Rating: 
Summary: Wow! This is one incredible movie!
Review: Made in 1928? Yep! But you wouldn't know it because the camera work is so modern looking and creative compared to other films of that era. The new soundtrack by Richard Einhorn is perfect! So great that I bought the soundtrack (Voices of Light). Maria Falconetti's performance as Joan is stunning and realistic. I was just totally absorbed into this movie. I couldn't believe I was this enamored with a silent picture! It was that good! Oh my! It was better than good; it was excellent!Most of all, more than any admiration of how the movie was produced or filmed, this movie was inspiring to me. There is so much emotion that this film produces that it's almost agonizing. I don't know how else to describe it. There's just something really "deep" about this film that draws you into Joan's life as she endured her trials near the end of her life. The themes of grace, compassion, longsuffering, boldness, and unwavering devotion to God flood every scene. You will feel a real emotional connection to what Joan must have felt as her accusers ridiculed, tormented and angrily despised her, all because she dared to say she heard from God and would only answer to Him. I will say, and I mean this in a completely positive way, this is a hard movie to watch. I say that because it is not typical. It's not a grab a bag of popcorn and get ready for action and humor... It's kind of dark and solemn. It is a drama. If you have trouble listening to an hour of opera, or can't stand reading sub-titles, or watching black and white film, well... watch it anyway! And then make up your mind. I thought I wouldn't be able to endure it because I had seen another black and while silent film about Joan of Arc that was even older than this one (1918) and it was pretty [bad], but this one has now become a favorie of mine. If you are intrigued with Joan of Arc stories, are a movie buff, or just looking for a little inspiration and drama, please check this movie out. I have the DVD version and it's fantastic.
Rating: 
Summary: This DVD is NEARLY perfect in every way!!!
Review: I came very close to giving this DVD 5 stars. Only after careful reevaluation did i lower my rating. Regardless, this DVD is so well produced that anything less than 4 stars would be a severe injustice. The production is indeed stunning. With enough extra material included to keep the viewer involved for an hour, outside the film itself. The film itself is presented in a beautifully restored version, (as demonstrated in a bonus feature). The viewer has the option to turn off Richard Einhorn's soundtrack (which is in itself a masterpiece) Subtitles translating the French intertitles can also be turned off (if you're fast at reading French). In addition, bonus materials include a nice essay by Mr. Einhorn, Film commentary by a contemporary of Dreyer. An audio interview with the daughter of Falconetti. A comparison of restored-vs-unrestored versions of the film. Comparison and analysis of this original version and later alternate versions of the film. A Sony Electronic Press Kit production showcasing Richard Einhorn and Anonymous4 produced for the release of the Voices of Light (1995) CD. And More! Both 'The Passion of Joan of Arc ' and 'Voices of Light' are a fascinating, dark, and artistic look at the trial and death of Joan of Arc. Haunting yet beautiful. A true treasure of 20th Century Cinema. The flaw within this fine diamond lay in the projection speed. There is considerable debate as to what frame rate the reels were to be projected at. The accepted historical standard of the day was 16 fps silent and 24 fps sound. The DVD is mastered at 24 fps. It all works, but as has been stated in other (more bombastic) reviews, the difference IS noticeable. This film was shot as a silent film. For example: The opening scene has a guard slowly walking across a room- His movements are unrealistically "quirky". Clearly more so than is apparent in "natural" walking. I feel a 16 fps projection would have given the film a more even paced and deliberate feel. Perhaps this would also have revealed more flaws in the film stock and lessened the apparent restoration of the film? Perhaps the DVD could have had an option to play back a 16 fps version in addition to 24 fps. Nonetheless, buy the DVD. The overall package and presentation is well worth the price!
Rating:
Summary: masterpiece?
Review: Okay this movie was good enough, but a masterpiece? Sure there was a lot of emotion and passion, but I just got annoyed at her "whacked on the back of the head with a two-by-four" look that she had throughout most of the movie. Yeah, I know she was scared, but she could have at least changed her expression once in a while. I also would have liked to see all of the dialog, not some of it. Yes this is a good movie and every movie buff should see it, but if you watch it without any expectations I think you'd be better off.
Rating:
Summary: UNFORGETTABLE
Review: This film will haunt you,it stays in you mind for weeks,no other film i have ever seen has had such an impact on me to the point were i cant sleep just thinking about it.The term "masterpiece" is to week a word to descibe this film,it is a monumental work of art beyond what you would think the film medium could possibly produce.I love movies,of all the art forms the film medium is my favorite because it is a combination of all the arts,and certenly more enjoyable,Citizen Kane,2001,The Bicycle thief are great works of art as valid as any painting,opera,book or poetry.But the passion of joan of ark went beyond any experience i have ever had watching a film.In my opinion this is the greatest piece of art man has ever created,You may laugh at this,But this film affected me that much,no other film comes close. If you have seen this film you will know some of what i am talking about,if you have not than i can only suggest that you purchise it imediatly or if possible see it at a theater if its showing anywear.The criterion dvd is exelent,a great transfer and briliantly restored version as close to the original as you will ever find. See this film,you will never forget it.
Rating:
Summary: Why does anyone think they can top this?
Review: This is the single best film about Joan of Arc ever made. Period. I would argue it's the only successful film or even dramatic piece ever made about Joan of Arc, especially since Rivette went his usual long, boring and pointless route with the story and Luc Besson failed to do anything other than stroke Dustin Hoffman's ego with his vile "The Messenger." Let's not even get into George Bernard Shaw's play, which really stands out in my mind for toting Shaw's biggest flaw on its back; the man never failed to be a didact. After all, God forbid the audience should learn anything through observation, they should be told everything, just like children. And the sad part? This film was put together with alternate takes by a frustrated director who had lost his original to fire. Criterion does a near-perfect transfer, and furthermore perfectly chose Richard Einhorn's oratorio inspired by the film, to accompany the images shot by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Dreyer must have spent a tremendous amount of time studying medieval sculpture and architecture before tackling this project, because he perfectly lights and films his actors as leering gargoyles and tested saints. The imagery and camera movement here are perfectly designed and communicate the mood.
The acting is well-crafted, and the editing is well-done. This is an immeasurable boost to any DVD collection, and I'm very glad it's in mine.
Rating:
Summary: Movie Magic
Review: What a miracle that this was thought forever lost, then to be found and restored. If you are not inclined to watching silent movies-reconsider this gorgeous classic. You will be mesmerized and maybe changed forever!
Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece unlike any other
Review: Words fail me when trying to describe this movie... It is so completely different than any other film I have seen, both in terms of technique and effect. Somehow it manages to be about faith and spiritual strength, difficult enough in a sound film, astounding in a silent. Watching Falconetti in the early scenes, as she tries to answer the questions without uttering heresy, you can see panic give way to inspiration, then to steely confidence, all reflected in her eyes. Though the music on this disc is very good, I recommend watching the movie silent, as the rhythms of the editing are so powerful in and of themselves. The picture quality is uniformly excellent on this DVD- the tonal range and detail of the (gorgeous) photography look magnificent. Dreyer breaks so many conventions of filmmaking that the emotional impact produced is utterly unique, both in its intensity and its quality. An absolute masterpiece on every level.
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling
Review: To be truthful - this is the most incredible movie I have ever seen. It's difficult to describe the excursion one takes within the mind of the Saint - the very human saint- that Jeanne d'Arc is. This movie demonstrates what can be done in film and how we fall far short of the mark in so many instances. What an actress Maria Falconetti was!.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie I've ever seen
Review: Saint Joan had to wait 500 years for her canonization. The injustice! But this film atones and makes her victory all the more glorious! I wept and wept and wept, and still do occasionally when I but think of Maria Falconetti's face bringing to life Joan's plight. The Saint lived through Maria in this film. Words cannot express, as this silent film proves. The music is wonderful in its own right, and complements the film perfectly. Just buy it. Now.
Rating:
Summary: Possibly the most beautiful film ever made
Review: I saw The Passion of Joan of Arc knowing little about it, other than that it had been miraculously restored after being thought lost for years. I had no idea what I was about to see. The film itself is incredibly beautiful. Each individual shot is perfectly composed, and the actors are perfect in their roles. Maria Falconetti is amazing - you can feel Joan's pain through her. Each look on her face is filled with such pathos that you can't help but pity her. "Voices of Light," which Criterion has included as an optional audio track, brings the emotional impact of the film to a higher level. Einhorn's work amplifies Joan's pain to a sublime and almost frightening level. This is one of the greatest films of all time, and Criterion has presented a stunning transfer.
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