The Guardian [DVD]

It has been several decades since the 1990 movie of "The Guardian" has been broadcasted on UK Freeview Television, so it is great to be able to see it again in DVD quality rather than the TV-recorded VHS tape that I have been using.The film itself is very enjoyable, being in the supernatural genre - not all trees are what they seem! This tree feasts on human blood by absorbing bodies which leave their bark-covered features on its surface, and is quite capable of defending itself or its female guardian when under threat!I am very glad that I have made this purchase!

I already have the original Anchor bay release of this film from 2000which only has an audio commentary track by William friedkan as an extrabut Second sight films a U.K. DVD Distributor finally reissued this filmso I knew I had to buy itand you get all new interviews with Jenny seagrove and also interviews with William friedkanand the writer of the film aswell plus the Audio commentary by William friedkan from the Anchor bay releaseall brand new interviews are very in depth about 15mins longWilliam friedkans is longerthe picture and audio quality on this second sight films version is excellentthe audio is remixed into 5.1 surround sound better than the Anchor bay versionthe picture is really good quality Widescreen better than the Anchor bay versionany fan of this film or William friedkan's moviesthat have the 2000 Anchor bay version, you might aswell get rid of itcause it's definitely time to upgrade to this all new second sight films reissuebetter picture and audio quality than the Anchor bay release no doubt about it.you won't be disapointed

I originally saw The Guardian during its cinematic release in 1990 (or so) it was and probably still is somewhat derided as to its quality but I've always really liked the quirkyness of it.The sumptuous Jenny Seagrove plays 'Camilla' a nanny come evil baby sacrificing guardian tree spirit moving from placement to placement practising her unorthodox approach to childcare whereupon she arrives at the home of a young couple with their newly born son Jake.There are some nice touches throughout the film; the idea in itself is very novel, good use is made of a particularly imposing tree out in the woods that Camilla is the guardian of; there are some good slaying scenes involving said tree as well as a pack of wolves and by horror standards it is just fundamentally a fun experience to watch.Saying that the production issues surrounding the film are evident; some of the lighting I've always thought wasn't quite right leading some woodland set scenes to look too much like a studio set. All the performances are fine and the contemporary Grimm fairy tale imagery that Friedkin was attempting to create works really well.The only extras on this special edition are 3 relatively short interviews (between 15-20 mins) with, individually, William Friedkin, Jenny Seagrove and co-writer Stephen Volk.The anecdotes provided are interesting. Friedkin relays a bad experience he had with a nanny and discusses 'The Exorcist' also as well as his aims, problems etc with the script of The Guardian. Interesting stuff.Jenny Seagrove does not appear over enamoured with the film, despite endeavouring to be diplomatic she comes across as a bit critical of it and refers to her participation as a 'mistake' although as she admits she is no horror fan anyway. She seems a bit regretful that they didn't ditch the supernatural element and go with the straightforward evil nanny approach, even contacting an exec at Universal studios to pitch this idea and later lambasting him after 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' came out and was a hit a few years later. This is much better Jenny and you were great. Box office success is no indicator of taste!The final interview with co-writer Stephen Volk is also very illuminating and highlights the problematic puppy that The Guardian was. During the writing process Volk did discuss with Friedkin whether they also should ditch the supernatural element and go with the psychological approach instead. Friedkin apparently agreed but Universal refused saying they wanted Friedkin of Exorcist fame to roll out another horror. Volk had to leave due to other committments and also to receive therapy whereby he discusses for months after how he had recurring nightmares of Friedkin flying over his house (in the UK) by helicopter speaking to him from a megaphone telling him to go back to Hollywood and finish the writing process!It's really nice to see it again; 5 stars is a very personal appraisal but the fact that it has stood the test of time really well suggests its a better film than many of those associated with it felt post production.

it seems to be in Italian but in English

not a bad movie i think it will get your attention.it is a great location,acting is very good.if any of the ladies have children, you might start to really protecting your children, and worry. it's a good movie, but remember it's only a movie, and things like this wont happen in real life. give this movie a chance, it should be in your collection.

Just wanted to see if it was as good the first time I saw it years ago, nearly is!

Still as scary and as mess you up horror that makes you not want to go to bed at night or leave your child with a Nanny lol

The show is unusal and the cast bring it to life, Very entertaining and worth watching, Jenny Seagrove plays a very convincing role. A story different to watch and if you like thrillers and horrors its a must.