Across the Universe (DVD, 2008, 2-Disc Set)

Set in America during the Vietnam War, Across the Universe is a powerful love story set against a backdrop of political and social unrest: it's a story of soul-searching, self-doubt, and individual powerlessness cleverly conveyed through a multitude of Beatles songs. Like young adults all across America during the 1960's, Jude (Jim Sturgess), Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), Max (Joe Anderson), Sadie (Dana Fuchs), Prudence (T.V. Carpio), and JoJo (Martin Luther) are in turmoil over the war; questioning their individual roles in the war effort and struggling to find a way to hold true to their beliefs while making a difference in the world. While love proves a powerful uniting force, its limitations become clear as relationships are strained and broken over individual perceptions of responsibility to cause and country. A fairly bizarre juxtaposition of extremely stylized, almost hallucinogenic scenes of swirling colors and reflections, highly choreographed dance segments, seemingly commonplace character interaction, and emotionally packed close-up footage of characters lost in contemplative song, this film imparts a good sense of the confusion and passion of the time and is at once powerful, invigorating, and disturbing. The film runs a bit long at 2-hours 11-minutes and several segments drag noticeably thanks to some incredibly slow song tempos. Warning: this production may change how you think about a favorite Beatles song forever.

The movie was well crafted and well choreographed.

I was surprised how the director & writer were able to make the plot of the movie work well with the songs. Having grown up in the 60's it brought back a lot of memories, so good, some bad, but all the memories were welcome.

The only downside to the movie was the sequence after Bono's cameo in "I Am the Walrus" during this sequence the director lost track of the story line and, in my opinion, got way off course with the plot of the movie.

However, Bono's performance was very good and he gave a lot of meaning to a well liked song.

Overall the movie was enjoyable and I would recommend it.

This movie was amazing, from the begining it is infused with a freshness and the beauty of life. The beatles greatest songs provide insperation to this energetic and mind expanding fill. The artistic beauty of the picture and shots as well as the incredible new soundtrack featuring the shows cast singing many of the beatles greatest songs -- This movie makes you want to stand up and cheer. Three cheers for Jude and Lucy, this is an amazing love story...

Love this movie. Really loved the price and it was delivered in a few days.
Beatles music Great singers Really different.

I love the way the movie takes such a unique approach to it's storyline, incorporating so much for the avid Beatle fan such as myself, while at the same time, pointing out the problems of the world during the 60's thru the 70's.
This movie is a MUST SEE for anyone who likes the Beatles, and a great movie for those who don't.
I am generally NOT a fan of musicials, if that's what this is classified as, but even if so I still Love it, and plan to watch it many times.

This sellar is awesome. I ordered a DVD and I recieved it within 3 days. The DVD came damaged so I asked what they could do for me. I had a response within 20 minutes and they sent me a new DVD and did not request that I send the damaged one back to them. Their customer serveice department contacted me personally to make sure everything was alright. This is great customer service and I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys!!

This movie is simply amazing. If you like The Beatles even a little bit, then you would love this movie. it follows the story of a multitude of characters whose lives all get intertwined in the 1960's vietnam era. All the songs are beatles songsw performed by the cast of brilliant actors and actresses. I strongly recommend you try this title.

The Beatles' songs may have provided the soundtrack for the lives of those coming of age in the 1960s, but their extensive catalogue acts as the literal soundtrack in this romantic musical from visionary director Julie Taymor. Newcomer Jim Sturgess stars as Jude, a young man working on the docks in Liverpool. Eager to escape, he travels to Princeton where he meets Max (Joe Anderson). But it's his meeting with Max's younger sister Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) that changes him. They quickly fall in love, but their relationship is tested by the chaos of the late 1960s and Max's unwilling tour in Vietnam. Throughout the film, characters burst into classics from the Beatles: frat boys sing "With a Little Help from My Friends," while Uncle Sam bursts from a recruitment poster with strains of "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." U2's Bono makes a cameo as a counterculture leader and croons "I Am the Walrus," and actor-comedian Eddie Izzard provides a trippy rendition of "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite." Sturgess has the voice, charm, and good looks to fill Shea Stadium with hordes of screaming young women. As Jude, he's earnest and certainly capable of carrying the film. Wood capably balances Lucy's naiveté and knowledge, easily moving between her love for Jude and her passion for her cause. Though the performances are strong, it's Taymor's gifted direction that makes ACROSS THE UNIVERSE so fascinating to watch. As in FRIDA and Broadway's THE LION KING, she proves herself an artist with creativity few can match. Director of photography Bruno Delbonnel also deserves praise for his contribution to the striking visuals. He has worked with Jean-Pierre Jeunet on AMELIE and A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT, and he brings the same sense of romance and whimsy to this unique musical.

I thought this was one of the most provocative musicals i have ever seen. Especially the BEATLES music. I had no idea this movie ever came out, my wife made me watch an oprah rerun and they showed clips and had some of the cast sing a couple of songs.Being a Beatles fan i was hooked. Great arrangements and great voices as well as a great story line from the turbulent 60's with a definite anti was theme. Coming from a old Marine who served in war during the 60's.
They message was not offensive to me and of my military background. buy it you ll like it

It's a creative, artistic explosion of new age twists on classic Beatles tunes and brings the emotion from the Vietnam era to life. Brilliant, moving, colorful and amazing work of art.

The movie was purchased as a gift for my 19 year old daughter. It was the only birthday gift she asked for. After seeing it in the movies, she said it was the best movie she had ever seen! I know she has watched it numerous times with her friends over the last week.

My husband and I found out about Across the Universe from a good friend of ours. We had not heard about this movie before. Our friend said she had seen it on pay-per-view on cable, but when we looked for it, we could not find it. That's when we decided to buy it. We didn't want to wait until it came back to cable. It's very similar to Momma Mia (which we love) or Movin' Out (haven't seen it) where they took Abba and Billy Joel music and incorporated it into a story line. Across the Universe incorporates Beatles music. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The actors did an excellent job acting and singing the Beatles' songs, which is not an easy feat. Look for some "big" stars and subtle Beatles references (i.e., No. 9) throughout the movie. The animation is fantastic. It's amazing how they weave the music into the story. Even if you're not a fan of the Beatles, you would enjoy this movie.

AS A BABY BOOMER IT BRINGS BACK ALOT OF FOND MEMORIES OF THE 60`S.WELL DIRECTED WITH GREAT CINEMATOGRAPHY.THE ACTORS ARE YOUNG AND FRESH.ALL SONGS ARE REFRESHINGLY SUPERB.MANY HIDDEN MEANINGS AND REFERENCES TO THE BEATLE SONGS AND HAPPENINGS OF THE TIMES .LOVED IT AND WATCHED THE MOVIE 6 TIMES NOW.

AGAIN I AM ASTONISHED WITH THE TALENT THESE ACTORS HAVE,,,,A WONDERFUL MUSICAL,,,GREAT FOR ALL AGES,,(EXCEPT THOSE LITTLE ONES,,YOU WILL HAVE TO HIDE THEIR LITTLE EYES,,,IN THE SCENE WHERE EVAN RACHEL WOOD EXPOSES HER LEFT BREAST),,,,OTHER THAN THIS,,,ITS A FANTASTIC MUSICAL,,,,,KINDA LIKE THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW,,,WITHOUT ALL OF THE FREAKY STUFF!!!! I HIGHLY RATE AND RECOMMEND THE CD AND THE MOVIE,,,AND I HAVE PURCHASED BOTH!!!! THANKS AND ALWAYS KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!!!!

The service was great and the shipping was very fast. I am happy with the product I have received and will recommend anyone to use the seller in the future. Thanks Again!

If you love The Beatles music, then you will love this movie. It is one of our favorites to watch. We just had to own it.

I decided to buy the DVD being "used" as advertised. It arived quickly and played one DVD it right away. It worked like it should and I look forward to keeping it for years to come.

The product came in perfect condition and was a very prompt delivery,Exactly what my daughter wanted for Christmas.

if you are a beatles afficianato then this DVD set is certainly worth viewing. i rented it once and liked it so much i wanted to add it to my collection. they did a wonderful job of creating a story line and incorporate the songs/lyrics to the show. the actors who are for the most part 'unknowns' did a fabulous job of actually singing the lyrics. kudos to JULIE TAYMOR for her insight. if you like the Beatles , then you will appreciate this. Daphne C.

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Truly an amazing movie. A must buy for any Beatles fan. I've watched this movie several times since purchasing it.

Across the Universe is incredibly artistic and has enhanced my appreciation of the Beatles, Joe Cocker, Bono and many others. The "Making of the movie" DVD is well worth the watch too.

ONE STRANGE MOVIE..................COULD NOT STAND TO WATCH MORE THAN 5 MINS OF IT . THE ONLY REASON I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE A STRANGE EX GIRLFRIEND SAID IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE . AND SHE WANTED MY ADDRESS . SO I TOLD HER I WOULD JUST GET IT OFF EBAY , AND KEEP MY ADDRESS TO MYSELF . WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY

I decided to buy it after watching it so many times on showtime and not getting tired of it. Now i'm going to get another dvd for my uncle who loves the Beatles.