- Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, French
- Region: (US and Canada This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Number of discs: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Release Date: Dec 16 1997
- Run Time: 160 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (271 customer reviews)
- ASIN: 6304712936
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#16,140 in DVD (See Top 100 in DVD)
- #82 in DVD > Musicals & Performing Arts > Musicals > Drama
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Product Description
Amazon.com Essential Video
The satirical sensibilities of writer Peter Shaffer and director Milos Forman (One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest) were ideally matched in this Oscar-winning movie adaptation of Shaffer's hit play about the rivalry between two composers in the court of Austrian Emperor Joseph II--official royal composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), and the younger but superior prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce). The conceit is absolutely delicious: Salieri secretly loathes Mozart's crude and bratty personality, but is astounded by the beauty of his music. That's the heart of Salieri's torment--although he's in a unique position to recognize and cultivate both Mozart's talent and career, he's also consumed with envy and insecurity in the face of such genius. That such magnificent music should come from such a vulgar little creature strikes Salieri as one of God's cruelest jokes, and it drives him insane. Amadeus creates peculiar and delightful contrasts between the impeccably re-created details of its lavish period setting and the jarring (but humorously refreshing and unstuffy) modern tone of its dialogue and performances--all of which serve to remind us that these were people before they became enshrined in historical and artistic legend. Jeffrey Jones, best-known as Ferris Bueller's principal, is particularly wonderful as the bumbling emperor (with the voice of a modern midlevel businessman). The film's eight Oscars include statuettes for Best Director Forman, Best Actor Abraham (Hulce was also nominated), Best Screenplay, and Best Picture. --Jim Emerson
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amadeus,
This review is from: Amadeus (VHS Tape)
The only movie I can play over and over again. To me the setting, acting, story and above all the music make this a perfect uplifting whole.I am glad I was able to get the VCR. Gisela.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
a mythical, fabulous portrait of genius,
By Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Amadeus (Widescreen) (DVD)
Peter Shaffer wrote the "Amadeus" screenplay based on his play, which is a quirky, fanciful vision of Mozart and Salieri, and how God gave Mozart the gift of musical genius despite his character flaws, but bypassed Salieri, who tried to strike a deal with the Almighty, vowing pious devotion, if He would only grant him brilliance and fame.F. Murray Abraham is marvelous portraying Salieri's pride and envy, and having to suffer the indignity of mediocrity; the part garnered him a Best Actor Oscar and a Golden Globe, among other awards, and as Mozart, Tom Hulce is stupendous, with his high pitched raucous giggle, fluffy wigs, and energetic appeal. Others in the cast of note are Elizabeth Berridge, excellent as Mozart's wife Constanza, and Roy Dotrice as his stern father Leopold. The biggest star of the film however, is the music...the glorious sounds of Mozart's operas, and his magnificent Requiem. Many of my favorite scenes are depicted, from the ballet music from "The Marriage of Figaro", to "Don Giovanni a cenar teco", as well as portions of "The Marriage of Figaro", "The Magic Flute", and much more. Twyla Tharp's choreography is fresh and exhilarating, Miroslav Ondricek's cinematography is exquisite, and Milos Forman's direction imaginative and well paced.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Moving and Dramatic,
By Stella Carrier "powerfulcommunicator" (Hyattsville Maryland) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Amadeus (Widescreen) (DVD)
"Amadeus" is a movie about the discussion of Mozart's life as told from a colleague's point of view. Tom Hulce convincingly plays an energetic Mozart, who is very much focused on his craft. Fahrid Murray Abraham cleverly plays fellow classical musician Salieri. Salieri holds Mozart in high regard. The movie displays the why of this admiration, as seen through the many good musical performances in the movie. Salieri longs for the same talent, and the beginning of the movie provides a very compelling preface as to the origins of this respect. The movie "Amadeus" is told in such a way that it would be easy to understand things from Salieri's point of view. I was watching the movie,and thinking "How could he?" (in reference to Salieri). On the other hand, I found myself admiring Mozart's musical compositions that were performed in the movie. I also felt empathy for the circumstances leading to Salieri's wish to enjoy the same popularity as Mozart. It is understandable that others may watch "Amadeus" and see the relationship between Salieri and Mozart through a different perspective. As for me, I am glad to have watched "Amadeus" because this movie illustrates some of the dynamics that catapulted Mozart to great fame. In addition, many of the people that played a pivotal part of Mozart's life were told in a superb manner from the vantage point of Salieri (as played by Abraham). "Amadeus" is a high-quality movie to watch for music lovers.
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