Cinema Paradiso (Extended Cut)

Love this movie

First, Let me state emphatically that this film MUST be seen in the extended "New" version. The extra footage will put some viewers off, but I insist it is absolutely necessary to understand the whole story. You must buy the Miramax edition with the blue cover, available from Amazon. Side "A" is the extended, 174 minute version. Side "B" is the absurd shortened version.Next it would take a far better wordsmith than me to adequately describe the raptures of this film. Everything about it is extraordinary. It is a creation of great beauty, with marvelous performances, numerous classic film clips edited together with great artistry, and above all, breathtaking music.For me, the film presents a profound message about the Meaning, or Nature, of Love.That message, simply stated, is that love is a paradox that is at once enduring and momentary; enduring, because it can last a whole lifetime, and momentary because it can be over in the brief moment it takes to kiss another human being. Having been married with great mutual love for 43 years I can attest to the truth of this principle.I must disclose that every time I reach the end of this film and see the famous closing montage of classic film clips presented over the music of the breathtaking Love Theme, it makes me weep openly. I guess I am just an old Romantic.Please, I implore you, watch this wonderful first while you are alone, and then again, with someone you love.

This is a movie-lover's movie. I grew up in a small Mid-west town with one movie theater. We got some of the movies almost a year after their original release. A cross-section of our town went regularly and it was a social event. Watching this movie reminded me of many nights in our theater. Lots of personalities, we often had the same reaction, laughing, crying etc. In the movie the theater was a gathering point for the diverse personalities of the town. The relationship between the projectionist and the young boy was very touching. As the boy grew to a man, he continued to love his mentor. The final scene viewing all of the scenes that the town priest had banned was wonderful and very emotional. The music was great. The casting and acting made the film fun to watch and it was easy to become emotionally invested. I bought this as a birthday gift for a friend. I wanted to share this experience with her.

I'm a huge fan of foreign films and this alongside a few others, like Amelie, are among my favorites. The soundtrack complements the story and overall feel of the film. The acting is superb and I honestly enjoyed every second. I was laughing, crying and everything in-between. It truly shows how films can affect people in the best ways possible, to inspire love and hope!The friendship between Toto and Alfredo is so genuine and heartfelt and carries the film beautifully. The ending (for me) was full of tears and joy and tied the film up perfectly. This piece of art made me appreciate the beauty of films even more. I could watch this on a loop and would love every second of it, and now that I have it on DVD I just might! :)

This film comes as near to perfection in cinema as anything I've seen. Sensitive, artistic, earthy, heart wrenching love story and such a beautiful musical score. Of course , the actors were what made it all come to life - even those in subordinate roles. An actual depiction of life in Italy. From the coarse to the refined - from the fantasy to the reality. Film makers today should use it as a template for their work today. I am proud to own it and have watched it over and over and have lent it to many friends who share my enthusiasm for such a piece of art.

Love the movie. Unfortunately (for me), the new extended version was too much. If you have never seen this movie, I strongly recommend it! Any person who has emigrated their town, homeland, state, or city will be able to relate... childhood memories and perspectives to adulthood. Make sure you have tissues with you!On the other hand, Amazon had send me one less movie than what I order. However contacting them, they took care of it and send me the missing one(s) right away! They were gifts for friends.

This is a must see and a very important film to watch. A must have for any video library. I have seen it many times and every time I have see it it has taken me away from this world and catapulted into Toto's world. There are two versions of this movie. One is the directors cut, and one is the regular version. If you want to know what really happened to the main characters in the movie and seeing it in view of the directors eyes, get the long version. I preferred the cinema version and felt strangely sobered up watching the directors cut.

Product is not English Dubbed as Described in the Product description....I was So Looking forward to "Hearing the Dialog in English", without having to be forced to read the subtitles...the Movie is still Great, just not as Enjoyable....

It was everything I expected and more. Such a beautiful movie about real life and not about a fantasy life. The music was superb, also.

One of My son's favourite movie !!!

This DVD was not the original film, which was brilliant. This film had 55 extra minutes with a lot of unnecessary footage, making the film bloated and endless. Miramax has obviously purchased the rights to the film as Harvey Weinstein's thumb prints are all over it.I would like the original dvd, which I have ordered from you in the past. Unfortunately, I loaned it to a friend and she then "lost" it.Please send me a copy of the original dvd and I will return the so called "improved" item.