Rating: 
Summary: A Flawless Classic From Woody¿s Golden Era
Review: I can't watch Woody Allen movies these days: the humor has become predictable and forced; the set-ups are obvious; the "sub-text" blatant and frequently not very funny. It's not that he's gone bad (I liked "Bullets Over Broadway", and "Shadows And Fog"), he just isn't as good these days.The Woody Allen of 1984-6 was a different man: he wanted desperately to be taken seriously as an Artist (ironically his major "serious" influence seems to be Bergman, who always considered himself a "Craftsman"), but found his comedies to be much more successful. So we ended up ricocheting between "Love And Death", "Interiors", "Manhattan", "Stardust Memories", while Woody tried to answer the fundamental questions of life and the universe, and why people preferred his funny movies... I think he got it with "Hanna..." Unlike most Allen movies, Hanna's subtext creeps up on you. Sure, he starts with a (comedic) premise (and artistic "thesis"), but instead of hitting you over the head with it, he lets it wander between the characters. Perhaps it's due to the large number of plots (three sisters) and subplots (their relationships), forcing him to spread the material around. For the first (and possibly last) time he seems to coalesce the "Artist vs Entertainer" paradox (as if he couldn't figure out that the two were one) into a single film that is (as far as I can tell) flawless. Yes, I wrote "flawless". He pulls out a lot of stops too: a huge (by his standards) cast; multiple voice overs (interior character voices); multiple perspectives; a narrative structure that is complex, yet invisible; a story that is completely unpredictable. But the most compelling elements in this film are the Characters: they're ALL good! He even takes a step away from he usual New York team (ringers Michael Cain and Max Von Sydow are FANTASTIC) and gets the best performances of any Allen film ever. Diane Weise (she may have taken the Oscar for this) is perfect; Mia Farrow is captured here before she turned into Woody Allen; Woody is remarkably realistic (not much neurotic mumbling here); dammit, they're all good (if you're a Daily Show fan, keep an eye open for Lewis Black). They don't stumble over the "significance" of their dialog (many Allen movies are damaged by the characters' need to articulate their thoughts, although in "Bullets Over Broadway" he was at least able to laugh at this: "Don't Speak!") . They don't even stumble over the significance of their characters. They actually behave like people and the results are remarkably funny. Yes I wrote "funny". "Hanna..." is not "Love And Death" funny, but "real people" funny, in a lyrical self-contained circle-of-friends world that Allen often creates (but frequently undermines). So while we might be laughing at them (and with them) we never lose touch with their humanity. As a result their words and actions can take the occasionally sudden and serious (I guess that means "artistic") turn. It's perfect. Every minute of it. The DVD is in 16:9 (letter-boxed) and picture and sound seemed fine. There's a trailer, but nothing much else of interest. But who cares, this is such a great film...
Rating:
Summary: Absolute Perfection!
Review: This is by far the best of Woody Allen's films, for it includes realistic problems that sooner or later touch all our lives. Woody's honest approach to the eternal search for God "in a Godless universe" strikes a familiar chord with the viewer. His philosophical humor penetrates even the most disillusioned heart and provides food for thought that things somehow work out for the best in the longrun. Oscar winning performances all 'round for Michael Caine and Dianne Weist and most deservantly for Woody for Best Screenplay.
Few films are able to capture human relationships within family life as Woody envisions here. The feeling of continuity in an otherwise senseless existence comes across with brilliant originality, wit,love and absolute perfection!
Rating:
Summary: My very favorite movie
Review: I have watched this movie at least 4 or 5 times a year since it came out. My video tape is faded but now I have the DVD version. It is as beautiful as the first time I saw it. There are no weak characters in this movie which is funny, touching and liberating. When I am and too old or too sick to get out of bed, I will watch Hannah and Her Sisters for comfort and an endorphin high. I love it.
Rating:
Summary: One of Woody's Finest
Review: Woody Allen once again returns to Manhattan and the relationships that keep the city breathing. But, HANNAH AND HER SISTERS is truly one of his best. Sure, he appears as the hypochondriac that we've seen before (and will again), but there is more strength in the story structure. Additionally, the cast is his best, with an especially wonderful performance by Dianne Wiest. Surrounded by great New York Photography and a musical score to match, HANNAH AND HER SISTERS delivers. The film boasts a nice widescreen transfer and nicely transferred audio. The DVD is available as part of the great 3rd Woody Allen set.
Rating: 
Summary: Great film, terrible DVD transfer
Review: This is a wonderful film. All the films in the new Woody Allen boxset are wonderful films. But am I just imagining things? I just watched "Hannah and Her Sisters" and I was amazed at how washed-out it looked. Take a look at the very first scene -- it's far too light, Barbara Hershey looks sick, the warmth of the original film is gone. The video transfer was far superior, unless my memory is playing tricks on me. Has anyone else noticed this?
Rating:
Summary: Hanna,Sisters......and so much more!
Review: After reading other reviews of this wonderful film I doubt I could add much to what has already been stated. Given that I still enjoy this film so much that I'll shall add my "two cents" anyway! For me this is by far and away Woody Allen's best film. Every autumn I make a point of renting this classic and inviting over some unsuspecting friends to watch it for the first time. I can honestly say not one has ever come away disappointed! But how could you? Somehow Woody has taken the autumn months, the holiday celebrations and his wonderful choice of jazz standards and effortlessly weaved them into one magical film. While at the times being sentimental, comedic and yet also incredibly heartwrenching in our search for true happiness in our small lives Woody has reached the small understanding that to find that illusive "happiness" one just needs to look around . It's right in front of you. The cast is of course first-rate...the stand-outs being Michael Caine as Hannah's beleagered husband, Mia Farrow as Hannah herself and of course Woody, simply being himself and adding the comedic touch to his own film. For that matter everyone in this film is wonderful and for the most part all are given a chance to shine...and they do so admirably!Special kudos to Max Von Sydow as a judgemental, overly-critical boyfriend to Barbara Hershey who in the end is the only one who is unable to find any real happiness. Overall, a film that manages to intertwine all of Woody's impracticalties together and even bring a ultimately "happy ending" to the proceedings! And while I don't make a point of buying movies I suspect this will be my first DVD purchase. Along with "Manhattan" and "Annie Hall" the trifecta of Woody's films. ENJOY!!
Rating:
Summary: Woody Allen's Best Film
Review: While "Annie Hall" is often regarded as Woody Allen's greatest achievement in film, I'd venture out to say that "Hannah and Her Sisters" is his best. The film's structure, character development and acting stand above all of the director's other films. "Hannah and Her Sisters" is about the disintegration and creation of relationships between New Yorkers who are all in some way connected to Hannah (Mia Farrow). Also, each one of these characters personal qualities has lead to them being self destructive. For example, Allen's character thinks he's always going to die and Wiest's drug addiction causes her to constantly barrow money and get off track from pursuing an acting career. The film is broken up into isolated vignettes, each one existing independently of the other. They all come together brilliantly at the end though. The segments open with a quote on top of a black screen, giving the film a novel like feel. As the story progresses, the character's personal lives begin to fall apart, but eventually, when they learn to love again, things begin to go back to normal. Allen actually envisioned a darker ending, but the studio, Orion, asked him to make a happier one. While the ending leaves you smiling, it doesn't become a typical feel good, happy Hollywood ending. That would have ruined the film. There is an underlying tragic feel to it. Holly, for instance, has given up her dream of being an actress and Elliot still isn't over Lee. So while the end is upbeat, it doesn't dribble into Hollywood feel good fiction which contradicts the story's dark tone. The story is also well balanced between all the characters. Each one is well developed and the films isn't about just one person but about the commonality of their relationships. While the characters are vastly different, they all go through the same problems. Interestingly, "Hannah and Her Sisters" is not a comedy. While there are some great one liners, the tone is fairly serious and often is too depressing and too real to be tragically funny. In many ways, it's his most "un-Woody Allenish" film, making it also his most universal film. "Hannah and Her Sisters" is Allen's most mature, well crafted film. The direction, acting, story and dialogue are all superb. This is an absolutely must buy.
Rating:
Summary: The finest film of Allen's notable career
Review: Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" is the finest of the neurotic writer-director-actor's pictures. His prowess in weaving together complete characters and compelling storylines is as intricate as Altman, as artful as Renoir. Yes, those are "big movie terms," but are warranted in describing this bitersweet marvel. Allen's command of the medium results in some terrific photographic shots, including the classic "camera-revolving-around-the-table" sequence featuring Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her sisters (Barbara Hershey and dynamite Oscar-winner Dianne Wiest), whose lives all seem to be going through very adult mid-life crises with their husbands, ex-husbands, boyfriends, and families. Michael Caine's work in this film also shines, and Allen himself is in his prime. The ensemble cast in this film creates an atmosphere that has you really believing you're watching friends and family, and not simply actors acting, reciting lines, a problem even the better "ensemble films" often face. All of the elements in this picture --- cinematography, classic jazz tunes, nearly-musical dialogue --- are on ample display in a film rich with human warmth and big laughs. Although Allen's films are not for all tastes, this is a film that should very easily be enjoyed by nonfans and especially film students who can get a chance to see a virtuoso talent at the top of his form, not conforming by traditional storytelling and filmic norms.
Rating:
Summary: Woody's Best
Review: Woody reaches his greatest heights with this movie. Of all his other great movies (of which there are many), I think only Manhanttan can rival this one in terms of story and character development. Since I got my DVD player (two years ago), I've been patiently waiting for this one to become available. I can't urge you strongly enough to purchase this movie. Not only a great intertwined plot, but Woody giving one of his funniest performances. If you're a Woody Allen fan, then I'm sure you've seen this one already. And for the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to the later Woody movies. Woody has sometimes gotten other actors to play his character in his movies (see Kenneth Brannagh in Celebrity doing his best impersonation of Woody or John Cusack in Bullets over Broadway)and while they do a good job, the original is just better. This one has it all, Woody, award winning performances from Diane Weist and Michael Caine, a brilliant supporting cast and a great screenplay. Run, don't walk to purchase this one. It's a guaranteed winner.
Rating:
Summary: Woody's Best Film
Review: Typical No Frills Woody DVD ... However, 'Hannah' happens to be the best film Woody has ever made. It has the perfect blend of comedy & drama. So, ignore the lack of extras, and pick up a great American classic.
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