The Princess Bride 30th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray]

THE PRINCESS BRIDE [1987 / 2017] [30th Anniversary Edition] [Blu-ray] Heroes, Giants, Villains, Wizards and True Love! Not Just Your Basic, Average, Everyday, Ordinary Run-Of-The-Mill, Ho-Hum Fairy Tale!‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ is one of the most beloved films of all time, and has enchanted young and old alike for over thirty years!When the beautiful maiden Buttercup [Robin Wright-Penn] hears that her true love Westley [Cary Elwes] is dead, she reluctantly agrees to marry the loathsome Prince Humperdinck [Chris Sarandon]. After Westley returns to rescue Buttercup, the two begin an epic adventure filled with fencing, fighting, giants, monsters, miracles, true love and hilarity! Featuring an all-star cast that includes Mandy Patinkin as a Spanish cavalier Inigo Montoya, Billy Crystal as a crazy magician Miracle Max and Christopher Guest as Count Tyrone Rugen. ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ is a classic tale that is celebrating 30 years for you to enjoy this Ho-Hum Fairy Tale!FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1987 Toronto International Film Festival: Win: People's Choice Award for Rob Reiner. 1988 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Music and Original Song for Willy DeVille for the song "Storybook Love." 1988 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films: Win: Best Fantasy Film. Win: Best Costumes for Phyllis Dalton. Nominated: Best Actress for Robin Wright. Nominated: Best Writing for William Goldman. 1988 American Comedy Awards: Nominated: Funniest Supporting Male Performer in a Motion Picture or TV for Billy Crystal. Nominated: Funniest Supporting Female Performer in a Motion Picture or TV for Carol Kane. 1988 Casting Society of America: Nominated: Best Casting for Feature Film and Comedy for Jane Jenkins and Janet Hirshenson. 1988 Grammy Awards: Nominated: Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television for Mark Knopfler. 1988 Hugo Awards: Win: Best Dramatic Presentation for Rob Reiner (director) and William Goldman (screenplay/novel). 1988 Writers Guild of America: Nominated: Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for William Goldman.FILM FACT No.2: The film was shot in various locations in Great Britain and Ireland, which includes: Carl Wark, Sheffield, England. Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, England. Lathkill Dale where it meets Cales Dale (the 'Battle of wits' scene). Cave Dale, Castleton, Derbyshire, England. Bradley Rocks and Robin Hood's Stride, Birchover, Derbyshire, England. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland (for the Cliffs of Insanity). Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire, England. Penshurst Place, Kent, England. Popular professional wrestler André the Giant had undergone major back surgery prior to filming, and despite André the Giant great size and strength, could not support the weight of Cary Elwes during their fight scene or Robin Wright for the scene at the end of the film. For the wrestling scene, when Cary Elwes was pretending to hang on André the Giant's back, was actually walking on a series of ramps below the camera during close-ups. For the wide shots, a stunt double took the place of André the Giant. When André the Giant was apparently carrying Robin Wright, she was actually suspended by cables.Cast: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André Roussimoff, Fred Savage, Robin Wright-Penn, Peter Falk, Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, Anne Dyson, Margery Mason, Malcolm Storry, Willoughby Gray, Betsy Brantley, Paul Badger, Errol Bennett (uncredited), Danny Blackner (uncredited), Willy DeVille (voice) (uncredited), Mickey Feat (uncredited), Guy Fletcher (uncredited), Mark Knopfler (uncredited), Jamie Lane (uncredited), Sallie McLaughlin (uncredited) and Derek Pykett (uncredited)Director: Rob ReinerProducers: Andrew Scheinman, Jeffrey Stott, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner and Steve NicolaidesScreenplay: William Goldman (book/screenplay)Composer: Mark KnopflerCinematography: Adrian Biddle (Director of Photography)Image Resolution: 1080p [Color by DeLuxe]Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 [Anamorphic]Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English: 2.0 LPCM Stereo AudioSubtitles: English SDHRunning Time: 98 minutesRegion: Region B/2Number of discs: 1Studio: LIONSGATE Home Entertainment UKAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ film is the Golden-age throwback glows brighter than ever. Thirty years on, Rob Reiner’s salute to Hollywood swashbuckler’s remains a poignant pastiche, gloriously unencumbered by CGI visuals and gender clichés. After 30 years, the wit, fun, charm and idealism are fresher than ever. ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE,’ that was adapted by William Goldman from his novel and directed by Rob Reiner.The film shows how it made possible fairy-tale homage and the likes of the animated films of ‘Shrek’ and ‘Frozen,’ and also affected the language of irony and comedy in the television pop culture that came afterwards. It’s a movie that manages to be both a pastiche and a fervently real love story. ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ is an organically grown comedy romance from an analogue age: different from the genetically modified, digital creations that came along later.‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ is constructed as a story-within-a-story, with the framing scenes occurring in the "real world" as a grandfather [Peter Falk] stops by to read a story to his sick grandson [Fred Savage]. During these scenes, Rob Reiner makes a statement about the value of books over electronic forms of entertainment. When the grandfather arrives, his grandson is playing a video game, a blank expression on his face. But, once the story takes flight in his imagination, he is absorbed and transfixed and transported to another time and place in a way that even the best electronic game cannot accomplish.The primary narrative, which evolves as the grandfather reads it and occasionally interrupts it to intersperse comments or skip over boring parts, takes place in the magical land of Florin, and tells of the true love between peasant girl Buttercup [Robin Wright] and stable hand Westley [Cary Elwes]. After declaring their unending affection for each other, they are separated, and Westley is reported dead. Buttercup, cold-hearted and stone-faced after her loss, is chosen by the crown prince, Humperdinck [Chris Sarandon] to be his bride.Humperdinck's motives, however, are not pure. He intends to arrange for Buttercup's abduction, frame rival country Guilder for her murder, and start a war with the backing of the common folk, who love their princess-to-be. To this end, he hires three rogues to capture Buttercup: the wily Sicilian Vizzini [Wallace Shawn], who fancies himself to be the smartest man in the world and has a fondness for the word "inconceivable;" the giant Fezzik [André the Giant], who is dumb, kind-hearted, and humungous; and the swordsman Inigo Montoya [Mandy Pantankin], who is scouring the world in search of the six-fingered man who killed his beloved father.Vizzini, Fezzik, and Inigo kidnap Buttercup one day when she's out riding. Heading for the Guilder and Florin frontier, they spirit her away by boat. Hot on their trail is the ship of the Dread Pirate. He pursues them to the Cliffs of Insanity, where he engages in a duel of steel with Inigo, a wrestling match with Fezzik, and a match of wits with Vizzini to win Buttercup. Once she is in his custody, he reveals himself to be Westley. Fleeing Humperdinck and his lackey, Count Rugen [Christopher Guest], Buttercup and Westley enter the dreaded Fire Swamp, where the ROUS (Rodents of Unusual Size) is only one of the dangers. And, once they get out, there's still Humperdinck to deal with. Fortunately, Westley and Buttercup are not without allies. Fezzik and Inigo have joined them, and there's also help from a wizened old dwarf named Miracle Max [Billy Crystal], who harbours no love for Humperdinck or Rugen.The film is based on the book by William Goldman, who wrote his own screenplay adaptation. Before Rob Reiner came along, William Goldman had been trying for 15 years to get the fantasy film made and at one point, Norman Jewison was attached to the project. William Goldman decided that Rob Reiner was the man for the job. Years later, William Goldman would comment that he was only fully satisfied with the motion picture versions of two of his scripts: ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Princess Bride.’Everyone who has seen ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ has their favourite scene and it's a testimony to the film's start-to-finish strength that nearly every minute of the fantasy film's running length is on someone's list. The candidates are wide and varied, ranging from the Inigo and Westley swordfight to the battle of intelligence with Vezzini to the Pit of Despair to the visit to Miracle Max's to the storming of the castle and the duel with the six-fingered man. There is little, if anything, in ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ that doesn't work. Director Rob Reiner hits all the right notes, and it would be impossible to achieve a better overall tone. The Billy Crystal and Carol Kane cameo offers some of ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ films biggest guffaws. Reportedly, Rob Reiner had to leave the set during the filming of these scenes, because Billy Crystal's ad-libs were causing him to laugh so hard he was becoming nauseated. Among the film's most appealing elements are a score by Mark Knopfler and the pleasantly intrusive presence of Peter Falk, who appears as a grandfather reading ''The Princess Bride'' to his grandson. ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ is a rich, all-engrossing treat. That's largely thanks to the efforts of an eclectic cast, which includes Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Mel Smith and Peter Cook. This is a truly unexpected delight for all the family.THE PRINCESS BRIDE MUSIC TRACK LISTSTORYBOOK LOVE [Written by Willy De Ville] [Performed by Willy De Ville]TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME [Written by Jack Norworth] [Music by Albert Von Tilzer]Blu-ray Image Quality – LIONSGATE Home Entertainment UK brings you this Blu-ray disc with a stunning 1080p spectacular image presentation and is helped with the equally impressive 1.85:1 [Anamorphic] aspect ratio and is equally a solid transfer. The images are sharp and the textures looks very nice and for this anniversary edition it looked very impressive. Detail can be very strong and many scenes feature a good level of depth especially where the colours are beautifully vibrant without being unnatural and the many wide shots of lush, English countryside simply pop off of the screen. Contrast is strong and black levels are deep and inky. So all in all, LIONSGATE Home Entertainment UK have done a really professional job in presenting us with something really special. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.Blu-ray Audio Quality – LIONSGATE Home Entertainment UK you with a very nice 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience, which does a really great service to the film that is most of the time dialogue driven, but still has moments where the film music score and action really packs a punch. The audio balance is well handled throughout the film, with the overall sound mixing of the film gives you the feeling of a great presentation of how everything was intended to come out for the director Rob Reiner. The part of the sound is mainly experienced with the front speakers, but the rear speaker activity is a little subdued, with only some minor ambient effects and music cues. Elsewhere in the film, wind swirls about, enveloping the listener and practically placing a chill in the room. Bass rumbles here and there, especially with the "fire swamp" sequence is a fine example of the generally subtle yet highly effective lows that come into play several times throughout the film. The composed film score music plays clearly and accurately across the front, and dialogue is delivered crisply and accurately through the centre channel. So all in all ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ has never sounded better via your Home Cinema set up.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Audio Commentary by Director Rob Reiner: Here the director Rob Reiner introduces himself and welcomes us to this audio commentary on his film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’ Rob informs us that Mark Knopfler would only compose the music if Rob’s hat from the film ‘Spinal Tap’ is viewed somewhere in the film, which Rob asks us to keep a look out for it. Rob informs us that he read “The Princess Bride” book when he was about 25 years old and has been a massive fan of it ever since. Rob was also very proud to have secured Robin Wright-Penn for the role of Buttercup and despite being born in America, was able to do a perfect English accent. Rob also feels that the actor Cary Elwes was also totally perfect for the part, as he felt he was like a modern day Douglas Fairbank Jr., as Cary definitely had the flare to be dashing and swashbuckling personality. Rob informs us that the castle in the film was at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire and is the home to the Manners Family. Haddon Hall is one of England's finest examples of a medieval manor house. The origins of the hall date to the 11th century. William Peverel, illegitimate son of William the Conqueror, held the manor of Haddon in 1087, when the survey was taken, which resulted in the Domesday Book, was undertaken. When we see the “Cliffs of Insanity,” it is a matte painting and is based on the actual Cliffs of Moher, which are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland, which rise 120 metres (390 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, which they actually filmed on location. When you see the brilliant and very realistic sword fighting sequences, especially between the actors Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin took roughly 10 days to film and both actors when not performing in front of the camewra, would take every opportunity to practice their fencing skills against each other and especially also with the Olympic fencing champion to get it 100% accurate. When you see the big rodent fighting scenes, the growling noise you hear are from Rob Reiner himself, but with the first recording session the engineer forgot to press the record button and Rob Reiner nearly lost his voice when they went to do the actual recording of his growling voice. When you see the two evil characters Chris Sarandon and Christopher Guest in the wood where they open the secret door in the tree, this was filmed in an actual wood forest near Heathrow Airport and every 30 seconds they had to stop filming because planes were flying over them. At around Chapter 12 at the 69 minutes mark, you finally get to see Rob Reiner’s hat hanging up in the Grandsons bedroom. When we see the late great Peter Cook performing the wedding ceremony, Rob informs us that this was one of his most favourite moments in the film. As we get to the end of the final scene in the Grandson’s bedroom, when you get the close up of Peter Falk saying goodbye to his Grandson, this was actually filmed in Los Angeles, especially when Peter Falk says, “As you wish.” As the credits appear on the screen, Rob Reiner informs us that the song we hear was written by William De Ville, and so when the film credit appears on the screen, Rob Reiner says, “Have fun storming the castle.”Audio Commentary by Author William Goldman: Here Bill Goldman informs us that he was the author of the original screenplay and of course the book, and he feels very spooky as he speaks, as this is the very first times he has viewed this film since seeing its original release in the cinema, and he very much liked the film very much and hopes he feels the same by the end of this audio commentary. When peter Falk gives the book to his Grandson, William really liked this particular scene. When we first see Cary Elwes and Robin Wright-Penn, William thought these two very handsome actors were perfectly cast, and also praises Robin for her perfect English accent; especially the young actress was born in America. William informs us that Norman Jewison gave Rob Reiner $16million dollars to make the film and despite it being a low budget film, they all made an effort to bring it under budget, which they did. When Cary and Mandy were not filming, they would take all opportunity to practice their sword fencing skills. Most of the time William talks about other actors in general not associated with this film, as well as talking about other films and not ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE,’ that he has done the screenplays for. William says that when he wrote the actual book, he at the time killed off Westley and cried, so re-wrote that section of the book to not kill of this character, but instead for him to be rescued and brought back to life. When we get to the wedding ceremony, William informs us that he thinks Peter Cook is a comic genius. As the credits appear at the end of the film, William was told by someone that if you cannot make a film at 1 hour and 50 minutes, then you have to make a much longer film, and has to be in the style of the director David Lean, and William was very pleased it was brought in at just 98 minutes, and he also says everyone put in a great effort and collaboration in doing a very great professional job and in fact William informs us that not a lot of scenes ended up on the cutting room floor, and he really enjoyed it a lot and hopes everyone also enjoyed the film as much as William did.Special Feature: True Love: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ Phenomenon: Here we get to view two separate special features and they are as follows:01. A Conversation with director Rob Reiner, Cary Elwes and Robin Wright [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [15:58] Here we have an intimate conversation with director Rob Reiner, Cary Elwes and Robin Wright-Penn talking about and reminiscing about their experiences in the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE,’ which at the time of this video recording they mention it was 25 years ago when the film was released. We get to view a rare outtake of the Original Ending with actor Peter Falk and Fred Savage. We also get to view some rare outtakes of the Original Dailies, including the little boy Fred Savage and the famous sword fight on the cliff top. We hear that certain well known people wanted to make the film that included director François Truffaut, Norman Jewison and Robert Redford, but all turned the project down as they thought it was too odd ball. It was obviously set up to look more informal than it actually was, but it still works very well as a more conversational and nostalgic piece.02. Entering the Zeitgeist [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [15:06] Here we have a look at how ‘THE PRICESS BRIDE’ film has become a minor cultural phenomenon over the many years since its release in 1987, developing quite a cult following. This is quite interesting to see the lengths some fans have gone to honour the film. Contributors include: Mandy Patinkin [Inigo Montoya], Chandler Rubottom [Fan], Nasser Samara [Fan], John Brown [Fan], James Ryan [Fan], Billy Crystal [Miracle max], Rob Reiner [Director], Cary Elwes [Westley], Alexander Wright and Grace Wright [Fans], Michelle Dickens [Fan], Chris Sarandon [Prince Humperdinck], William Goldman [book/screenplay], Robin Wright-Penn [Buttercup], Carl Reiner [Father of Rob Reiner], Christopher Guest [Count Rugen] and Norman Lear [Executive Producer].Special Feature: As You Wish: The Story of ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ [2001] [480i] [1.33:1] [27:18] Here we get to view a short documentary about the making of ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ film and the cultural impact it’s had. We also get interviews with all the stars and some brilliant rare behind-the-scenes footage, and we also get lots of clips from the film. The section about André Roussimoff (André the Giant) is tender and genuinely moving and Mandy Patinkin is another great interview subject. Contributors include: Fred Savage [The Grandson], Billy Crystal [Miracle Max], Cary Elwes [Westley], Mandy Patinkin [Inigo Montoya], William Goldman [Author], Rob Reiner [Director], Robin Wright-Penn [Buttercup], Christopher Guest Count Rugen], Chris Sarandon [Prince Humperdinck], Peter Diamond Stunt Coordinator] and André Roussimoff [Fezzik] (archive footage).Special Feature: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ Original 1987 Featurette [1987] [480i] [1.33:1] [7:39] This is basically a made for Television promotional documentary on the making of the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ by the company Video Press Pak. We also get to view some really rare behind-the-scene filming and much fun the cast and crew had. Contributors include: Rob Reiner [Director], Wallace Shaw [Vizzini], Mandy Patinkin [Inigo Montoya], Billy Crystal [Miracle Max], Carol Kane [Valerie] and Chris Sarandon [Prince Humperdinck].Special Feature: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ Original 1987 Making of Feature [1987] [1080p] [1.78:1] [00:00] This could be entitled Original 1987 Making of Feature Part Two, as it is again basically a follow up from the previous a made for Television promotional documentary on the making of the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’ Once again we to view extra rare behind-the-scene filming in the North of England and again we hear how much fun the cast and crew had. Contributors include: William Goldman [Author/Screenwriter], Rob Reiner [Director], Norman Garwood [Production Designer], Peter Diamon [Stunt Coordinator], Carol Kane [Valerie] and Billy Crystal [Miracle Max].Special Feature: Cary Elwes’s Video Diary [1987] [480i] [1.33:1] [3:45] With a personal video camera, Cary Elwes filmed lots of behind-the-scene filming and especially some rare intimate moments off camera when filming had stopped for the ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ film. While we view this video Cary Elwes and Robin Wright-Penn do a nice audio commentary on their experience working on the film and revealing lots of rare anecdotes about the cast and crew.Special Feature: The Art of Fencing [2012] [480i] [1.33:1] [00:00] Here we get to view a top Hollywood fencing master discuss the art of swordplay in the ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ film. We also get to hear the intricacies on the art of sword fencing and also we get to see the different weapons of choice for the fight scenes. We also get the low down on the duel to the death and the different methods of implementing the outcome of who wins and who loses. Contributors include: Robert Goodwin [Sword Master], Mandy Patinkin [Inigo Montoya] and Christopher Guest [Count Rugen].Special Feature: Dread Pirate Roberts: Greatest Legend of the Seven Seas [2006] [1080i] [1.78:1] [11:44] Here we have a look at the “history” behind the mysterious Dread Pirate Roberts character and legend in the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’ We also hear the truth behind the myth about the real Bartholomew Roberts, born John Roberts, and was a Welsh pirate who raided ships off the Americas and West Africa between 1719 and 1722. He was the most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy as measured by vessels captured, taking over 400 prizes in his career. He is also known as Black Bart (Welsh: Barti Ddu), but this name was never used in his lifetime. Narrated by Dennis Kleinman. Contributors include: Robert C. Ritchie [Director of Research at the Huntington Library and Art Gallery], E. L. Rawscey [Professor of British History at Cambridge University], Christine Markel Lampe [Editor of NO QUARTER GIVEN] and Gail Selinger [Author of THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO PIRATES].Special Feature: Fairy Tales and Folklore [2007] [1080i] [1.37:1] [9:10] This again is an in-depth look at the myths behind the storybook fairy tales of old, especially more discussion about the film's relationship to classic fairy tales and adventure stories, that have been read for generations and still loved by children when their parents read to them at bedtime. Contributors include: Chris Sarandon [Prince Humperdinck], Fred Savage [The Grandson], Robin Wright-Penn [Buttercup], Jack Zipes [Author of Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion and Why Fairy Tales Stick] and Mandy Pantinkin [Inigo Montoya].Special Feature: Love is Like a Storybook: Fairy Tales & ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ [2006] [1080i] [1.78:1] [16:44] Here we get an in-depth look into the myths of Fairy Tales and at the same time relate to scenes we view in the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’ It also looks how the director Rob Reiner combined and weaved all the elements of the Fairy Tales into the film. This becomes a very reasonable introspective and intriguing special feature. Narrated by Dennis Kleinman. Contributors include: Helen Pilinovsky Ph.D. [Columbia University], David Pesci [Author and Screenwriter] and Veronica Schanoes [University of Pennsylvania].Special Feature: Miraculous Make-up: Creating Miracle Max [2006] [1080i] [1.78:1] [11:24] Here Billy Crystal [Miracle ma] talks about how his character was created evolved for the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’ Billy Crystal was asked how he would like to play his character and he would like his make-up to look and he tells us that he wanted it a cross between Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel who was the American Major League Baseball right fielder and manager of the New York Yankees and Billy’s Grandmother and at the same time brought in photographs to help the Make-up Artist Peter Montagna get the character make-up totally perfect and to the satisfaction of Billy Crystal. We also get to see rare video footage at Shepperton Studios, Surrey, England in 1986, where we see Billy Crystal getting his make-up done by a much younger Peter Montagna.Special Feature: Princess Bride: The Untold Tales [2007] [1080i] [1.37:1] [9:07] With this special feature it contains some more in-depth snippet interviews from the cast and crew. We also once again get some in-depth look behind-the-scene filming of ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ and how the actors all got on filming in the North of England. Contributors include: Robin Wright-Penn [Buttercup], Mandy Patinkin [Inigo Montoya], Fred Savage [The Grandson], Chris Sarandon [Prince Humperdinck] and Christopher Guest [Count Rugen].Special Feature: Trailers and TV spots: Here we get to view three individual trailers that consist of: Theatrical Trailer [1987] [480i] [1.33:1] [2:08]; International Trailer [1987] [480i] [1.33:1] [2:13] and TV Spots [1987] [480i] [1.33:1] [2:31].Special Feature: Photo Gallery [2006] [1080i] [1.78:1] [2:45] Here we get to view a series of images from the film ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE,’ and at the same time you get to hear in the background the film music score.BONUS: Original Theatrical Poster Enclosed.Finally, since its release more than 30 years ago, ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ has often been copied, but never equalled. Perhaps the most successful fantasy film to capture its essential spirit was the animated film ‘Shrek.’ The word "brilliant" is often overused in the film business, but this is one of those occasions when it is warranted. The Princess Bride is an unparalleled achievement? This is a modern classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come. It has been called the "Generation X” version of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and more than any other description, that comes closest to identifying this film's impact. Although children generally appreciate ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’ pseudo-fairy tale narrative and action-packed approach, but much of the dialogue is designed for adults. Mostly credited to screenplay of William Goldman, except for the Billy Crystal ad-libs, it is totally brilliant stuff. The quips traded by Inigo and Westley during their duel are as impressive as is the actual realistic swordsmanship. Vizzini's double-talk about which cup is poisoned during the battle of wits needs to be listened to several times before it begins to make twisted sense.Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film AficionadoLe Cinema ParadisoUnited Kingdom

The Princess Bride is the best fairytale film so far produced. The 1987 film is based on the book  The Princess Bride  by William Goldman. It is an absolutely terrific film experience combining the action of a fairytale with the wittiest dialogue in film history. There is something for absolutely everyone in Princess Bride - adventure for the younger viewers, a swordfight scene the equal of any other, and banterous wordplay to have adults in hysterics.The plot of Princess Bride is designed to be simple. It is a fairytale. True love between future princess Buttercup and stablelad Westley is interrupted when he leaves to seek funds for their marriage but disappears, presumably captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts. The early scenes are incredibly mushy with soft focus and soft lighting emphasising the cheese along with the limited dialogue and longing gazes. As a piece of satire it is spot on. As a contrast to everything that comes next it is retrospectively hilarious.The action really kicks into gear when Buttercup is kidnapped. Her captors are a band of villains led by Vizzini the Sicilian. The kidnappers are sowing the seeds for war between the two rival kingdoms of Florin and Guilder. More importantly they generate terrific banter. The physical differences between the three is the stuff of fairytale but the dialogue is absolutely cutting. Being the smartest guy around Vizzini perpetually demeans his compadres though they give nearly as good as they get. The two other members of the villain crew are Fezzik played by the legendary Andre the Giant and Inigo Montoya played by Mandy Patinkin. This trio of characters are amongst the most memorable of film characters ever created.The villains are trailed by Prince Humperdinck who wishes to marry Buttercup but also by a masked stranger played by Cary Elwes who seems to be able to overcome every obstacle the villains throw at him. While the masked stranger chases the group some of the great scenes of cinema take place in the main because of the incredible comic timing of the banter. Quoting the film would make for some slight spoilers but the response from Inigo Montoya to the use of "inconceivable" is just the beginning of the greatness.The fight sequence between Inigo Montoya and the masked stranger is arguably one of the two best sequences in the film. It is great on two grounds - the absolutely incredible fencing interplay and the magnificent accompanying verbal interaction. The swordplay is of an exceptional level. It is vastly superior to almost every other sword fight scene in film. The speed and precision involved is breathtaking. The technical difficulty is exacerbated by the switching of hands. The fight sequence is a good descriptor of the film as a whole - light touch, rapid fire, and of unparallelled quality. The change of hands also offers one of the great moments of dialogue with Cary Elwes' delivery of his verbal repost being mesmorising.The other scene in the chase that stands out even amongst the greatness of Princess Bride is the legendary battle of wits with Vizzini. The entire scene is just fantastic. The reference to a land war in Asia has become a part of contemporary culture but it is also followed by further greatness including the line about Sicilians as well as the sparring over the poisoned cup. Even those who haven't seen the film probably know something of this scene but in context it lives up to the hype.Another scene that is etched into film lore is the one in which Inigo Montoya's journey comes to a completion. His repetition of the same line with marginally different emphasise reflected is rightly quoted often. The Dread Pirate Roberts scene featuring Andre the Giant is visually impressive and while not the wittiest of Princess Bride it is in its own right an excellent scene.Such great dialogue is a combination of the brilliant writing and the exceptional acting. It is rare that a Hollywood film is funny. In this instance everyone involved got it right. Cary Elwes is particularly brilliant and his delivery throughout the film is right on the money. It is truly one of the very great comic performances, a dry and at times sardonic delivery that imbues the brilliant lines with such charisma.All of the performance are great. There is not really a weak link. Elwes sparkles when around Mandy Patinkin and Wallace Shawn but everyone turns in a good show. Andre the Giant was never a great orator in English and he clearly found it a little harder to match the rapid delivery of punch lines that those more suited to speed were able to produce. Andre's defining characteristic throughout his great career though was his generation of pathos. It is hard to pin down but Andre always generated such enthusiasm because he came across so endearingly. His performance in Princess Bride has the same feel.The other characters are less captivating but are still good foils for the main action. The relatively short appearance by Billy Crystal as Miracle Max is one of the best of his career. The over-the-top performance fits in perfectly and his sparring with wife Valerie played by Carol Kane is good fun. Evil Prince Humperdinck is to some extent the straight man of the show though his line about how busy he is works well. Humperdinck's right hand man Count Rugen played by Christopher Guest fills in some of the evilness though he isn't really funny unlike pretty much everyone else. The only absolutely straight character is Buttercup. In such a cast the character of Buttercup is almost an afterthought even though she is the main purpose of the quest. Buttercup is not what Princess Bride is remembered for even though she is the bride in question.The visual effects are relatively low-fi and for the most part that absolutely adds to the fun. The scaling of the Cliffs of Insanity for instance works brilliantly and the rock fight with Andre the Giant adds value in its low budget. The Rodents Of Unsual Size do not quite work as well.Costume is all great. The florid clothing of the royals contrasts with the very Zorro-esque attire of the masked stranger. The costumery fits in well with the overall theme.Musically, Princess Bride works very well. The pastiche of the love story in the opening sequences is added to deliciously by the overlaying music. Mark Knopfler's score slots in well throughout and never attempts to overshadow the narrative or the dialogue. At times it fits in so well it is hard to notice that the music is still going but Knopfler's score clearly gets what this film is about.The added touch of the narrator is highly charming. Having Colombo read the story to the kid out of The Wonder Years adds nostalgia to build even more charm onto film absolutely loaded with it.The Extras on the Special Edition DVD are good. Given that Princess Bride was released in 1987, the original making of is pretty good. The talking head and on-set action are both solid. The Extras are a perfectly reasonable set.Princess Bride though is inconceivably good. It is a fairytale that has easily stood the test of 15 years so far. The banter between the characters is as strong as any other film and the one-liners that leap out of the screen are so quotable that some have become part of colloquial speech. The acting performance in particular by Cary Elwes is absolutely tremendous. As a film for all the family, Princess Bride is truly incredible and it is something that everyone needs to see, repeatedly.

The greatest family film EVER MADE!!!!!Finally convinced my daughters (14 & 11) to sit and watch it with me, to hear them days later quoting lines to each other made my heart sing.Truly an amazing, they don’t make films like this anymore.

A cult classic

A family favourite

You can't go wrong with the princess bride, it's a good old fashioned family movie with a great, simple story and quotable scenes.

Such a good movie. Just go ahead and get it.

Still a fun movie

Truly a classic-- 28 years later, and it's still hilarious. Sometimes even funnier than the first time I saw it in college (e.g.-- now I get the whole "never get involved in a land war in Asia" crack. Ah, that Congress were also aware of the irony...)

very good film four it's time these actors have grown up or passed too a better place also the main male actor i have some of his films do people really talk like that four screen writing lines also i didn'not no much about love untill i watched the princess bride or some of carey Elew's other films where he said it all also the director i have respect four him with his budget at the time also would there be a Sequel too princess bride

Parfait merci beaucoup, bien emballé, en super état et en plus le film est très bien, merci beaucoup