Rating: 
Summary: Definitely 5 stars or more
Review: This is one special movie. It is one that can be watched over and over without getting tired of it. Even tho one knows the ending, it always seems fresh and new. Now that previously unavailable material is included, this is even a better buy than before. DVD is the only way to go on this, for one does not have to worry about breaking tapes and wear. Plus all the added stuff. This is a movie that everyone should buy themselves for their birthday, and watch at least once a year! Aloha fans....
Rating:
Summary: A rare case where a modern remake would be inappropriate
Review: Yes, this movie is one of the oldest sound films we have available today, but the magic of its presentation hasn't diminished at all. By being shot in black and white with its crude sound, this film seems to enhance the awe and enchantment of the mystical land of Shangri-La which James Hilton so vividly described in his classic novel. The book and film were made even more popular when Franklin D. Roosevelt named the Maryland presidential retreat "Shangri-La" (Eisenhower renamed it "Camp David"). A modern color remake of this film in musical form made back in the seventies was far less commercially successful than this thirties version. It's a great showcase for the now-deceased veteran actors Ronald Colman, Thomas Mitchell, Edward Everett Horton, Sam Jaffe, et al.
Rating: 
Summary: Almost A Lost Film
Review: LOST HORIZON is a very special and very philosophical movie based on the James Hilton novel. The movie makes a few changes from the book, but in many ways the film actually improves on the novel, not the least of which is having the great Ronald Colman flesh out the part of Robert Conway. It's not Colman's most memorable performance (see TALE OF TWO CITIES for that) but he wears the part like a comfortable suit. Supporting him are some other great players like Edward Everett Horton, Thomas Mitchell, Sam Jaffe and Isabel Jewell to name a few. What would YOUR reaction be when you discover that the commandeered airplane that took you to a mysterious, beautiful land in the middle of the wintry Himalayas was not an accident, but a plan? The lost world of Shangri-La is something different to everyone, and it's not always a land of bliss and happiness as you'll see. The film itself has gone through many difficult years, and the painstaking reconstruction (sometimes down to still frames with audio) receives a fine presentation on DVD. It's the restoration and the extras that make the disc worth viewing. A brief section shows how some frames were restored, and we get to see some rare pristine footage of the funeral procession. A good feature commentary and documentary are also included. Overall, then, it's a fine film and a fine DVD supplying fine extras. What's not fine? Well, it's only fair to comment on the extremely variable quality of the image (as I said, it's a combination of several decent prints, some 16mm prints and the occasional still-frame section). That's not the fault of Columbia, as it is most likely the best they could do. But upon comparison to my VHS tape of the restored film, I was surprised to see that the quality is only *slightly* better, not dramatically better. That's why I say in all fairness that it's really the extras that make it worthwhile, but that's coming from someone who already had a video copy of the restored film in his collection. If you've never seen the film, I recommend it unreservedly.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest portrayal of human desires ever filmed!
Review: This film is not for the shallow-minded. There are no sex-scenes or senseless explosions. Rather, an artistic depiction of Earth's two classes of humans. Those who want to live in peace and enjoy an eternity in happiness, and those who prefer mindless, short-lived pleasures which incur death.The acting by all is remarkable. In particular, Thomas Mitchell who's made noteworthy performances in 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'The Fighting Sullivans.' An intelligent, heart-warming film for the entire family.
Rating:
Summary: Great DVD presentation of a cinema classic!!
Review: Frank Capra's LOST HORIZON is finally given its due on DVD. This is the most complete version of this great film available. The source material varies from excellent to barely watchable, but at least it is complete. Some sections are represented with still frames as the footage still remains missing. This is quite frustrating as the movie was photographed so beautifully, but Columbia Pictures did very little to keep the negatives complete and in good condition. So we should be thankful LOST HORIZON looks as good as it does. The cast, with the exception of John Howard (David Niven should have played Howard's part) is flawless. Ronald Colman was one of Hollywood's greatest actors. One never tires from watching and "listening" to his performance. This great DVD includes an insightful commentary shared by Charles Champlin and Kendall Miller who discuss the making of the movie along with its arduous restoration. A good 30 minute documentary covers the making of the movie (some aspects are duplicated from the commentary track). Also included are some deleted sequences, a still file with Kendall's narration and a teaser trailer. It would have been wonderful if Dimitri Tiomken's great score could have been isolated, but this may not have been possible given the quality of the source material. Get LOST HORIZON on DVD, you won't be disappointed. It is definetly a classic worth keeping.
Rating:
Summary: Movie you can watch over and over again
Review: Saw the 1973 version when I was a child and have always thought of it as on of the greats. The colors are spectacular. Would like to own a VHS copy of my own. Anybody know where I can find one?
Rating:
Summary: HOLDS YOUR INTEREST AND LOADED WITH STARS.
Review: I HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE MANY TIMES AND NEVER GET TIRED OF IT. IT'S A MOVIE FOR DREAMERS WHO HOPE SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD PEOPLE LIVE LIKE THIS.THE VERSION I SAW HAS STILLS THAT REPLACES THE LOST OR DAMAGED PARTS OF THE FILM, BUT IT DOSN'T INTERFERE WITH THE ENJOYMENT OF THIS MOVIE.
Rating:
Summary: Please, Please, Please...
Review: Wonderful movie! Saw in a film class in college and have always wanted a permanent copy. PLEASE reissue in DVD format!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: One of the best 10 movies ever made. Where can I get a copy of the musical made in 1973? I know it was a flop, but would still like it in my collection.
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece of Cinema Art
Review: A more perfect cast could not be imagined in this greatest of all fantasy films. The story of life so beautifuly lived in this most serene setting is riveting. And what a great music score Dimitri Tiomkin wrote. A newcomer to Hollywood, this was his first full length movie score and Max Steiner was brought on by Capra to make sure all went well. A more perfect Conway in Ronald Colman could not be imagined. I hope the DVD comes out soon.
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