Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Amazon.com essential video

Arguably the greatest of American films, Orson Welless 1941 masterpiece, made when he was only 26, still unfurls like a dream and carries the viewer along the mysterious currents of time and memory to reach a mature (if ambiguous) conclusion: people are the sum of their contradictions, and cant be known easily. Welles plays newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. The result is that every well-meaning or tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event. Written by Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz, and photographed by Gregg Toland, the film is the sum of Welless awesome ambitions as an artist in Hollywood. He pushes the limits of then-available technology to create a true magic show, a visual and aural feast that almost seems to be rising up from a viewers subconsciousness. As Kane, Welles even ushers in the influence of Bertolt Brecht on film acting. This is truly a one-of-a-kind work, and in many ways is still the most modern of modern films from the 20th century. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

About an influential and ruthless publishing tycoon shines in a magnificient 60th-anniversary digital transfer with revitalized digital audio. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/04/2003 Run time: 119 minutes Rating: Pg
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :DVD
Brand :Warner Brothers
Label :Turner Home Ent
Manufacturer :Turner Home Ent
MPN :TRNDT6565D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Turner Home Ent
Publisher :Turner Home Ent
UPC :053939656527
EAN :9780780635203
Price :$26.98USD
Lowest Price :$8.99USD
Customer ReviewsThe Great American Tragedy
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This film isnt for everyone.

Citizen Kane is an anomaly in the history of film. Orson Welles came to Hollywood, a fervent, raging 24 year old theater and radio prodigy with no film background whatever. He created in one film a tragedy meant to be larger in scope and power than any Shakespeare play, a film that would draw on the human need to piece together someone from stories and recollections (a non linear narrative- no film had ever been made in this way before), a film that would use every cinematic device available to tell its story. No studio ever gave a new director (or any director) this much power, and never had any new director seized on a such a complete vision for how to make a film in such a new way. The script by Herman Mankiewicz used the life of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst as its main body, and this ignited a terrible battle of wills between Welles and Hearst. The included documentary the battle over Citizen Kane is crucial in understanding these 2 men. Because the ultimate irony here is that the message of the lone businessman who runs off everyone in his search for love is really not Hearsts story at all, but Welles. Welles lost all his clout, sank into obscurity, became an industry joke, and died. He became the bitter recluse, his onscreen creation. Thats the real tragedy, here.

Citizen Kane what can I say?
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Citizen Kane is truly a masterpiece. The first time I watched it, I didnt really liked it. By the second time, it was awesome. I give the movie 5 stars and the DVD 5 stars.

Literally the most overrated film in history.
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :1
Im probably going to be hated for this but here it goes. I really dont see what all the hype is about over CITIZEN KANE. Pros: yes, it is a classic. Yes, it is controversial. And yes, it is revolutionary. I know that the film represents mans struggle through life and that it demonstrates achieving the American Dream in order to conquer that struggle. It does also demonstrate that man is corrupt and full of greed but can still rise to the top. Cons: it is completely shallow and empty. The characters including the title character show little or no human quality or are even worth caring about. In fact, I cant even remember any of the characters besides Kane (only because he was in almost every scene). None of the others are worth caring for. I felt no connection with any of them. I think the reason people these days are preferring Shawshank Redemption as the best movie ever is because we love the characters so much. We are able to relate to them in some way at least. Thats not the case here. Plus, the whole "Rosebud" at the end (while slightly intelligent) seemed anticlimactic. I asked myself after finishing, "It was a sled? The whole movie was about a sled?" I know its supposed to represent the time of when he was young where he didnt have to worry about life but still I found that to be a pretty weak metaphor. I dont know if this film will last very long in the 21st century where times have changed so much. Thats another problem with this film: its dated. Its not able to stand the test of time. To me, the greatest movie ever has to be able to stand the test of time. This one doesnt. I think thats all I can think of right now. In short, CITIZEN KANE is a classic thats past its prime.

A must see for the cinema buff, but worthwhile for everyone.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This films impact on media is so far reaching that it is a must see on that basis alone. It sets the bar and gives inspiration for writing, cinematography, composition, and editing for the creatively inclined. If youve got more than a passing interest in movies, you should see this film.

Underated...ha ha ha!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Seriously, this is a gripping tale about a man who had everything in the world. Except any companions. Those who keep giving it one star are looking for attention. If you havent seen it, do so. Stop what youre doing and see it. It deserves all the acclaim it gets.

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