Rating: 
Summary: The "New" is simply wonderful!
Review: So many reviews have been written about this film, but since reviews for both VHS and DVD are all mashed together, it's hard to know which version they are referring to.The restored complete version of this film, nearly 3 hours long, completely fleshes out the film with 51 minutes of added footage. Most of the restored footage comes near the end when the grown "Toto" finds his lost love, Elena.("nuff said!) Suffice it to say that a great film has been made better, and will certainly replace the theatrical version on your shelf!
Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars for the Original Version
Review: I absolutely love this movie, I've been a projectionist on and off for the last 20 years and it gets into your blood, I have not aspired to become what Toto did, but wish that I would have. Now the new version: The first 2 hours of extra tidbits are just padding that the movie may or may not have needed, interesting they were, but necessary? I just felt that it dragged on and on, keeping me from getting to the scenes I've grown to love. Then the last 30 minutes (give or take a few minutes) the entire thing was just too dark and sad. I could've lived without seeing the final torment of Toto and his two comments in anger toward his beloved friend Alfredo. In the old version the bond was unbroken between Toto and Alfredo. These two lines caused some cracks in the bond, I didn't like seeing or hearing it. It was nice to find out what happened to Elena, but we've seen it now, let's take it back out of the film and forget about it. This film is about Toto and Alfredo...and secondarily about Toto and Elena. In the original version, Elena disappeared and we assumed her father forbade any contact and that was fine with me. I can see how others may like having this bit of news from the past, but I just can't deal with it. Great movie in its original incarnation the one that won the Oscar.
Rating:
Summary: Watch the Original First
Review: "Cinema Paradiso" as released over a dozen years ago in American theatres (and on VHS), and "Cinema Paradiso -- The New Version" on DVD, are very different movies, in my opinion. Fortunately both are included on the new DVD, so it's a great contribution to anyone's DVD library. I'm among those who feel the original was better, and so I urge you to watch the American theatrical release first. That's the one that got the Oscar. And that's the better work of art, IMHO. Nevertheless, the New Version will be irresistable to those who love the original, even though it may burst a few bubbles wisely left intact in the 1990 release.
Rating:
Summary: Complete At Last.
Review: It has been a long time in coming this complete version of CINEMA PARADISO but it has been worth the wait. What caught me by surprise was how different this version is from the one that won the Academy Award back in 1990. The footage removed not only shortened the film (from 174 min to 121 min), it completely altered the storyline. This version is much richer and darker in tone than the old version. It is also quite different in how it treats the relationship between Toto and Alfredo giving it added depth and a few surprises as well. Some people have complained that it changes the celebrated ending of the film which it does but I think for the better (but also for the bitter). At last we find out what happened to Elena in a twist borrowed from Sergio Leone's ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA (another film which was shortened and dramatically changed by its distributor). As much as I loved the 1990 version of this movie, I like this one even better. This DVD also gives you the option of both versions so you can decide for yourselves. It also goes to show how editing a film can totally change its meaning. If you love this movie (or movies in general) than you owe it to yourself to get this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story, Great DVD
Review: The New Version is great. The added scenes in which Toto meets his teenage love, Elena, are wonderful and add a soulful richness that was lacking in the US version. The resolution of their relationship completes the film as a whole and makes the final scene where Toto watches the missing kissing scenes even that more powerful. The film is filled with such a warmth and genuine feeling of nostalgia; like so many great Italien films, this movie is very moving and touching on many levels. Simply put, this is a great film watching experience. The DVD transfer is excellent; it is extremely sharp, and the color is rich and very natural. If you loved the US version released in 1989, I highly recommend getting this expanded version. You will not be disappointed at all; just make sure you have a box of Kleenex for the ending!
Rating:
Summary: Begs the question: When is a movie too long?
Review: I became aware of the existence of over 50 minutes of additional scenes in this film in the past two years. The original, pruned version received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1990. I have owned the video for a decade. Then, last summer, the "new version" was shown in limited release, and a DVD was promised. With the addition of the deleted scenes, an entirely different film is created. Owning this DVD is owning a brand new version of the film's events. Initially, the film was considered too long, and massive scenes were cut, removing any and all references to whatever happened to Salvatore's great love, Lina. The original version of the film focused mainly on the young boy, fatherless in post-WWII Sicily, bonding with the childless cinema projectionist, Alfredo. The young Toto grows into the teen-aged Salvatore, who falls in love with the beautiful and unattainable Lina. They are parted. That is the last we see. Salvatore returns to his village many years later to attend the funeral of Alfredo, and the film is told nearly entirely in flashback. In this version, Salvatore is reunited with his lost love when he returns for the funeral. To think that this entire plot was removed from the film initially is almost unthinkable. There are other parts of the film that could have been edited to keep these additional scenes in. I don't know what the producers, directors or the studio were thinking when they edited a huge part of the movie out. Well, now the film is complete. Whereas the original version focused mainly on the relationship of Toto and Alfredo, we now see a conclusion to Toto and Lina as well. And, we understand the ending of the film in an entirely, much less sentimental light. Salvatore has spent the bulk of his life mourning his lost love, not returning to his village, and not knowing of Alfredo's hand in the matter. He is facing life-changing decisions, and must ultimately dip into a pool of acceptance and forgiveness. Without the addition of these scenes, the point is lost. This was an excellent film to begin with, now it is nearly perfect. It is bittersweet and touching, and all the more realistic with the deleted scenes returned. If you own the original version, you must own this version. You will see this film in a completely different light.
Rating:
Summary: Memorable and enchanting tour de force
Review: Cinema Paradiso is an exhilarating film that does its best to squeeze every drop of emotion out of its audience. I know it is trendy to dismiss it as sentimental pap (as London's Time Out magazine did, I think)... Cinema Paradiso is a damn fine film that never outstays its welcome in my collection. Tornatore's Felliniesque tale is set in the Sicilian village of Giancaldo, actually the director's home town of Bagheria, and begins as the young, fatherless Salvatore befriends the local cinema projectionist, Alfredo. Salvatore's coming-of-age is the occasion for a poignant portrayal of the coming-of-age of an entire city and, ultimately, a nation. The backdrop for this charming and involving piece of storytelling is the cinema. For Salvatore, film is a lens through which he interprets life, something with which film-lovers will identify. The film is full of memorable images and symbols, many of which appear early on and are later hauntingly brought back into play. Bringing the film to life is Ennio Morricone's beautifully rustic score. Philippe Noiret and Jacques Perrin both turn in affecting Performances. Anyone who has ever loved the cinema, and has ever felt what it is like to let go of memories, will find Cinema Paradiso mesmerizing.
Rating:
Summary: A real classic.
Review: Even if you're not one to enjoy foreign films, make a point of seeing this one. This movie is truly a modern classic. It slowly endears itself to you, and the ending is beautiful -- leaves you with a lump in your throat that you just can't shake. Also noteworthy is the score, which is easily one of the best filmscores of all times. There's no way you CAN'T like this music -- pick up the CD and I guarantee it will become one of the permanent CDs in your 5-disc player.
Rating:
Summary: A More Complete Movie
Review: The extended DVD version has been released in some countries for many months. For those who loved the original theatrical release, this extended one is a MUST. See for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Heartwarming...
Review: Last year, a good friend of mine, her boyfriend, and her best friend were in a terrible car crash. My friend along with her friend were killed and her boyfriend was seriously injured. Since both my friend and her boyfriend were in my film class, my professor showed this film. At the time, I was impressed with it, the pain of what happened was all too real... but looking back, she made a good choice in showing the film. It showed me a little bit about dealing with loss as well as fulfilling your dreams... It's a wonderful movie about life, love, and passion... check it out for yourself!
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