PIC of the Week – The Princess Bride
Article series by Ray Schillaci
There’s much to choose from this week. There’s loads of dumb fun with The Meg vs. Jason Statham which is as laughable as Sharknado and Snakes on a Plane only with a bigger budget. Sony Pictures provides a wonderful high adventure about a young boy and a wolf during the ice age in Alpha. And, for Grateful Dead fans there’s the documentary Long Strange Trip: The Untold Story of the Grateful Dead. But, having mentioned those I would be remiss if I did not place the Criterion Blu of The Princess Bride at the very top of my list.
Not many films can claim that they have transcended generations. So many grandparents, parents, and kids love this movie, and rightfully so. Taken from a book by famed writer William Goldman, it was Goldman, Norman Lear and Carl Reiner that proved to have the foresight to do the fairy tale with an adult edge justice. The project had a rocky history with many studios and big names such as Francois Truffaut, Norman Jewison, and Robert Redford, having attempted to launch it as a film and never being successful.
Those not familiar with this wondrous tale will find loads of fun with this story of a kindly grandfather reading his sick grandson a story of The Princess Bride, and having the tale of true love unfold before us replete with outlaws, a pirate, a giant, a dastardly king, a six fingered villain, monsters, and a host of strange, funny, and memorable characters. The film is peppered with sharp humor, high drama, and the best fencing scenes ever seen on the silver screen.
I had a warm nostalgic feeling come over me when I watched this Criterion Blu. The picture is sharper and more beautiful than it’s ever been before. The countryside is breathtaking with all the layers of green along with the forest scenes that contain gorgeous fall colors. But, to me the biggest difference is in the skin tones. Damn, if Buttercup/Robin Wright doesn’t look near luminescent, and Cary Elwes as Westley appears more handsome than ever. Criterion has gone all out with an original 4K remaster that has kept the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio at 1.85:1 with a dynamic 1080p picture.
Sound is a sensational English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 that captures and surrounds us with all the adventure. The choreograph of the sound of the sword fights is most impressive. Dialogue is crisp and easy to hear while action scenes are most pleasurable but not overwhelming. And, this is one of those rare films that has been quoted numerous times…inconceivable!
Now, why should this be a purchase? First off, it’s The Princess Bride on Blu! That should be enough. But, Criterion has gone the extra mile and has treated us to a digibook that looks like a fairy tale. Gorgeous packaging. Then, there are the extras. My God, this is what I’ve been talking about. Criterion does not skimp. Here are all the other reasons, the bonuses, why this is one to own…
¥ Audio commentary from 1996 with director Rob Reiner, screenwriter William Goldman, producer Andrew Scheinman, and actors Billy Crystal and Peter Falk.
¥ Edited 1987 audiobook reading of Goldman’s novel by Reiner.
¥ True Love – A 2012-produced featurette featuring Rob Reiner, Cary Elwes, and Robin Wright. They discuss the film’s success and their time filming.
¥ Pure Enchantment – Professor Loren-Paul Caplin discusses the qualities of William Goldman’s novel and screenplay for the film.
¥ The Tapestry – Feature examines the tapestries Goldman commissioned from artist Carol Burland for the film.
¥ Making of the Film
◦ 1. As You Wish
◦ 2. The Princess Bride: The Untold Story
◦ 3. Fairy-Tale Reality
◦ 4. Miraculous Makeup
◦ 5. Behind the Scenes – Production videos, featuring audio commentary recorded in 1996.
▪ On the High Seas – Commentary by producer Andrew Scheinman
▪ Fezzik, Vizzini, and Buttercup – Commentary by Billy Crystal
▪ Westley and Fezzik – Commentary by Scheinman
▪ Miracle Max’s Hut – Commentary by Crystal
▪ Buttercup, the King, and the Queen – Commentary by Rob Reiner
◦ 6. Cary Elwes Video Diary – Footage while on the set with commentary by Elwes and Robin Wright.
¥ The Art of Fencing – Hollywood sword-master Robert Goodwin relays everything regarding the big sword fight scene.
¥ Fairy Tales & Folklore – Scholar Jack Zipes talks about the themes and admiration for fairy tales, and that relation to The Princess Bride.
¥ Publicity Materials
¥ An essay by author Sloane Crosley and Goldman’s introduction to his Princess Bride script from his collection Four Screenplays.
With the packaging, the loads of supplements, and the magnificent film itself, this is truly perfect gift for the holidays. And, that’s why I’m going to suggest shop early, because you will not find it less expensive than Barnes & Noble’s 1/2 price off Criterion sale only through November. Call ahead, because they have been selling out of Criterion titles.
Best Price – $19.99 – Barnes & Noble
