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Summary: an enchanted and wise world captured on film
Review: I came to this film late in life. I was hesitant to view it because it had to be pieced together from various film footage found here and there, some in excellent condition, some not so good, some segments completely missing and filled in with still photos. Boy was I wrong. Within fifteen minutes the film had me glued to the television screen. Some helter-skelter drama pulls you into what's going on, though you really have no idea what's going on. Finally after a long and arduous airplane journey, you land in the adult version of Oz. A place where the Greek ideals of beauty, wisdom and goodness have long ago rooted and flourished into a way of life. Every character is perfectly cast. Ronald Coleman and Jane Wyatt (I didn't know what a beautiful and talented actress she was) are the ideal couple. Sam Jaffe makes a non-believer believe. The subtle humor and collective entanglements offer a glimpse into our silver reflections within. And most surprisingly, the still photos not only do not detract from the flow and quality of the film, they enhance the dialogue (you could almost believe this was intentional on the director's part, instead of a way to compensate for lost film footage). After the film has concluded, you'll want to watch the film again, re-live the whole experience, only this time you want to board the plane and land in Shangra-La yourself.
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Summary: Dr. Li, 256 inspired James Hilton's Lost Horizon
Review: Understanding the real life centenarian Dr. Li Ching-Yun, 1677-1933 creates an additional dimension of appreciation for James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon' and director Frank Copra's movie creation. Dr. Li revealed his secret of living to 250 was based on Asian and Mediterranean botanical recipe's. His patients traveled far and wide seeking his special herbal recipe's famous for curing disease, reversing aging, growing younger while extending quality life with strong libido. Dr. Li outlived 23 consecutive wives and upon expiration at 256 was married to his 60 year old bride.Director Frank Copra brought James Hilton's novel of Lost Horizon to life on the big screen revealing the charming village in the uncharted Himalayas. Ronald Colman, idealistic hero survives a plane crash during a Tibetan snowstorm with survivors rescued by mysterious Shangri-La residents later discovered to be thriving centenarians. Jane Wyatt plays a sensuous role opposite Colman, with H.B. Warner as the lovable Chang and High Lama played by Sam Jaffe. Director Copra protrays the perfect stressfree lifestyle of healthy centenarians living carefree in a hidden peaceful Himalayan valley free of war, disease, modern stress appealing to rescued survivors who struggle with an invitation to remain in Shangri-La accelerating into a haunting conclusion.
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Summary: Dr. Li, 256 inspired James Hilton Lost Horizon
Review: James Hiltons' Lost Horizon was inspired by Dr. Li Ching-Yun,1677-1933, according to New York Times Obituary, May 6, 1933...Director Frank Copra brought James Hilton's novel of LostHorizon to life on the big screen revealing the charming villagehidden in the uncharted Himalayas. Ronald Colman, idealistic herosurvives a plane crash during a Tibetan snowstorm with survivorsrescued by mysterious Shangri-La residents, members of the hiddenvillage later discovered to be thriving centenarians. Jane Wyattplays a sensuous role opposite Colman, with H.B. Warner as the lovableChang and High Lama played by Sam Jaffe.Director Copra protrays theperfect stressfree lifestyle of healthy centenarians living carefreein a hidden peaceful Himalayan valley free of war, disease, modernstress appealing to rescued survivors who struggle with an invitationto remain in Shangri-La.
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Summary: As close as you can get to Capra's original cut...
Review: I am in possession of the restored version released on VHS a few years back. Comparing it to this DVD, all I can say is "WOW"!There are really not enough superlatives to describe what a great job has been done to restore this film. This DVD is loaded with gems--story of the restoration, scenes previously deleted, production notes, an alternative ending, and the theatrical trailer. The film is also well indexed, which makes it easy to find a favorite scene. It's still a timeless story, with a wonderful cast, and brilliant direction by Capra. It holds up well, even after all these years. Don't miss this one!
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Summary: Flawed Masterpiece
Review: This film is not quite fully restored but its a close as one could get to Capra,s original vision. There are a few lulls in the story which in fact help to make it all surreal.Coleman, Wyatt, Warner and Jaffe have been mentioned. Other cast members of interest are John Howard as Conway,s brother, Edward E. Horton, Thomas Mitchell Isabel Jewel and of course the woman who ages rather quickly " Margo" Ronald Coleman,s voice is still one the most unique ever. Timeless.
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Summary: The lost horizont
Review: Em 1973, eu assisti este filme varias vezes eu ainda tenho este sonho a concretizar e de ver este novamente eu tenho o disco de 1973, as musicas me traz a lembranca de cada instante. Este foi um filme que me marcou minha vida. Eu vivo todos os momentos de minha vida esta alegria que este filme me proporsionou. E um verdadeiro sonho, e uma grande licao de vida. Eu ainda tenho este sonho e ver novamente. THE LOST HORIZONT, 1973. The best!
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Summary: An extraordinary movie, incredibly restored
Review: I have even greater regard for Frank Capra now that I have seen this restored version of Lost Horizon. The book was one of my favorites many years ago, and I remember the film only in its shortened and tired version on late night movies in the fifties and sixties. But the elegance and velvet voice of Ronald Coleman,the refreshing beauty of Jane Wyman, the crankiness of Edward Everett Horton, and the dignity of W.B. Warner as Chang - those came through even in the faded versions that were occasionally shown. Now the restored version is its full 132 minutes, and even the portions of the sound track for which film was not found (about seven minutes total, supplemented with still photogrpahs) are fascinating to see. The settings are lush, and the cinematography excellent. The screenplay is naive but charming. But the overall effect is truly memorable. It is as though the black and white film is so evocative, that my memories of it seem to be in color! Bravo to all who had a role in reviving this gem!
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Summary: Wonderful restoration of a film classic
Review: This DVD of "Lost Horizon" is worthwhile to own because of its place in film history and the great bonus materials on this DVD. Sony/Columbia are to be complemented for this! As to the film, itself, there are some very magical moments and excellent cinematography that aptly show off Frank Capra's great talents as a Director. Too bad that Hollywood seems at times so evident in Capra's depiction of Shangri La. The buildings look too incredibly artificial, as if the stage for a 1930s musical. Also it is obvious that while Shangri La was to be supposedly in the region of Tibet, the native costumes are Chinese and surroundings look like Art Deco meets European Gothic. The acting though is quite good and storyline interesting. Worthwhile to see!
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Summary: Lost Horizon
Review: I saw this picture in South Wales England at the age of 8.I was overwelmed and captivated by it.I saw this Picture again when I came to America in 1947.Being a great admier of screen and stage,a saprano and writer myself, and to Mr. Frank Capra, a brilliant mind I say "HATS OFF". Palmyra
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Summary: Get better speakers
Review: The DVD is a fine piece of technology to see this classic but the film history is hampered by the droning flat monotony of the voice of the film Charles Champlin - booooring. The film is so good nonetheless
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