Immortal Beloved

Immortal Beloved

Amazon.com

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 composers death that makes up the crux of the story. Jeroen Krabb (The Fugitive), playing Beethovens lifelong friend, attempts to discover who Beethovens muse really was, becoming as driven as his friend in discovering the unlikely identity of the composers "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 Beethovens life and loves set to his "Ode to Joy." As an exciting and passionate journey, Immortal Beloved is its own masterpiece. --Robert Lane

Product Description

Gary oldman is beethoven in this untold story of a man of genius a woman of passion and the mystery of a lifetime. Special features: dual-layer widescreen version subtitles: english spanish director bernard roses commentary original featurette talent files and theatrical trailer. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 03/06/2007 Starring: Gary Oldman Run time: 120 minutes Rating: R
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Brand :Sony
Label :Sony Pictures
Manufacturer :Sony Pictures
MPN :COLD74769D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Sony Pictures
Publisher :Sony Pictures
UPC :043396747692
EAN :9780767821421
Price :$14.94USD
Lowest Price :$7.51USD
Customer ReviewsMagnificent
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
This movie has achieved the daunting task of being good enough for its music. I dont collect many movies because, even if I enjoyed them, I dont want to sit through them again after I know the endings. This is an exception. The acting and filmography are so great (not to mention the music) that I enjoy watching it over and over, even though I know the surprise ending. So well done.

Immortal Beloved, on Blu-ray is pure perfection!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
This is a magnificent film of great performances and inspired storytelling. Im sure it plays fast and loose with historical fact, but anyone who can appreciate Beethovens genius can surely find a fondness for this story. Gary Oldman portrays Beethoven with an aloof complexity he leaves the viewer spellbound with a hunger for more about Beethovens life. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with outstanding performances from Valeria Golino, Isabella Rossellini and Jeoren Krabbe. I can find no fault with Immortal Beloved as it tells an engrossing story through masterful performances and an amazing attention to period detail. Of course, the music of Beethoven is also profoundly moving, especially within the context of the film. This is a beautifully shot film with loads of natural grain and a fine attention to the most minute of period details.And speaking of detail, closely watch the many delicate fabrics that are used in the films costuming. Beethovens funeral is a notable scene where all of the women in attendance are wearing veils. The amount of detail in these veils is among the most startling fine film detail Ive yet seen conveyed in a home video presentation. Immortal Beloved, on Blu-ray is pure perfection! TrueHD soundtrack is outstanding and succeeds in every aspect. Sure, there is one scene where cannon-fire is nicely directional, but the remainder of the film is more ambient with a focus on performed music taking up the appropriate space in your home theater. Most of this music relies on the front speakers, but rear fill adds a nice acoustic touch in reproducing the atmosphere from whatever room in which we are watching the music performed.
Ive been a huge fan of the film for years and am thrilled to be able to experience it in my home in such outstanding quality.It would be a crime if I didnt give this film my highest recommendation.

Movie making at its best.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
If you have no appreciation for Beethoven or his music watching this film will undoubtedly change that. Directed with real verve and finely acted by the likes of Gary Oldman, I loved watching this film. I own this movie and drag it out every once in a while. Great recordings of his music by the current masters infuse some scenes with intense emotion: the emotions Beethoven himself must have felt. This is one of the finest period films I have seen, and can only recommend it highly.

Beautiful color, wonderful story.
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
The blu-ray transfer on "Immortal Beloved" is excellent. Everything is distinctly clear, and the colors are vivid. The acting is very good. Story is touching with a great ending. Keeps you guessing. Recommended.

Fiery Passion and Genius
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Though this is a work of fiction, it does in fact reveal the genius of Beethoven himself, through passions and rages of scorching intensity. Director Bernard Rose in the commentary compares the films construction to that of "Citizen Kane," in that it begins with a mystery that begs to be solved if the man is to be understood. In this case, its a final will bequeathing everything to his "Immortal Beloved," along with an undelivered billet-doux to the unknown woman. In the course of trying to fulfill the maestros last wishes, the executor of Beethovens estate explores the composers past. Through flashbacks, Beethovens dizzying genius and private pain are revealed. Its true, that there is some license here, but its respectful of the facts, and tries to stay within the lines while exploring the possibilities. First, there really was such a final will discovered among his papers. Also, the custody battle over his nephew is well documented, and transcripts were consulted for some word-for-word re-creation, as Rose discloses in his commentary. The film takes license in that Rose purports to have solved the mystery, and he makes such a strong case, Im partially convinced he has.

But all of that is merely a means of exploring Beethoven. A thorough knowledge of his music would probably heighten the appreciation of some references to it. For instance, thought I cant claim to know that much, I do know that the 5th Symphony is about fate knocking at ones door. The very first image of the film is of Beethovens hoary head on a white pillow, surrounded by night. Lightning strobes in sync with the sudden obtrusion of the 5th. He succumbs. It was an artful touch, and there might be others similar to it that I didnt catch. But it adverted to me from the outset that this would be a meticulously crafted film.

For the performances by the actors, Im not sure Im being hyperbolic in saying that Gary Oldman is as stellar an actor as Beethoven was a composer. He was downright explosive at times, disdainful others, but somehow always sympathetic. His performance was nothing short of magnificent. In one of the two documentaries included on the disc, Oldman admits that he turned the role down a couple of times, until his agent convinced him it would be the right thing. Thank heaven! He was a fierce presence every time he was on the screen, as youd imagine Beethoven himself must have been when he walked into a room.

If you already own the SD DVD, as I did, and you still love this film, I suggest you go ahead and upgrade to the Blu-ray. There is so much filigree in the location shots and the costumes, it definitely benefited throughout from the hi-def transfer, and made seeing it even more pleasurable. The artistry of the film is given a more rightful emphasis.

As for the special features, theres been nothing added from the previous SD edition. But in this case, the beauty of the film itself makes it worth the upgrade.

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