Rating: 
Summary: OVERRATED!
Review: After watching this movie I really wish I had those two hours back. People will say it went over my head, but I will beg to differ. I just didn't enjoy the film. Sure it is an art film, and is one of the, if not the first, to explore freely flowing thoughts. But give me a break, how predictable can this thing be. Throw in Strange Religious imagery to show my strict Catholic upbringing. Add alittle dream girl (Claudio) to represent my dissatisfaction and struggles in my love life. Make Guido a director so the viewer knows it is a movie about me. I won't ruin the ending, but you could just fast forward to it. Whola, 8 1/2. This movie just isn't as good as everyone says it is.
I really wish someone would have the courage to say this movie sucks! Everybody jump on the bandwagon, just because "critics" love it doesn't mean you have to give it glowing reviews too. I understand, you have a reputation to keep up, what would the other people at the "art-house" say if you disagreed. And why wouldn't you buy it, you need to own every film in the "Criterion Collection"! Come on, admit it, you also have The Rock, and Armageddon, and not because you like the films, you need to impress your friends. It is really kind of sad actually seeing all these sheep leading other sheep. 2 stars at best.
Rating: 
Summary: A Stunning visual journey inside the creative mind
Review: Criterion's Laser Disc Edition of 8 1/2 featured a stunning transfer of this...one of the most beautiful black-and-white cinematography ever shot. Of course, for their DVD edition, we can expect nothing less. And now, you have the great master Vittorio Storaro explaining how another great master, Gianni di Venanzo did all this and how it's important to the art of cinema.... already a hell of a good reason to own the DVD.More than a simple autobiography of a filmmaker, 8 1/2 is a journey into the creative human mind, its agony, self doubts, moral and sexual confusion, and its redemption. The sturuggle of art versus life, and the endless search for a proper ballance. That's why, not only fimmakers but all sort of creative people call this "the best film I have ever seen," "the film that has influenced my life the most." Because the film is more a free description of the flow of the human mind, its consciousness as well as its sub-consciousness, than just an autobiography. If you sit back to see just a simple movie in which everything is used to explain a linear story, the film may be confusing. But once you free your mind and let the sweeping camera movements and the stunning, brilliant imagery guide you into the mind of the protagonist-director, I can assure you it will be one of the richest cinematic experience of your life, because then the film allows you to see the reflection of your own psychological life in it. The special feature of the DVD includes a very rarely-seen self portrait-documentary by the genious himself, "Fellini: a director's notebook". I think it's the first time this forgotten film goes to home video, that's already another good reason to add this DVD to your collection. And it's a very appropriate choice to put this unknown, almost unseen masterpiece to Fellini's own official masterpiece 8 1/2. But a bit distressing, since after all the proper ballance between life and creativity that Fellini seems to have achieved at the end of 8 1/2... well, when you see "a director's notebook" you see that the conflict is not resolved at all! But then to see "Notebook" and then go back to "8 1/2", you may be able to see it in a different perspective, so that's great!! Life is a constant inner search and inner struggle; whether you will suffer from it and try constantly to escape, or you'll make your mind up to enjoy it since it will never go away anyway, that's up to you. And 8 1/2 is a film that will give you that energy, because it's also so funny. So get this DVD, and it sure will be a great companion to your entire life.
Rating:
Summary: One of the more stylish Fellini's works
Review: When I first saw the movie, it took me quite a while to figure out what Fellini was trying to tell us. I guess he intended to ridicule himself as a filmmaker, and I find it hilarious and clever in a sensational way. This mesmerizing masterpiece would grip your attention simply with the bizarre and imaginative opening scene, which is really a cinematic feast. Thanks to Criterion, 8 1/2 is finally on DVD with a load of special features. I found the following information from DVD Planet. The film is presented in Full-frame format, and the sound is mono as usual.... DISC ONE: Feature film; Screen-specific audio commentary by film critic and Fellini friend Gideon Bachmann, NYU Professor of Film Antonio Monda with excerpts from Fellini's interviews and letters and Deena Boyler's on-set diary; Introductioon by Terry Gilliam; Theatrical trailer. DISC TWO: "Fellini: A Director's Notebook"; "Nina Rota: Between Cinema And Concert" documentary; Interviews; Still gallery.
Rating:
Summary: What does it all mean?
Review: I saw 81/2 when I was quite young and I was dazzled by it. Now when I view it I can relate to adult themes and I can comiserate with Fellini's lead character who is full of self doubt, regret, and yearns for the simple pleasures of the past. But 81/2 is not a great movie because it has a profound story; it's a great movie because it is a profound movie experience. Dreamlike, it is both exotic and familiar at the same time. Fellini presents his story without explanation or judgment so we are free to experience with him. Fellini's great artistry & theatricality open our eyes anew. And if that sounds too high minded to you it's also alot of fun. Fellini's contribution to film is immense and he is still truly unique. There isn't a film maker who lived through the Fellini era that won't admit that they were influenced by Fellini. Yet, there no other filmmaker remotely like him; his films are a testament to his devotion to make films that express his personal vision. There is a childlike quality to Fellini's films. Fellini understood that film has ability to create a unique experience for the viewer. I think that to see through someone else's eyes is one of our most cherished dreams and Fellini tries to provide that for us. I think what Fellini wanted was for us was to leave behind our own pretensions and assumptions and see the world innocently and with a sense of wonder.
Rating: 
Summary: Ranks Up There With Fellini's Best!
Review: I was just getting into Foreign movies when I first saw this film. But, I never saw a Fellini movie before this one. I've heard people say this is Fellini's masterpiece. I've even been told by some, that this is one of the greatest films ever made! I don't think this is Fellini's masterpiece, to me that title belongs to "Nights Of Cabiria". And as for stating that this is one of the greatest movies ever filmmed, it just may as well be. Marcello Mastroianni stars as what we suspect to be a thin disguise of Fellini himself. He just can't seem to think of an ending for his new movie. After having dreams about flying over cars, due to his feeling "closed in" he is taken to a hospital where he can get some rest. Later he meets his wife at a train station. But, none of this is really important, I feel to the story. These aren't really the moment we remember about this film. It's those moments where Mastroianni's mind drifts. The scene where he meets his parents at the deserted area, or him thinking back to when he was a child, and meet a whore. It was these scene we become so taken with. Some might have a hard time getting everything in their very first viewing, and therefor my not like the film. I myself had to watch it twice. Truly a landmark film by Fellini, which won him (I believe) his first Oscar. If you enjoy this movie, I suggest "La Stada", "The White Shiek", "Nights Of Cabiria", and "La Dolce Vita". All are considered to be classic by my taste.
Rating:
Summary: one of Fellini's best
Review: a great film with all kinds of stuff goin on. beautiful cinematography (the opening sequence at a spa - every 80's CK add stole it's imagery), great acting (Marcello is dope and so is Anouk), transcendental and metaphysical retributions (what the hell does that mean??) and it's in Italian (my favorite lingua). only thing missing is a young Sophia Loren (for that, check out 'Marriage Italian Style') who is one of the most beatiful actresses ever. you'll enjoy this movie more if you see it sans subtitles, but still worth seeing if you hate foreign films in foreign languages...this reviewer also likes 'La Dolce Vita' and 'La Citta Delle Donne(Fellini's take on feminism)'.
Rating:
Summary: Forget the hype, enjoy the story
Review: Before I saw 8 1/2, I'd read the reviews. But nothing prepared me for the after effects. The first time I watched it I endured it. But then a curious thing happened the next day ... a peculiar mood came over me and I couldn't shake certain impressions the film left on me. So I watched it again and this time enjoyed the movie. I would say forget the critics, forget the fact that it's supposed to be an "autobiographical" movie for Fellini. Chances are you'll find something, as I did, that is compelling to you. For me, the cinematography was crisp, the acting was superb (especially the lead), great fantasy and dream sequences that reveal subtexts and highten emotions. Sorry if this review is esoteric. It's a personal film for the director and I think he succeeded in presenting his vision. Like all "personal" masterpieces (i.e. Hitchcock's Vertigo), every viewer finds something personal and latches onto it. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: What a hat!
Review: This beautifully filmed story features an extremely charismatic performance by Marcello Mastroianni as Guido, an Italian director with a really cool hat and glasses combo but no idea about how to bring his next movie together. As the pressures of of the production bear in on him, he retreats first to a spa, and then into his fantasies, most of which involve women. The whole thing is a collection of amazing scenes. If only there weren't so many actresses and mistresses and wives, they all run together -- especially when it seems that most of the scenes are filmed with improvised dialogue. The video release contains white-on-white subtitling, so that just makes things even more confusing.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty and inspiration.
Review: I love this movie. I've seen a lot of movies (and I'm only 18), but this one stands out. This film is a joy from the first reel to the last. This movie is an excellent introduction to Fellini and to world cinema in general. The acting is great, the black-and-white is never distracting, Guido's dreams are excellently executed, and the characters are memorable. This is a movie that one's like-minded friends must watch! This film stands as tough competition for "Citizen Kane" as the greatest film in history. I'm looking forward to a lifetime of enjoying this film.
Rating:
Summary: Sheer magic!
Review: Fantastic Federico Fellini feature film. I can't wait to have this on DVD. The viewer just glides through beautiful images only Fellini could create. The Wagnerian music compliments Nino Rotta's magical score. Watch La Dolce Vita first if you've never watched a Fellini film before because this film is stricly and essentially Fellini!
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