Review of Amadeus (1984)
I first saw “Amadeus” around 1984 when it was first released. Besides being a visual and musical masterpiece of film making, it kick-started my life-long love of and appreciation for classical music.
I won’t repeat the story synopsis as it’s already been thoroughly described both by Amazon.com’s critical review and multiple customers here already.
I will say though that this edition, ‘The Directors Cut’, is a major improvement over the first DVD release. First, (and finally!!), the movie is now a single-side DVD…gone is the annoying 2 sided ‘flipper’ that the first release was. You can now watch “Amadeus” from start to finish without having to get up and turn it over. For my money, that’s reason enough alone to own this new version.
Secondly, ‘The Directors Cut’ now adds about 20-30 minutes of previously deleted scenes, placed back into where they were originally intended. Personally I find some of the newer stuff enhances the story overall and fills in some details that were left vague in the original theatrical release.I won’t give away any details, but there is a new scene between Mozart’s wife, Constanza, and Salieri, Mozart’s chief musical rival (and secret arch-enemy) early in the movie that puts an whole new perspective of Salieri’s twisted and battered psyche.
As for the DVD itself, the picture and sound quality are both exemplary. Included is a second disk with bonus material including interviews and making-of extras.
If you loved the original, you owe it to yourself to pick up this version. If you’re new to classical music and Mozart, this is the best place to start.
lr** Jan30,2003
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Product Description
The incredible story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, told in flashback mode by Antonio Salieri – now confined to an insane asylum.
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