Customer Reviews

The Bodyguard (Special Edition)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Most of the DVD review Web sites blasted this release for the lousy quality of the transfer. Somewhat odd for Warners to give it so little attention when you consider what a hit it was. But I guess they are doing the usual "double-dipping" of releasing a lousy version first and then making fans purchase a new edition that is cleaned up down the road. Most strange of all is that it's a full-screen cropped pan and scan transfer. I guess there are some people who will consider buying full-screen movies with part of the image chopped off (not to mention what they'll be stuck with when HD wide-screens come into wide use by 2006. But it's a real shame that they don't offer a widescreen alternative. Though to be honest, until they produce a less grainy version, I won't be buying it.

Are the people from amazon.com NUTS? Since when was this movie considered "essential"? (along with cough cough, Titanic) First off, no doubt the music is great (classic Whitney!) and as Much as I love some Whitney Houston, she can't really act very well. The "chemistry" between Kevin "Robot Man" Costner and Whitney is just awful. The only thing which makes this movie good is the music (A la "glitter") because Whitney is an incredibly talented singer. Other then that, I'd suggest "The Preacher's Wife" instead.

You're going to see "The Bodyguard" spoofed a lot. Just two days ago I saw an episode of "The Simpsons" with Homer saving Mark Hamill from a horde of geeks. As the song "I Will Always Love You" swelled in the background, the image of Homer carrying an animated Mark in his arms filled the screen.

Of course, the film itself isn't a good movie. "The Bodyguard" is, in fact, a very bad movie. But I like it, in an odd sort of way. It's one of those likable but stupid movies that make the time fly by on a Friday night -- unless, of course, you have something better to do than waste your time watching Kevin Costner attempt to act and Whitney Houston attempt to love him.

The movie stars Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a bodyguard who blames himself for events from the past that come back to haunt him. Whitney Houston basically plays Whitney Houston (though the character's name is different in the film), a famous singer like herself who falls in love with her newly-aquired bodyguard and sparks an interracial romance that threatens her career almost as much as the death threats she has been receiving in the mail.

Frank's mission is to protect her at all costs from the assassinator, who is not a metallic cyborg and who does not bear an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (though it would have helped market the film). The surprise at the end is that the killer is not who we think it is throughout -- so don't think at all! Just watch. I hope I didn't ruin any part of the movie for you. But don't tempt me -- I'm about to give away the rabid fan's identity to you.

"The Bodyguard" is a big, mushy mess, filled with bad acting and bad scriptwriting. The entire movie is bad. It's way too long for its own good -- especially when it is broadcast on network television and stretched to a near three-hour showing. (Do they really provide fifty minutes of commercials these days on CBS?) I've seen the movie numerous times, on network television and unedited, and it always seems too long. But, despite its (extremely) bad traits, the movie is a lot of fun to watch.

I don't like Kevin Costner. I think he is, what I call, a *blah* actor. He talks with such a lightweight mumble that it often induces sleep. If Costner wants to make money after his film career is depleted (that's happening, folks), he should market Costner Sleep Cassettes. Insert a cassette tape/CD of Kevin Costner reading your least favorite book, and you're guaranteed to fall asleep in less than five minutes -- or your money back!

I found one great role that Kevin Costner has played over the years, and it was the role he played in "The Untouchables," opposite Robert De Niro's Al Capone. Brian DePalma directed that movie, and it worked because the role for Costner fit his dull acting talent. Watching him attempt to *really* act is quite sad. Remember his interpretation of Robin Hood? Some people liked it, but I thought it was a disgrace to Robin Hood.

For what it's worth, Costner is good here, mainly because he acts like a dull bodyguard who is required to show absolutely no feelings whatsoever. His character basically walks around with a single expression on his face throughout the film, including while he's on a date with Whitney and the night after (if you know what I mean).

The movie sparked a lot of controversy because the couple embrace in a passionate kiss at the end of the film. If you don't mind sitting through bad acting, bad directing, bad scriptwriting, all stretched out to two and a half hours...then this is the movie for you. I, personally, sorta like it. But I don't respect it.

Dear Sirs,

My opinion is that this is one of the greatest movies that i have ever seen but i am actually having a problem with the DVD it self and need som help to solve it instead of ordering a new one.

The first time i played this DVD it showed the special features such as the behind the scenes and the interviews only once. after that it only plays the movie i am unable to play the special features.

your urgent feedback is highly appreciated.

Regards

Marwa

THIS IS A FANTASTIC VIDEO. BOTH KEVIN AND WHITNEY DID A WONDER JOB IN THIS VIDEO. THE SINGING WAS BEYOND PERFECT AND VERY MEMORIAL SEEING WHITNEY HAS PASSED ON.

DEFINITELY A KEEPSAKE.

HAROLD JEWELL

When this movie first came out the critics panned it mercilessly and frankly I just can't understand why. I thought it was fabulous. Kevin Costner plays an ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect a spoiled, difficult to get along with diva receiving death threats. Whitney Houston portrays the spoiled starlet to perfection. The chemistry and interplay between Houston and Costner was electric. The music in the movie was also great.

There are really some key elements that made this movie extremely good. First, I thought the acting was top notch by all involved. The supporting cast really played their characters well, as did the stars. Secondly, the editing was outstanding. The movie and plot move along at a fast pace. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. And finally, the plot was plausible (for the most part) and the mystery - who is the hit man - slowly reveals itself. Having watched the movie several times, there a several foreshadowings.

Overall I found it a most entertaining movie both as a mystery, a thriller, and love story.

VIDEO:

This 20th Anniversary release is a timely tribute to Whitney Houston. It arrives at blu ray with 1080p 1.85:1. The video is obviously dated for a 20 year old movie, but the picture is still very pleasant to watch, although details are generally soft. The blacks are crushing, with shadows consuming faces and other objects. Skin tones are accurate. Colours are also vibrant. (3.5/5)

AUDIO:

Besides seeing Whitney Houston at her prime, another bonus is its excellent soundtrack, now in lossless DTS HD Master Audio 5.1. The dialogue is clear, but recorded too low when compared to the background music. The sound of music is vibrant and dynamic, with great bass. (4/5)

There are two songs that were nominated for Best Original Song Oscars: Run to You and I Have Nothing, but they lost to A Whole New World from Aladdin. The key to the soundtrack is of course the everlasting hit I Will Always Love You. You can clearly hear every octave change in Whitney's voice. Too bad it was not an original song, thus, it did not qualify for Oscar nomination. Otherwise, it would have been a shoe-in for Best Song. A very thoroughly enjoyable soundtrack. For the audio of the music and songs in the movie (5/5)

TRIVIA:

It has an estimated budget of $16 million, but has deservedly grossed $411 million worldwide.

This film was originally proposed in the mid-'70s, starring Diana Ross and Steve McQueen, but was rejected as "too controversial". The film concept was to be attempted again in the late 1970s, with Ryan O'Neal and Diana Ross cast as the leads. The project fell through after only a few months because of irreconcilable differences between O'Neal and Ross, who had been dating.

Rachel's mansion is the same mansion as the "horse's head in the bed" mansion in The Godfather.

Rachel and Frank go and see Yojimbo, which was released in the United States as "The Bodyguard".

Did you know that Whitney Houston suffered a miscarriage during production and missed a couple of weeks of production recovering?

At the fictional Academy Awards ceremony, the Best Sound Oscar goes to Mychal Smith and Kay Colvin (who were in reality the Boom Operator and Cable Person respectively), the Best Song winner is written by Nancy Garber (who was really the film's Art Department Researcher) and one of the fictional nominated songwriters was Leslie Moraes (who was really the film's Assistant Location Manager).

Kevin Costner said that he based his portrayal of Frank Farmer on actor Steve McQueen. He even went as far as to get McQueen's trademark haircut for the role.

The wisecracking host at the fictional Academy Awards ceremony is comedian Robert Wuhl, who wrote jokes for Billy Crystal's Academy Awards hosting duties in 1990 and 1991.

Kevin Costner, during his eulogy at Whitney Houston's Feb. 18, 2012 funeral, related that when Whitney auditioned for her role, her makeup had begun running down her face. Before the audition, Whitney had hurriedly removed her movie-set makeup and had instead applied her regular show-business makeup she used at concerts so she would feel more normal. The heat of the lighting for her audition caused the replacement makeup to run. Kevin quickly halted the audition; Whitney returned to her trailer where she related what had happened to Kevin. The movie makeup was re-applied, and the audition was then successfully completed.

GOOFS:

In the final scene depicting Frank serving as security at the political function, the clergy is asked to offer the "benediction" at the start of the meeting. The benediction is offered at the end of a service, not the beginning. The prayer offered at the beginning of any type of service or meeting such as this, is the "invocation."

A mock copy of the Hollywood Reporter newspaper announces the Oscar nomination for Whitney Houston's character on the same pages as the ratings for Game One of the World Series. But the Academy Award nominations are announced in February, months before the World Series in the Fall.

There seems to be some confusion over the lead character's name throughout the film. She is listed as "Rachel Marron" in the credits, but her last name is spelled differently in some of the death threat notes. Also, a fan holds up a brightly-coloured sign when the limo pulls up to the club halfway through the film and it says, "We Love Rachael" with an additional "a".

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Bodyguard blu-ray release couldn't have come at a better time. Besides being the film's 20th anniversary, it also makes a fine tribute to the late Whitney Houston. In a lot of ways, despite this being her first foray into movies, The Bodyguard is Houston's best and most memorable work. The film shows her at her most raw as an actress and at her most accomplished as a singer and showman. Besides Whitney Houston, the other real star is of course its excellent soundtrack, showcasing Whitney's unmatched vocal talents. This blu ray disc is highly recommended.

For all you shoppers at Amazon.ca, please allow me to share some shopping tips with you: how to get the best price for your purchase. The key here is to pre-order as soon as the item you want is announced by Amazon.ca. Therefore, it is advisable to check the Future release section often to see what's coming. In this case, I pre-ordered it at $13.99 when it was first announced. Now the current price is $21.49! Also, look for special deals that are available from time to time.

Finally, I don't know why Amazon.ca put reviews of movies on standard DVD reviewed many years ago into the blu ray section. So, beware...please check the date of review before wasting your time reading these outdated reviews on standard DVDs.

I hope the above review and tips are helpful to you.

This is a good film with an ok plot. But if you dont like any of the acotrs and dont like mind games dont get this. But on the hole it has some great acting (on Gary Kemps parts) so if you are a fan of any of the actors get it.

Wow...This movie is the best I've ever seen. It was supposed to go to Diana Ross and some other guy. I'm glad the roll went to Whitney. Diana would not fit this roll. Wow, three lines into the review and I'm already off task. Okay. Why should you give this movie a chance? Because it's amazing. Whitney proves she is a great actress and singer. Her voice makes this movie even better. The songs fit perfectly. And Kevin Costner, this movie alone makes me a fan, and I haven't seen his other work. It leaves you in suspense, as a mysterious stalker is following Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) step by step, waiting for the time to attempt in killing her. This movie has a dark atmosphere, which is something I love about it. It's not like most love stories. I was very unsure about trying this movie, because I get bored easily, and I'm not a big romance movie fan, but this movie is so different from a typical romance film. It doesn't just focus on the romance, it focuses on Rachel's career, the stalker, Frank's resistance to grow close to his client. That's what makes this movie so special. I'm thrilled Kevin talked Whitney into this film, although it took her over a year to decide, it was worth it. No one could have done the roles better than Kevin and Whitney.

This blockbuster hit stars two of the greatest in Hollywood with her amazing voice and talent and his incredible eyes make a wonderful movie that is a must see. Whitney Houston outshines herself in this amazing role. She plays pop singer Rachel Maroon. When she starts getting threatened by a nasty and obsessive fan. Without knowing her manager hires Frank Farmer a secret service agent the is the best of the best in protection played by Kevin Costner. At first she dislikes the idea of having a bodyguard and having to do what he says. But as they say their is only a thin line between love and hate. They start to fall madly for each other but he knows it is not right to fall for her because he may not perform his job well that is to protect her. After a disturbing incident in Miami she decides to let him make the decisions from now on. While staying in a cabin the killer that is after Rachel kills her sister and almost kills Rachelï¿s son. Frank is determined to protect her during the night of the Oscars in which he thinks the killer will make a move. ï¿I will always love youï¿, ï¿I wanna run to youï¿ and ï¿Queen of the nightï¿ make this the best soundtrack for a movie ever made in 1992. As I said this is a must see movie.