The Count of Monte Cristo [WS] [DVD] [2002]

In adapting Alexandre Dumas' 1462 page novel for the silver screen, an IMMENSE amount of cutting the extra material not pertinent to the main story (Edmond & his revenge against those who betrayed him) had to be done. I personally applaud the screenwriting of Jay Wolpert (who wrote a script for "Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl" which was ultimately rejected), the superb direction of Kevin Reynolds (who directed the smash hit "Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves") and an all-star cast, including Jim Caviezel (before his powerful performance in "The Passion Of The Christ"), Guy Pearce ("Memento") and the late Richard Harris ("Camelot") in one of his final film roles. Cutting it down to just a little over two hours and maintaining the spirit of the original novel, albeit with a lot of liberties that die-hard purists will not enjoy, that is quite an accomplishment. The movie itself is a tour-de-force. It shouldn't have been rated PG-13 (the brief situation in the movie is handled discreetly and the violence is mild & non-graphic). As for language, come on. It's a period piece. All in all, awesome film. The special features are very interesting: a featurette on Dumas himself, an inside look at the process involved in bringing this classic novel to the screen, deleted scenes with director commentary and more. Highly recommended with Disney's version of "The Three Musketeers."

This is a rock n roll classic movie for all ages.I have played this movie over 10 times in my media room to multiple audiences of 10+ people and ages and everyone raves about it. I borrowed my original to my X Girlfriend and naturally never got it back..so I treated myself to the Blue Ray version.. AWESOME..The actors and acting are superb..and jim caviezel (JC in the pasion) takes the film to the limit..You will find Revenge to be very sweet even when you have been burned by all your friends!! This remains in my Top 5 of all DVDs..and I have nearly 5000 of them!! What are you waiting for..rent it or Buy it NOW!! :-) Enjoy!

I liked this particular piece,as I do almost all period films I like to watch them,because they tell a good story,whether it be either true or fiction,and I like period films mostly because,of the costumes,,,,period films like this or so different then contemporary films set in the present,we also get to see alot of history in them...albeit though this is only fiction....I love the fact that after all he has been through,he comes out on top and finding the treasure he finds...which helps him to get back at all of the people who have wronged him...and well that is what I call real justice and satisfaction...

I originally got this movie on DVD, back before I had a Blu-ray player. But I played it so many times that the disc got scratched and half of the movie was lost. I recently decided to replace it, and figured since I have Blu-ray players in the house now, why not get it on Blu-ray? I'm glad I did because the picture is so much better, as is the case nearly every time when you upgrade from DVD To Blu-ray.

The real stength of Dumas' novel was in it's themes of moral right and wrong. In this movie Dantes doesn't start off quite innocent enough. When he becomes the Count he isn't nearly sinister enough. As a result the movie starts off well with the encounter at the Island of Elba, but when Monte Cristo shows up in a hot air balloon you realise quickly that the film has lost it's direction. It's too bad that the Richard Chamberlain version isn't available on DVD. This certainly isn't the classic tale.

This review is not of the movie, which I love and why I want it on bluray, the review is of the actual bluray disc. I bought the movie and exchanged it twice all for the same problems: on my Sony bluray player after the Touchtone splash screen it would shut down the player. On my PS3 it played fine but only has 2.1 PCM 48Hz audio, no Dolby 5.1 HD. My player and PS3 have recent updates. Hopefully you will get a good disc to enjoy the movie to its fullest.

A classic from way back. So well put together. Nothing disappoints about this movie. Everyone, to include supporting cast of those in the backgrounds, were awesome. Even the villains were so good it made you want to not like the actor portraying them. The surprises and anticipations will keep your attention as well as make this a movie you will watch over and over. Should almost be 'required viewing'.

This movie was my intro to the story and boy was I impressed. everything about this film worked for me. The actors, the costumes and I enjoy period films. The plot of vengeance in the name of love is a favorite of mine. If you have any doubts about purchasing this disc, let me dispelled them now. The only thing missing from this film is the popcorn and soda. :)