The Bear (Widescreen & Full Screen): Amazon.ca: DVD

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Storytelling doesn't get much purer than this--a film with virtually no dialogue and not a minute that isn't fascinating, either for the plot it pursues or the way director Jean-Jacques Annaud gets his ursine stars to do what he wants. The story deals with a young cub who, after his mother is killed in a landslide, bonds to a lumbering male Kodiak. The two of them then must cope with an invasion of hunters into their territory--and Annaud makes it clear whose side he's on. Aside from stunning scenery, the film offers startlingly close-up looks at bear behavior. They say the best actors are the ones that let you see what they're thinking, a trick Annaud manages with his big, furry stars. --Marshall Fine

Additional Features

This dazzling outdoor adventure looks and sounds marvelous on this DVD transfer. Since many kids don't like the widescreen formatting, it's important to note that this DVD offers both widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) and full-screen formats. Two short documentaries (totaling less than 15 minutes) discuss, all too briefly, how this unique production was created.

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Customer Reviews

42 Reviews

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (42 customer reviews)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Greatest Thrill Is Not To Kill, But To Let Live", April 29 2004

By

Matthew Melancon (Raceland, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bear (Widescreen & Full Screen) (DVD)

The above quote is by James Oliver Curwood, author of The Grizzly King, the novel on which this film is based to an extent.
This film is among the most wonderful films that I have ever seen. It is rare to see a film that displays such a beautiful message in such a simple and wonderful story as this one does.
The film takes you through the trials of Youk's first year as a bear cub. You see that Youk and other animals have feelings, just like people do. To those who say that we share no qualities with animals, you are wrong. In my opinion, animals are more truthful in their emotions and feelings than people often are.
This film has a very touching story, with powerful scenes that will make you laugh, cry, and put you on the edge of your seat from the start of the film through to its finale. Watch the film for at least five minutes, you'll be cheering for that little guy (Youk) and his friend, Bart. You'll be hooked at that point.
Whatever your age or preference in movies is, give this film a chance, and you won't be disappointed.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the greatest thrill is not to kill, but to let live, Feb 27 2004

By

Ian S. Thompson (University Park, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bear (Widescreen & Full Screen) (DVD)

The Bear is a remarkable work of cinema. I think that anyone who sees this film will be moved by its depiction of the inherent dignity of all creatures. It stands as a moving indictment against killing animals for fun, trophy, or sport. The greatest thrill is not to kill, but to let live. Please take an opportunity to experience this film for yourself and share it with your family. Its moving message will definitely stay with you.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Must be seen widescreen, Dec 15 2001

By

Timothy Hulsey (Charlottesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bear, the (VHS Tape)

_The Bear_ is based on the novel _The Grizzly King_ by James Curwood (Curwood was to Canada what Zane Grey was to Utah). But never mind the middling source material; the important thing is that director Jean-Jacques Annaud has used it as the basis of a truly astonishing film. The cinematography alone justifies the project -- but it must be seen in its proper widescreen ratio. Once the film is panned and scanned, most of the stunning British Columbia landscapes are lost, leaving viewers with a slow-paced, sentimental story about a bear cub they never quite see.
But in the proper widescreen ratio, the film's apparent flaws turn to strengths. The slow pace gives us time to contemplate characters' relationships to the land (even as it allows the film to establish its own rhythm). And the wild vastness of this land undercuts any sentimentality; it is always clear that the land is harsh, and that its dangers are real and terrifying.
By the way, this is probably the only film to depict (albeit fictionally) an animal getting high on psychedelic mushrooms. I suppose this is because bears don't have the sense to just say no. Or maybe it's just because the director is French.
Three stars, but add two more if you're seeing this film in widescreen. The bigger the screen, the better.

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile, beautiful, and sometimes a bit silly - and should be widescreen!
I remember this fondly, though I also remember it feeling silly and manipulative in parts.

Great wildlife photography, and great bear `performances', but there's also a... Read more

Published 12 months ago by K. Gordon

5.0 out of 5 stars good
Got what I wanted. great movie. tried to find it elsewhere before finding it on amazon.

Published 20 months ago by rycanada