Rating: 
Summary: a grand epic tale
Review: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean star in the grand epic GIANT, directed by George Stevens (A PLACE IN THE SUN, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK), based on Edna Ferber's bestselling novel.Bick Benedict (Rock Hudson), his lovely new wife Leslie Lynnton (Elizabeth Taylor) and permanent outsider Jett Rink (James Dean) confront their passions, fears and jealousies against the backdrop of the barren yellow plains of Texas. Digitally restored and presented in its original widescreen glory, GIANT has never looked better. Previous video releases have shown the film with significant wear and tear. This is certainly one of the greatest films of all time, boasting an impeccable supporting cast including Mercedes McCambridge, Jane Withers, Chill Wills, Dennis Hopper, Carroll Baker, Rod Taylor and Sal Mineo. An epic in the grand tradition of GONE WITH THE WIND and RAINTREE COUNTY, the classic GIANT.
Rating:
Summary: Texas, Li'l Darlin'!
Review: Here's GIANT, spiffed up for DVD with a nice bunch of extras. The movie looks swell, but it's what it always has been; by now, surely you know if you love it or hate it. Stevens' waterlogged pacing sometimes pays off with added dramatic charge, sometimes merely seems lumbering. Hudson and Taylor were never better (she's actually a living, breathing PERSON, for a change), and Dean is riveting. Nakedly emotional, he invests the smallest gesture with a poignancy that's profoundly moving. The fun in this disc is the additional features: Gig Young plowing manfully through a bunch of Warner TV promos (including one with a charming, elfin Dimitri Tiomkin); the usual making-of documentary, replete with current video interviews with every survivor of the film's production they could coax in front of a camera; and, most glorious of all, the DuMont Network broadcast of the film's premiere. Emcees Chill Wills and Jayne Meadows (!!!) hustle a who's-who of yesteryear celebs past the TV cameras, most pausing just long enough to proclaim GIANT the towering achievement of cinematic history and plug their own current movie. Catch George Nader, Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter making with some very ordinary-looking beards. And, as the NY opening's a benefit for muscular dystrophy, the odd real person stumbles in among the actors, various charity figures begowned and tuxed and tiaraed for the big night, looking like deer caught in oncoming headlights as they burble and chatter and shove crippled tykes in wheelchairs toward the cameras. Great stuff.
Rating: 
Summary: A whopper of an epic
Review: When reviewing a movie as generous in length as this one, one is left wondering where to start. First, lets get the negatives out of the way. Only one I can think of and that is that it runs a bit long. This makes the film drag a bit in the midsection, but for some that is what makes it so great. A matter of opinion, mostly, whether this is too long or not. The positives: First, the acting is out standing. Liz Taylor is always spectacular, and Rock Hudson works wonders with Bick Benedict, making him come to life as a full real life, well rounded character. James Dean is also in fine form here as Jett Rink. Other notables include Mercedes McCambridge as Luz Benidict, and the actor who plays the son of the stars (I've forgotten the man's name). There are also some incredible scenes here. Virtually any scene with Dean is great and a double treat if Hudson and Dean are together. The Christmas scenes are well done as is the return from the war which will bring tears to your eyes. The scenes revolving around the dedication of the airport are all tremendous, as we see proof that one may grow older with out changing and the ingrained prejiduces that become standard after a lifetime. The scene when Jett Rink's luck turns is one of the best in the whole movie as is his insuing confrontation with Benedict. The scene in the cafe towards the end is also great. In closing, the score is also amazing, with the swelling orchestra and the recurring theme that crops up from time to time. In short, this movie is recommended. You might have to break it up instead of sitting straight through it but it is definately worth a watch.
Rating: 
Summary: A SORT OF DALLAS OF THE FIFTIES
Review: Part three of the so called AMERICAN trilogy by director STEVENS after A PLACE IN THE SUN and SHANE.Before making this film that gave him his star status, ROCK HUDSON had made a few romantic movies with SIRK.Basically, this is an elegant soap opera with a few overblown touches that fortunately don't detract the overall effect.The set pieces makes the film quite unique as a whole.JAMES DEAN in his last role gets the MARLON BRANDO award for making all his gestures count.ELISABETH is at her best, even if it's hard to imagine she can age so fast during the film.Of great historical interest since it was probably the most awaited movie of 1956.
Rating:
Summary: A GIANT of a Movie !!!
Review: This wonderful saga is without a doubt my alltime favourite movie, It is on the grand scale of Gone With the Wind although I think, a little easier to relate to. The three main stars offer their finest performance, in my opinion. Right down to the smallest part - every actor is impeccable in their depiction - just look at the expression on the Negro Manservant in Maryland - one can read his mind while watching his glances. The tiniest role players are gems in Giant. Viewers must concentrate carefully on every single scene so as not to miss a single detail. As it is over three hours long, an intermission might be preferred, rather than missing any moments as all are crucial. The version I have was recorded off television during a showing in the 1980's and I have now worn it out - so am thankfully able to obtain a new one through Amazon. I have seen this Movie many times but it always has an incredible impact. Never was Elizabeth Taylor more breath-takingly beautiful or Rock Hudson more tall, dark & handsome !! James Dean's chiseled features and mumbling speech and every movement he makes totally portray the resentful rebel to the hilt. I found the sage of their disappointment with their children's choices in life interesting. Those who also find this should not miss another movie where this occurs - that is "Splendour in the Grass" starring Natalie Wood and introducing Warren Beatty. It has this similar theme but with much more tragic results as the parents force their children into ultimately ruining their lives. I think that four stars from Giant are also in Rebel Without A Cause. Dean, Hopper, Mineo and the other I think is the lady who plays young Jordan's wife. Is she Pilar del Rey ??? Anyway, this movie should not be missed. One can smell the greenness of the Maryland pasture and then taste the dust of Texas. It is an unforgettable saga and I have introduced it to many other people who have been absolutely transfixed. Can hardly wait for my new tape to arrive - will be showing it to everyone I know !! It is an incredible GIANT of a movie in every sense !!
Rating:
Summary: giant of a movie
Review: I have been waiting for james dean to arrive on dvd since I got my player 2 years ago.after getting rebel without a cause we now have giant.warner bros have done a great job with this disc the picture on the wholeis good.some scenes i thought were a bit soft but hey the movie is 45 years old.side 1 is the film side 2 is the extras-50 min making of documentary-4 trailers-tv special of the new york premiere altogether over 1hour and 50 minutes of extras cant be bad.cant wait for east of eden now.
Rating:
Summary: an american movie classic
Review: words really cant describe what a great movie experience thisis.... not only does this movie encapsulate the american dream, butalso comments on problems with society of the era with many stillbeing relavent today. after seeing this movie, you'll realize justhow bad you are getting ripped off at the theatre today with most ofthe current releases.
Rating:
Summary: A Giant In Every Sense of the Word!!
Review: George Steven's (Shane) feisty grandiose generational epic of the lives of the Benedict family remains one of the cinematic testaments to the power of storytelling over the practicality of length. Giant continues to be a vivacious spirited romp of sheer narrative bliss as we are introduced to bigheaded Jordan "Bic" Benedict (Rock Hudson) as he earnestly courts and eventually weds the forcefully strong-willed Leslie Lynnton (Elizabeth Taylor). Once the young newlyweds settle at Bic's renowned cattle ranch Reatta where Bic and Leslie begin to live their lives together, we meet the unaccommodating and disrespectful Reatta farmhand Jett Rink (James Dean in his third and final role), and the character relations developed here plant the seeds that set this Texan tale of pride, class, masculinity, and bigotry ablaze and never faltering through its pleasing three and half hour run. Shimmering and sparkling with legendary performances from its leads, great supporting roles by an astonishingly distinguished cast including a young Dennis Hooper (Jordan "Bic" Benedict III), Jane Withers, Chill Wills, Carroll Baker, Mercedes McCambridge, Sal Mineo, Rod Taylor, and Earl Holliman, staggering attention to every minute detail, and an exceptional notable awareness of the role of time on the trials and tribulations that the "supposed" advance of technology and culture have on the old-fashioned reminants of Texan Aristocracy, Giant remains an unforgettably momentous milestone in film history. If you haven't seen this 1950's movie landmark yet, pick up the 40th anniversary VHS of Giant today. You won't be disappointed. I guarantee it. P.S. The Yellow Rose of Texas Restaurant Scene will never ever leave my memeory.
Rating:
Summary: Watch this one for James Dean
Review: This movie is overly long, thoroughly dated and loaded with improbable characterizations, but so what? It's still a fine movie with breathtaking Texas vistas, Liz Taylor at her most gorgeous and an interesting early performance by Dennis Hopper. But the film belongs completely and utterly to the brilliant James Dean in his last role. If anyone doubts his genius, watch carefully as he wove his magic around the part of Jett Rink. Every subtle nuance, every hand gesture and movement of his body is mesmerizing. He completely outclasses Rock Hudson, who gives an adequate performance, nothing more. Their scenes together almost make you wince at Hudson's ineptitude in juxtaposition to Dean's understated mastery in the acting department. The highlight of the film is when Jett finally strikes oil and drives up to his rival Hudson and tells him the news (then punches his lights out!) The last thirty minutes drags dreadfully, especially the gratuitous restaurant scene where Rock beats up a bunch of bigots. But Dean is magic. Watch and you'll agree.
Rating:
Summary: An Epic as Big as Texas
Review: The screen adaptation of Edna Ferber's bestselling novel is big in every way. Big screen, big stars, big budget, big name director. Yet in spite of all this "bigness," Giant is a very personal, intimate story about a new generation of Texans coming of age during a time of social and economic change. Elizabeth Taylor plays a privileged eastern woman (incorrectly identified as a Southern belle by Amazon's reviewer) who falls in love with Rock Hudson, a Texas cattle baron, when he visits her father's home in order to purchase a much-prized horse. Instead of bringing back just a horse, Bick Benedict (Hudson) brings back Leslie (Taylor) as his bride. Leslie's eastern upbringing is challenged by the more conservative Texas culture she's been thrown into. Far from a feminist crusader, Leslie believes her opinions and thoughts are at least as important as her male friends and neighbors, something unheard of in the relatively isolated Texas ranch where Bick's family has made its home for generations. Added to this mix is Jet Rink (James Dean), a wrangler turned oil baron in an ironic twist of fate. Still hated and looked down upon by Bick and his friends, they can't ignore his success, nor can they ignore the oil business and its ever-growing importance to the surrounding Texas economy. Filled with all the grandeur that you'd expect from a movie epic, Giant has so much more. Rich characterizations by Hudson, Taylor, and Dean, all giving the performances of their careers. Hudson proved his dramatic worth with his portrayal of Bick Benedict. His may be the best performance in the film, which has unfortunately been overshadowed by Dean's untimely death and ensuing mythology after Giant's production. It's been recorded that director George Stevens originally wanted Grace Kelly for the role of Leslie and he was not happy with Taylor as second choice. Well, if that's the case, it doesn't show at all. Stevens gets a marvelously nuanced performance out of Taylor that is truly amazing to behold. It's even more amazing when you realize she was only 23 when the film was made (Dean was the same age). Just about everyone who was alive in the 1950s seems to be in this movie and to great end. The casting is absolutely perfect. This film is a career high point for all involved, including director Stevens, who won the Oscar that year as best director (Amazingly the film lost out to Mike Todd's Around the World in 80 Days for Best Picture). Chill Wills and Mercedes McCambridge are outstanding in their supporting roles, and it's just plain fun to see Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Earl Holliman, Rodney Taylor (later changed to Rod), and Caroll Baker (who makes her big screen debut in this film) at the beginnings of their careers. The wonderful score by Dimitri Tiomkin rounds out this excellent production. It you love big movies with big themes and great acting, Giant won't disappoint you. After more than 40 years, it holds up amazingly well. Great entertainment!
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