Meet Joe Black (Ultimate Edition) | Fredric March, Evelyn Venable

Meet Joe Black (Ultimate Edition) | Fredric March, Evelyn Venable | A literate look at an eventual subject

DVDs:

Meet Joe Black (Ul...

	Meet Joe Black (Ultimate Edition) Fredric March, Evelyn Venable Universal Studios, 2001 average customer review:based on 448 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

An intriguing Angel of Death

I saw "Meet Joe Black" (MJB) in a theater when it first came out. At the time, I thought it was okay, but nothing great. I just saw it again on DVD and now love it. Here are the reasons why:

*For me, the main fascination of MJB is its underlying premise--what can happen when a noncorporal spirit being, the powerful Angel of Death, "takes a holiday" by assuming bodily form. It means that this spirit now experiences all the sensual pleasures and pains that flesh is heir to. He tastes food and develops a fondness for peanut butter; he sees and appreciates beauty in the form of Susan (Claire Forlani); he falls in love and is overcome by its ecstacies as well as its pains. He's also a quick learner in the lesson of being human, rapidly graduating in a few days to the pinnacle of what is best in humanity--our ability to transcend our selfishness for the good of another. In portraying this demanding role, I thought Brad Pitt did eminently well, especially in conveying with his eyes the immense power of the Angel of Death.

*Anthony Hopkins' superb acting: He gives us such nuances of expression, imbuing his Bill Parrish with great feeling and believability. Wannabe actors should watch and learn from his performance, which was a master class in acting.

*The movie's affirmation of life: At the end, watching the glorious fireworks and knowing that his death is imminent, Hopkins remarked to Joe Black that it's hard to tear oneself away (from life). If that doesn't move you, nothing will.

*The movie's moral core: Unlike so many Hollywood flicks these days, MJB takes a moral and supernatural stance--that business can and should be ethical; that it's good that men would want to take care of the women they love; that love means responsibility, wanting what's good for the beloved, and self-sacrifice; and that those who have lived a morally good life have nothing to fear about death.

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A literate look at an eventual subject

I have been captivated by this movie for many years now so the "HD DVD" purchase was just a foregone conclusion. With each viewing I'm totally moved by each actor (even you Quince;) and enthralled that this 3 hour marathon feels shorter than many 2 hour action flicks (like the new Die Hard). Brad Pitt surpasses anything I could have hoped for in the role of Death and this is one of the few times ever in the history of cinema I have seen Anthony Hopkins equaled in a film (but not bested:). The movie 5/5

Sadly, there are (again) no special features that weren't already on the standard def version, in fact the extra's here ARE in standard def which to me is like a slap, with a twenty and a fiver. However since we are dealing with a movie already clocking in at the 3 hour window I can overlook it. The extras 3/5

In closing, the tears are real, the performances are jarringly raw and all this is only heightened by one of the better looking HD DVD releases. Yes, all that glitters is not high definition gold.. or Blu, but in this case an upgrade is not only worth your money it's worth your Kleenex as well. Stock up. The conclusion 5/5

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A perfect movie

This is my 3rd favorite movie of all-time, and I'm a 19 year old guy, but it is a perfect movie. The HD DVD version looks good, not as good as The Hulk, or the Matrix Trilogies, but still good.

The movie itself, is something everyone should see. As the previous reviewer wrote, its 3 hours but it goes quick. I actually find myself checking how much time is left and wishing it was more, even when there was still like 2 hours left (its that good). Its about life and death, and all the things that truly matter in life. It doesn't make me cry, but it is an emotional movie that makes you tear up, especially the last 45 minutes.

Go buy it. Now.

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Great Movie.

I watched this movie for the first time while surfing through my HD Channels. But I'll admit that I wasn't interested in watching this movie when it was first released or any other time it was available on premium channels. However, more recently I have become more intrigued by Brad Pitt and it's probably because of all the current media hype he's recently received as half of the hottest Hollywood couple. Aside from wanting to see more of Brad and his acting, the picture quality was quite amazing and enough to get me into the movie. Each scene was like still life photography. From the rooms of the Parrish mansion to the boardroom, the color and tone of the set was just beautiful. Even some of the elements such as the cake samples were unique and colorful and lend such timelessness to this film. Although the sound editing put me and my remote to work with its highs (Music) and lows (Voice), the video quality fared much better as HD made for some wonderful viewing, especially of Brad. The early scene of Brad's freak pedestrian accident was so unfortunate, but convincing enough to link him to his Death character. I anticipated every scene and found some scenes and acting a bit quirky (peanut butter), while other scenes, particularly the intimate one, simply enthralling. Needless to say, I became a willing hostage up to the party scene, at which time I had to pull myself away for another urgent commitment. However, I will have to savor the rest and probably the best parts of the film for when I purchase the DVD. I really look forward to viewing it again from beginning and to the very end.

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Almost perfect

What a cast! Anthony Hopkins his usual professional self and Brad Pitt doing as well. It would have earned a 5 star rating but for the times that the musical background overwhelmed conversations, especially intimate ones. Not a problem if one uses close captioning.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, page 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

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