - This movie was my first introduction to the story of The Princess Bride and for years I loved watching it. This movie is seriously a hit for all ages. It keeps young children interested and gives the adults jokes to laugh at. The comedy with sarcastic undertones, the simplicity of good vs bad, the impossible feats accomplished and of course, the awesome performances from the actors were all players in what makes this movie fun to watch. There is a prince and a princess, bandits, fighting, magic, and love. All under two hours. And yet for all the times I've watched this film, I never knew about the book by William Goldstein. Folks,this is one good read. The humor is more prominent than what you pick up on from the movie and it gives you background info on characters like Fezzik and Indigo. While it is much more encompassing than the movie, the movie stays true to the book which is another reason to like it. I would recommend both movie and book to those looking for a fun plot to follow.
True classic
2008-09-27 - What is it about this movie that makes it so wonderful? I have been captivated by the story since I was small and still love it to this day. Here is a rampant fairy tale that seems perfectly aware of its situation and is not afraid to blast out the cliches and dry wit just to prove it's not taking itself seriously (which it never would). But the nature of the movie is that despite its tongue-in-cheek silliness is that it still maintains true heart.
A classic
2008-09-13 - A great story, excellent acting. The shorts with actors as they are today, 20 years on, are very good.
