Our Town

Rating:
Summary: A Classic, destroyed by a poor transfer to DVD.
Review: "Our Town" has been one of my favourite films for many years, and I've been waiting a long time for a DVD version to appear. Like the previous reviewer, I knew I was in for disappointment ( to say the least ) when I saw the quality of the DVD. With the jumpy, out of focus, dirty print to the almost inaudible audio track throughout I have seldom seen a worse example of "remastering" in a long career of movie watching. Avoid this one - instead have a look at the wonderful Criterion re-issue of "Brief Encounter", for an example of how a classic film should be treated.

Rating:
Summary: Serves me right ...
Review: ... for not having checked these reviews before I bought the DVD. The technical quality - especially the sound - is just absolutely horrible. What a disappointment. I was unable to sit through the full 90 minutes. The worst DVD I have ever come across. Stay away from it!

Rating:
Summary: I'm sorry if you have already seen this.
Review: As an actor, currently in the production stages and performing Our Town in a few weeks, i am absolutely horrified (!) by the horror that is this film. So far while reading these reviews, i have only heard griping about how the "transfer is bad, but the film is incredible". I just have to say this. No. The film version of this incredible play left me speechless, in a horrific way. Upon calling a friend after they movie, i believe my first words were, "They MASSACRED it!". I am sorry for those that haven't seen this film for ruining the ending. Think back to "Wizard of Oz", where Dorothy wakes up. That's about it. Except, in "WOZ", that is supposed to happen. The message of Our Town is that life IS too wonderful for anyone to realize it every minute they are alive. Not, realize that, and then wake up from a dream. I am shocked, and, frankly, hurt. I came into this movie looking forward to an amazing piece of work. I came out with a severe distrust for the editing morals of the film industry.

Rating:
Summary: What a disappointment
Review: As noted in the previous DVD reviews, the picture and sound quality are abominable. Shame on me for not checking the reviews before buying the disk.

Perhaps the VHS transfer is better.

Rating:
Summary: Its not nearly as bad as they say...
Review: Don't be afraid of the reviews, while sure its not a "Lucas film" quality DVD, its still a beautiful production. It leads are wonderful its story beautiful, it ending heartbreaking and touching. How could anyone not love this film! Oh of course the stage version is better, and its maybe not something that was meant to be transferred to film but I would say they did a a pretty great job considering the feat of turning some so theatrical and stagey into an epic romance. You will come out of this film the way you should... perhaps a little more appreciative of your life.

Rating:
Summary: AN OBSCENITY OF A DVD TRANSFER...THE WORST I'VE SEEN SO FAR
Review: I resent even having to put one star, as a rating, but Amazon will not allow anything less. Here we have one of the important plays of the last century, a quintessentially American work, translated onto film, photographed and designed by the masters of cinematography and...and...Well, hold onto your Edollars, it's going to be a bumpy night. Without a doubt - and I speak as one who has purchased, and viewed, over 160 DVDs from Amazon - this is the worst DVD transfer I've seen so far. The picture disintegrates almost immediately. The audio is near unintelligible from the opening credits onward. Aaron Copland must be spinning is his grave trying to discern what the hell happened to his almost unrecognizable, beautiful score. Most lamentably, one can barely make out half the dialogue for the wholly distracting background din. PLEASE, steer clear - nay, protest, return, or refuse - any release that has FOCUSFILM ENTERTAINMENT's imprint on it. And complain to Amazon. To state - as FOCUSFILM does, on the reverse of OUR TOWN's jacket - that this is "Digitally Remastered From Original Negative Elements" is an outright fabrication. I have seen finer prints screened on morning television in Schenectedy. An unsettling first alarm is the pitiful art work on the cover [as well as no interior brochure]. A young man and woman, who bear no resemblance to either William Holden or Martha Scott, set against a sunset which looks to be straight out of HIGH NOON, instead of New Hamphire 1900! Why couldn't FOCUSFILM ENTERTAINMENT [or another DVD offender MADACY ENTERTAINMENT] be honest in their abject greed, and state, "We don't care about the consumer. Just buy this famous film and give us money! " Beware, be vigilant and be vociferous...

Rating:
Summary: Correction
Review: I submitted a review of Our town.However,I wanted my name to appear and I forgot to do so.is it possible to have my name Ken Turner appear.the review is already on there.It says a viewer from Louisville,Colorado. Thanks Ken Turner

Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest storys of the 20th century
Review: I was first familiarized with Our Town when I was a child.It made a lasting impression on me through the years.It remains one of my very favorite storys today.This 1940 version is an exceptional portrayal of Thornton Wilders Pulitzer prize winning stage play.I love the town of Grovers Corners.Getting to know the people and the town is truly a magical experience!Thornton Wilder Transports the viewer into another time and place in such an uplifting wholesome and haunting way that the viewer is left in awe.I believe this film is truly a credit to one of Mr Wilders most well known works-Our Town!

Rating:
Summary: Very appealing story you'll watch over and over again
Review: I've seen this movie countless times, yet each time, I discover something new. As history, it is an excellent look back at life in the early 1900's. The sets and scenes teach great lessons about what day-to-day life what like 100 years ago. The houses, stores and dress are all remarkable. The movie has a great cast and a great message. Every moment of life is precious far beyond what we may see from our current perspective. We all tend to sail through life without taking a moment to savor all the little blessings of each day. Watching this movie, I sometimes wish I could crawl into the video and live in Grover's Corners for just a day or two. It looks so lovely and simple and peaceful and inspiring.

Rating:
Summary: The best things in life come hard
Review: Martha Scott is superb as Emily, the young woman trying to find her way through life in the midst of an alarmingly changing world. The Great War, technology and fate itself intervene to irrevocably change her life, and those of the residents of Grovers Corner. This is one of the most heart-rending stories filmed, yet it has a dignified air and unsentimental approach which lifts it above others of its era. Thornton Wilder has produced a portrait of a community stripped bare, yet revealing in its intimacy and humanness.