Angels in America (DVD, 2004, 2 Discs)

Angels in America is written by feminist author, Tony Kushner. It was originally performed on Broadway in 1993. In NYC during the mid-'80s, Kushner's story articulates several interconnected lives of people affected by the US HIV-AIDS crisis, inspiring spiritual experiences, and Ronald Reagan's derelict of duty Administration.

Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) is a young man dying with AIDS. His situation is worsened when his lover, Jewish court clerk Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), abandons Walter. Walter has a visitation by an Angel (Emma Thompson), who repeatedly crashes through Walter's roof declaring he's a prophet.

Conservative power tripper Roy Cohn (Al Pacino) is also dying with AIDS. However, Cohn's in flat out denial of it. In a hospital, Cohn is repeatedly visited by the spirit of Ethel Rosenberg (Meryl Streep), a woman he sent to her death in an electric chair. Cohn's protégé is Mormon lawyer Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson), who denies his own gayness. Pitt's wife Harper (Mary-Louise Parker) is addicted to Valium due to a severe sensitivity to her surrounding environment. Pitt leaves her to start up a relationship with a guy who works in his building, Louis. Jeffrey Wright maintains his stage role of Nurse Belize. Angels in America first aired in two parts on HBO during December of 2003. 20 Years after US President Reagan politicized the HIV virus into a gay-only disease, his ignorance is critically examined.

This is the best play/movie/miniseries that I have ever seen. I doubt I will ever see anything that will measure up to it. Not only does it have INCREDIBLE actors, but the story illustrates numerous important ieas and theories about diverstiy (especially in the GLBT community, religion, and politics), open-mindedness, and the reality of HIV/AIDS.

I first viewed this movie when it was on HBO as a mini-series. I wasn't quite sure what to think at first except that I needed to see it again! The second time I rented it, and got so much more out of it because it was able to watch the chapters closer together. After that, I knew I needed to have it in my collection!! This movie a brilliant adaptation to Tony Kushners' play. All of the actors are flawless in their roles, especially Meryl Streep, Al Pacino and Mary Louise Parker. It's mix of humor and sorrow are blended so perfectly you'll get the chills, it will make you laugh and cry at the same time!! Bravo, two thumbs up, exquisite, a masterpiece! I just can't say enough about this film.

This is easily the finest film ever about the tragedy of AIDS in America. Watching it I was reminded that Berman originally made Fanny and Alexander as a miniseries for Swedish television, and I suspect that Mike Nichols was strongly influenced by Bergman when he translated this Pulitzer winning play to the small screen. There's the same haunting mixture of harsh reality, wild fantasy, and deeply human humor in both movies. The acting won Golden Globe Awards; had this been a theatrical release it would have won Oscars. Meryl Streep especially, but Al Pacino and Jeffrey Wright too give outstanding performances. Too good for television, it's wonderful to see this epic on DVD.

Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson. What more can be said? The acting, not only from these three is excellent. The writing and directing right on. The story is about the early days of the AIDS crisis and they get it right. Heartbreaking, yes. Thoughful, yes. Never a dull moment and if you are thinking about buying it, I say you that this is one DVD that is worth the money. Two thumbs up, way up!

This mini-series is based on Tony Kuschner's two part play. It grabs you right from the start - what you'll notice is that each character has an angel that either helps them or haunts them.

At the centre of the story is Roy, a man you are meant to hate. Al Pacino was cast perfectly in this role. Every other person is somehow connected back to Roy, and their stories are unique, yet somehow relatable.

What this movie did for me is help me to believe that even though there are terrible people in this world doing terrible things to other people, there just might be an angel in my life that helps me through.

AIDS is a reality in our world, and how people deal with it makes a difference in their quality of life. It requires understanding, loyalty, love and just a touch of humanity.

Get this movie, you won't be sorry!

The acting is superb.....everyone!!! Saw the production when it was first presented on TV and wanted to have my own copy to view whenever I felt like it. It definitely deserved all the critical acclaim/awards that it received!

I purchased this DVD after wanting to see it (but not having premium cable) when it first debuted. It is powerful, moving, and a film every American should see. Definitely material for adults only (or thoughtful, mature older teens, with adult available to discuss with them afterward). Acting is superb, characters are richly developed and interesting. I was engaged thoroughly- and it is a double dvd set (6 hours overall, a mini-series). Many people react strongly to this work- I think that is a good thing. Angels in America CHALLENGES everyone- regardless of background, life experience and belief system. That is its amazing contribution to our culture and our times. I heartily encourage all to see it; buy it on eBay and own it (you will want to after watching it). Go online and read other reviews, points of view, and get further information on the themes from the original play (author is screenplay writer for this film) - this will enrich you personally and your understanding of the numerous dramatic themes within this complex work. The acting performances are outstanding - truly tour de force. Angels in America is about so much more than the sexuality that so many fixate on when discussing the film. To me it is about examining our lives, our culture, our history, our FEARS and how they drive so much of our behavior. Buy it, watch it, challenge yourself to reach beyond your own comfort zone. On my all-time Top Ten films list.

I was attracted to this video mainly because of the title; however, I was disappointed with my expectations. That does not mean that I did not like the video; it's just that it was a very complicated, deep story that made me think a lot about how the angels fit into it. I was turned off by the excessive use of the f*** word, and there were portions that were very graphic. The main theme dealt with homosexuality and AIDS, so if anyone is vehemently against these topics, I would not advise him/her to watch this. At the end of the movie, I did have questions remaining that were not answered; however, I finished with a feeling of satisfaction that angels, indeed, do exist in many forms.

It was shipped fast and efficiently; it arrived in great condition and at a short waiting period.

Fabulos movie - a must-see for anyone who loves great plays, Meryl Streep or the ever-incredible Al Pacino.

I think this was originally aired on Showtime as a mini-series. I rented it just because it had Al Pacino in it. I think the screen-write is awesome. It is about AID's and homosexuality which although no topic I find particulaly fascinating I loved the movie and it is a part of my personal collection.

It wasn't at all what I expected. But, I LOVED it!! It's a dark film but the acting and content was wonderful. It makes you think and it makes you see there are no differences between us. We're all connected. We're all waves in the same ocean. I loved it and have loaned it to friends to view. It's broken down in chapters (three on each disc) and each chapter is about an hour. If you miss anything within a chapter you can't back it up like you can on a VHS tape or regular DVD. That would be my only complaint. You need an hour to view the chapter un-interrupted so you can catch everything. I was looking for other Meryl Streep movies because I love her as an actress. I'd never heard of Angels in America and was intrigued. I'm glad I got it.

I admit, I was a bit skeptical about how they'd adapt the play to movie form. Sometimes that works, sometimes it does not.
Well, I was riveted! I thought it was a very creative move to use the special qualities of film to bring a larger perspective and more settings to the story and using both Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson in multiple roles was an act of creative genius. The film score moved me to tears and Al Pacino, in my opinion, played one of the best roles of his career. A must-see!

Movie arrived promptly and excellent condition. I would definitely buy from this seller again. Movie wasn't what I expected (content) but otherwise everything else was good through EBAY.

Highly recommended...this film and it's outstanding cast is a must see for the A-list actors (Pacino, Streep) and supporting actors, the script, the storylines, the special effects, the subject matter...all superb.

The acting was superb. The story is riviting. You really grow to care for the characters.
I saw this on HBO and had to have it.
It is a lesson in tolerance.

I watched this movie when it first came out and I had to purchase it so I could watch it again. Love this movie!

This movie was not at all what I was expecting. I have only watched it once, but after reading several reviews I think that I owe it to Meryl to see again and give it another chance. I adore Meryl and I think that she is the best actress alive. So I will watch it again and then I will give a nother review. I think the graphic nature and profound sexuality bothered me. I will look deeper into the movie the next time I watch it.

Love it from top to bottom!!! The writer is the best,and the acting is some of the best i've seen on my T.V.!!!!!!!! Ever!!!! Once again,thanks to HBO!! They are the best!!!!

The DVD's arrived promptly and unharmed. This 6-hour miniseries is an all-too-insightful fantasy based on the true story of Roy Cohn the conservative McCarthian yet gay and stricken with AIDS lawyer, his involvement with the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg espionage case, and the hypocritical, mendacious and double-standard Reaganite/neoconservative political circus. The Jewish and Mormon faiths play a significant role in this drama about the clash between so-called ideology-associated values and the facts on the ground of life, death, love and the human condition. Sex, religion and politics under the siege of AIDS, and no out but to have wild dreams. I mean WILD!

The all-star ensemble deliver an overwhelming dose of good acting, and many of the cast members perform multiple characters. The performance of The Kaddish (Jewish prayer for the dead) by Meryl Streep and BEn Shenkman is one of my all-time favorite moments in any thing I have seen on any screen. I was choking on laughs and tears at the same time. Except for the closing scene, which I found a bit too presentational, this is an amazing work of art on any level.

This is a must have for anyone who....... just anyone.... everyone.

Cast

Al Pacino as Roy Cohn
Meryl Streep as Hannah Pitt, Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, and the Angel Australia
Patrick Wilson as Joe Pitt, the Antarctic Eskimo
Mary-Louise Parker as Harper Pitt
Emma Thompson as Nurse Emily, the Homeless Woman, and the Angel America
Justin Kirk as Prior Walter and the Leatherman in the Park
Jeffrey Wright as Mr. Lies, Belize, Homeless Man and the Angel Europa
Ben Shenkman as Louis Ironson, and the Angel Oceania
James Cromwell as Henry, Roy's Doctor
[edit]Awards and nominations

[edit]Golden Globe Awards
Best Miniseries or Made for TV Movie
Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie (Al Pacino)
Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie (Meryl Streep)
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Movie (Jeffrey Wright)
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Movie (Mary-Louise Parker)
[edit]Emmy Awards
Angels in America broke the record previously held by Roots for the most Emmys awarded to a program in a single year by winning 11 awards from 21 nominations (that record has since been broken by John Adams).
Won
Outstanding Miniseries
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Mike Nichols)
Outstanding Lead Actor – Miniseries or a Movie (Al Pacino)
Outstanding Lead Actress – Miniseries or a Movie (Meryl Streep)
Outstanding Supporting Actor – Miniseries or a Movie (Jeffrey Wright)
Outstanding Actress - Miniseries or a Movie (Mary-Louise Parker)
Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Part I & II)
Outstanding Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Single-Camera Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Movie
Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Tony Kushner)

Angels in America is a must see film! I borrowed it from a friend a couple weeks ago and could not stop watching it! I wanted to show everyone that I knew but I needed to give the movie back. So, I bought it! Now I can watch it any time that I want. I have watched it at least 3 times in the past week. That's 18 hours!!!

This movie came to me highly recommended. I looked forward to watching it, and did appreciate the acting. Once was enough, though. As it was, I fast forwarded through much of Mary Louise Parker's performance, not because I don't like her; but I was bored by her storyline. That didn't add anything to the overall story for me, and was actually distracting. I also fast forwarded through the portions containing the angel, because I just didn't like her.

The rest of the story had a retro relevence, and was interesting. I generally like Mike Nichols films, and am impressed with the stellar casts' performances. This was no exception.

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS FILM...THE ACTORS WERE SUPERB! THE STORYLINE TRULY BRILLIANT...NEED 6 HOURS TO WATCH...