Rating: 
Summary: Earth's most lyrical little gem - in mono? MONO?!
Review: Who at Warner thought this movie so slight, that it didn't warrant a decent sound format. Mind you, I don't know if they were to blame at the time - it was shot in mono - but given the success of the soundtrack album, and how much sound contributes to the fim, it cries out for a new mix. Look at the imdb reviews. Understandably, the content is the most compelling reason for owning and rewatching this swift-flowing, sweet, heartbreakingly beautiful, and intensely rewarding little Scottish Ealing comedy. But look how many of them single out the sound! Mark Knoppfler's finest soundtrack, many say. The haunting, spacious sounds and atmospheric effects of the aurora borealis scenes, the 'rocks and the water'... you ought to be able to smell the sweet salt air, ozone, heather and whisky. What a film for the full wonders of DVD!For those who haven't seen it, you'll still love the visuals, the story, the characters, the exquisite one-liners and tiny jokes. But if only we could make the math add up to justify a new sound mix...or inspire someone at Warner to throw in a little labor of love.
Rating:
Summary: A great little film -- and a nicely priced dvd
Review: One of my favorite films growing up, I was both surprised and pleased to find that Warner Brothers had released it on DVD. No extras save for a theatrical trailer -- but that's okay. The movie looks nice, even at an average bit rate (hovering around five, but I've seen much worse). Regarding another person's review of the sound: keep in mind that this film was originally in mono. The reason it isn't in dolby surround (or even stereo), is because it wasn't in stereo in the first place. I thought it sounded pretty good for a mono recording.
Rating: 
Summary: Utterly original and delightful
Review: This film is full of little moments of such originality and charm, you can't believe they were ever actually scripted. They seem to unfold completely spontaneously as the characters and story grow ever-more endearing. The scene where Peter Reigert innocently asks, "Whose baby?" is one such classic moment and one of my all-time favorites.
Rating:
Summary: A must-see
Review: Scots director Bill Forsyth tackles his favorite subject - people making connections with each other - in this low-key, loveable, humane and tremendously funny film about a battle of wits between a village and a multi-billion dollar corporation. Everyone wins here, particularly the viewer. Just watch this.
Rating:
Summary: What every movie should strive for...pure entertainment!
Review: If I could only watch five movies for the rest of my life, this would be the first one I would pick. It's got Texans, Russians, a mermaid, a town chock full of quirky characters, unrivaled scenery, and a soundtrack that truly stands alone. They just don't make 'em better than this...enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Ultimate feel-good movie
Review: Feeling down? Life just too much? Wish you were anywhere else than but where you are? Think the grass must be greener on the other side? Then this is the movie for you: Rural Scotland meets Houston oil. Burt Lancaster, Peter Riegert ("Crossing Delancey,") Denis Lawson (You know: "Wedge," in Star Wars; Ewan McGregor's uncle) make you want to move to Scotland straight away, run a small inn, do little bits of business on the side, and get drunk with the Russians at the ceilidh on Saturday night . Bill Forsyth wrote and directed this gem that Judith Crist said was "Charm all the way - in buckets and gallons." Mark Knopfler supplied the music (You'll want to order the soundtrack from Amazon.) It just doesn't get any better.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, average dvd
Review: I can only echo the favoriable comments on this movie. It's a charming movie, one of my all time favorites. I got one of the first dvd's, and was a little disappointed. The sound is poor, very little stereo (even when jets and motorcycles roar by) and the wonderful music is very muted. The video transfer could have been more vivid, the eye candy is a big part of the movie. Still, it is well worth the low price.
Rating:
Summary: Total happiness !
Review: You will feel so wonderfull after watching this movie you'll wonder why it is not prescribed instead of Prozac ! No risk of OD, no hangover : enjoy as much as you want or need ...
Rating:
Summary: Lovely movie with wonderful characters and story
Review: How wonder to watch a movie with real characters, so special effects, no blood, no one dies and you actually learn something about astronomy! Love this movie and watch it often. Especially like Peter Riegert as "Mac". Some very funny scenes with plain facial expressions. Excellent! Katie Baldwin
Rating:
Summary: Represents Highland villages and their people exactly
Review: I am fortunate to come from the village of Morar where much of the film was shot. The silver sands, the hotel, the dance, the stunning scenery always leave me yearning for home, as I live 4 hours from Morar now. However, it is not just the scenery, but the remarkable amount of time and research which must have gone into the preparation for the making of Local Hero. Fulton MacKay's character, with its mixture of true charm and wit on one side with a steely determination on the other reflects so many older Highland gentlemen. The young motorcyclist continuously patrolling the village at breakneck speed, Peter Capaldi's awkward play for Marina and the eagerness of some villagers to capture some spoils from the oil baron are all familiar - "You can only get one sheep in a Lamborghini" one old timer says to his friend at the ceilidh. Probably MacIntyre being completely sold on the place is what many who come to the area can relate to. It is a wonderful, warm, funny, rejuvinating film - how Fulton MacKay didn't get an Oscar is beyond me. Mark Knopfler's tranquil music completes the film perfectly. Burt Lancaster's arrival on Morar Sands by helicopter captured the place's stunning sunset and sands dramatically. Watch it and enjoy it. It is a great story, none better.
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