| ||||||||
*Learn more | ||||||||
Beyond the Sea (DVD, 2005)
| |
Leading Role: Kate Bosworth
Director: Kevin Spacey
Rating: Rated PG-13
Release Date: Jun 2005
Format: DVD
UPC: 031398172314
Product ID: EPID46426958
Description: Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey does it all in this swinging biopic: he directs, he writes, he produces, he stars, and he even sings in his own voice. He plays legendary crooner Bobby Darin, whose 1950s hits included "Splish Splash" an...
Portions of this page Copyright 1981 - 2009 Muze Inc. 
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
Buy this item
$0.99(1 Bid )
Top Reviews
A Surprising and Wonderful Movie
) 
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.
"Beyond the Sea" is the story of Bobby Darin. The main character is portrayed by Oscar-winner, Kevin Spacey. The film opens with Bobby Darin making a film of his own life. He is soon confronted by himself as a child and the whole story takes off from there. I realize that what I just wrote does not make you want to see this movie at all, however . . .have patience and keep an open mind.
Most of the Bobby Darin story is told by the artist's music. "Mac the Knife", "Splish, Splash" and the title song, "Beyond the Sea" are but a few. I was surprised at how many different types of music Bobby Darin had written. His idol was Frank Sinatra and most of the music has the "big band, yet funky" sound of the early 50's. What would that type of music be without dancing and, indeed this film provides lots of it. Many scenes are like that of musicals of the times such as "West Side Story". If anyone told me I would have enjoyed this type of musical production, I'd have not believed them. But, "Beyond the Sea" is so well-done and Bobby Darin's music so compelling, I found myself wrapped in it's magic after the first few scenes.
I was not aware that Bobby Darin was sickly as a child. He had rheumatic fever and because he stayed home so much, was musically coached by his mom who was not only musically talented, but also quite theatrical. Because his mom was such an influence on him, I could tolerate the scenes where he was confronted by himself as a child. For who among us has not felt like a child again in the presence of "mom"? There is a child inside us all and mine felt like dancing and singing along to the terrific music showcased in this film.
The story weaves through Bobby's life, his hardships as a child, his rise to stardom, his family life, his marriage to Sandra Dee and the ups and downs of his long career. Unlike other films I've seen of this genre, there is closure at the end as Bobby resolves the conflicts of his life knowing he is soon to die. The conclusion is portrayed in the same mystical, musical scenes used throughout the story and the passage of time is marked in a unique and wonderful way.
I highly recommend this DVD. If you purchase it close the blinds and open your mind and a large bag of popcorn. Get yourself past the opening scenes just like you got yourself past the first paragraph of this review. I envy you your first journey "Beyond the Sea" and into the compelling music and theatre that was Bobby Darin.
Most of the Bobby Darin story is told by the artist's music. "Mac the Knife", "Splish, Splash" and the title song, "Beyond the Sea" are but a few. I was surprised at how many different types of music Bobby Darin had written. His idol was Frank Sinatra and most of the music has the "big band, yet funky" sound of the early 50's. What would that type of music be without dancing and, indeed this film provides lots of it. Many scenes are like that of musicals of the times such as "West Side Story". If anyone told me I would have enjoyed this type of musical production, I'd have not believed them. But, "Beyond the Sea" is so well-done and Bobby Darin's music so compelling, I found myself wrapped in it's magic after the first few scenes.
I was not aware that Bobby Darin was sickly as a child. He had rheumatic fever and because he stayed home so much, was musically coached by his mom who was not only musically talented, but also quite theatrical. Because his mom was such an influence on him, I could tolerate the scenes where he was confronted by himself as a child. For who among us has not felt like a child again in the presence of "mom"? There is a child inside us all and mine felt like dancing and singing along to the terrific music showcased in this film.
The story weaves through Bobby's life, his hardships as a child, his rise to stardom, his family life, his marriage to Sandra Dee and the ups and downs of his long career. Unlike other films I've seen of this genre, there is closure at the end as Bobby resolves the conflicts of his life knowing he is soon to die. The conclusion is portrayed in the same mystical, musical scenes used throughout the story and the passage of time is marked in a unique and wonderful way.
I highly recommend this DVD. If you purchase it close the blinds and open your mind and a large bag of popcorn. Get yourself past the opening scenes just like you got yourself past the first paragraph of this review. I envy you your first journey "Beyond the Sea" and into the compelling music and theatre that was Bobby Darin.
Review ID: 10000000000691156
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our Sort by:
Reviews
Bobby Darin Biography - Kevin Spacey awesome
) 
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Great Movie. Kevin Spacey fans should add this to their collection. Bobby Darin fans should add this to their collection. The music is wonderful. Kevin Spacey did it all...directed, played a key role and even sang in his own voice!
Review ID: 10000000001379070
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Fall in Love w/ Bobby Darren!Review created: 07/11/06(updated 08/23/06)
by:
) 2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
This movie made me fall in love with Bobby Darrens music big time. The story is riveting, funny, sad and all that wrapped into one. Kevins own singing is awesome. I absolutely loved this movie, u wont be disappointed. Bobby and Sandys life was the bomb.
Review ID: 10000000001384445
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond the Sea DVD 2005.1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
This,in case you dont know, is a film about the short life of the singer Bobby Darin who died at the tragically young age of 37 due to heart problems,which affected him most of his life.Darin is played by Oscar winning actor Kevin Spacey who sings all the songs in a very good impersonation of Darin.
This is quite a brave move as most other films about singers use original recordings which the lead actor mime to, and Spacey as I say does a good job.
The Film follows Darin from his childhood right the way through to his untimely death, but unless you are a fan of Darin your attention may waver from time to time.
The Songs include ofcourse "Beyond the Sea","Mack the Knife",and "Splish Splash" and if you are sufficiently impressed with Spacey's attempt at Darin's voice there is a CD of the Soundtrack available.A difficult propositon but Spacey just about pulls it off,but I cant see anybody other than an ardemt darin fan watching this DVD more than once.
This is quite a brave move as most other films about singers use original recordings which the lead actor mime to, and Spacey as I say does a good job.
The Film follows Darin from his childhood right the way through to his untimely death, but unless you are a fan of Darin your attention may waver from time to time.
The Songs include ofcourse "Beyond the Sea","Mack the Knife",and "Splish Splash" and if you are sufficiently impressed with Spacey's attempt at Darin's voice there is a CD of the Soundtrack available.A difficult propositon but Spacey just about pulls it off,but I cant see anybody other than an ardemt darin fan watching this DVD more than once.
Review ID: 10000000007590965
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Bored Beyond TearsReview created: 09/27/06
by:
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I love Kevin Spacey and Bobby Darin's music so I was really looking forward to watching Beyond the Sea. Then I saw it and was so sorry I did! It was boring, really boring.
The music is great and although Spacey is a lot older than Darin was (even at the time of his death) I thought he did a good job. But there was something about it that just did not click with me. Maybe my expectations were too high, I really cannot pin-point was went wrong. The film just di not grab my attention like I thought it would - I even tried watching it again (on a different day just to see if I had just not been in the mood the first time) but I could not sit through it!
I did not give it a lower rating because the production values and the music are excellent.
The music is great and although Spacey is a lot older than Darin was (even at the time of his death) I thought he did a good job. But there was something about it that just did not click with me. Maybe my expectations were too high, I really cannot pin-point was went wrong. The film just di not grab my attention like I thought it would - I even tried watching it again (on a different day just to see if I had just not been in the mood the first time) but I could not sit through it!
I did not give it a lower rating because the production values and the music are excellent.
Review ID: 10000000001914092
Was this review helpful? Report this review
BEYOND THE SEA
) I DECIDED TO BUY THIS MOVIE BECAUSE I FLIPPING THROUGH TV ONE DAY AND IT WAS ON. I WATCHED PART OF IT AND IT WAS VERY INTERESTING. BOBBY DARIN AND SANDRA DEE ARE FROM MY ERA, SO IT'S INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT THEIR LIFE WAS LIKE. THEY WERE BOTH VERY POPULAR WHEN I WAS YOUNG.
Review ID: 10000000013495136
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Awesome Movie!Review created: 05/01/09
by:
I've always liked Bobby Darin. and Kevin Spacey's singing and acting virtuosity. As soon as I heard that Spacey was to portray Darin, I knew I had to buy a copy of my own. I'm very glad that I did. Spacey sang each song in the movie. There was no dubbing of Darin's singing as was done with Sweet Dreams, the story of Patsy Kline. Spacey's performance blew me away. A few details were ignored, like when Darin had his own TV series before his tragic demise. Despite that, it was a great movie.
Review ID: 10000000011798771
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond the SeaReview created: 04/09/09
by:
Bought this movie because I love the music. It will never win any awards, but was good for a casual family movie night.
Review ID: 10000000011554255
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Used Beyond the Sea DVDEverything went down without a hitch. Shipment did come the very last day that was promised. Can't say it was in the sellers control. Would not hesitate to do business again. A++++
Review ID: 10000000010437585
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond the sea is a great movie to watchI love this movie because it take you back in time. If you like crooner music. you will love this movie. Plus kevin Spacry is great. Love his acting.
Review ID: 10000000009463210
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond The SeaThis movie, while not a big commercial success, was obviously a labor of love by KEVIN SPACEY, who is a self admitted BOBBY DARIN fanatic, like many of us.
The movie, although kind of "typical" in plot and storyline, chronicles the life and career (though short)
of an incredibly talented and versatile songwriter, performer, musician, producer, and singer, BOBBY DARIN.
KEVIN SPACEY'S attention to detail, especially in his character treatment is uncanny; and he does a very good job on vocals for the soundtrack, working with legendary producer, PHIL RAMONE, and some stellar
London based musicians. Arrangements are somewhat different than the originals, but the incredible performances by SPACEY and the session players overshadow any real negatives.
Being from Seattle, I was drawn personally to this movie, since as a point of trivia, BOBBY DARIN toured with a Seattle based band, THE FRANTICS in 1958 and 1959. They themselves, were already becoming regional and nationally prominent. He decided to take them in to the studio in Seattle, where they cut the rhythm tracks for "DREAM LOVER" and several others. DARIN reportedly was so impressed, he took the FRANTICS' tracks back to New York for background vocals and other "sweetening", and "DREAMLOVER" was released by ATCO in 1959, to become a huge and signature hit of DARIN'S.
Those of us who were around back then, are indeed proud, of the FRANTICS' contribution to BOBBY DARIN'S huge success.
If you are a BOBBY DARIN fan, you need to buy this DVD. You will love it. KEVIN SPACEY continues to be one of the great actors, and now directors in the industry, but likely, he is very proud of this movie.
The movie, although kind of "typical" in plot and storyline, chronicles the life and career (though short)
of an incredibly talented and versatile songwriter, performer, musician, producer, and singer, BOBBY DARIN.
KEVIN SPACEY'S attention to detail, especially in his character treatment is uncanny; and he does a very good job on vocals for the soundtrack, working with legendary producer, PHIL RAMONE, and some stellar
London based musicians. Arrangements are somewhat different than the originals, but the incredible performances by SPACEY and the session players overshadow any real negatives.
Being from Seattle, I was drawn personally to this movie, since as a point of trivia, BOBBY DARIN toured with a Seattle based band, THE FRANTICS in 1958 and 1959. They themselves, were already becoming regional and nationally prominent. He decided to take them in to the studio in Seattle, where they cut the rhythm tracks for "DREAM LOVER" and several others. DARIN reportedly was so impressed, he took the FRANTICS' tracks back to New York for background vocals and other "sweetening", and "DREAMLOVER" was released by ATCO in 1959, to become a huge and signature hit of DARIN'S.
Those of us who were around back then, are indeed proud, of the FRANTICS' contribution to BOBBY DARIN'S huge success.
If you are a BOBBY DARIN fan, you need to buy this DVD. You will love it. KEVIN SPACEY continues to be one of the great actors, and now directors in the industry, but likely, he is very proud of this movie.
Review ID: 10000000009130807
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond the Sea DVDReview created: 05/07/08
by:
Great price, great DVD, Great Seller...I loved this movie....The biography on Bobby Darin was very good...fabulous musical! The dancing was just great. A feel good movie.
Review ID: 10000000007051320
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond the SeaReview created: 03/05/08
by:
This was a very entertaining movie. Kevin Spacey is so multi-talented and does such a phenomenal job in this movie. Great music and keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I loved it !!!
Review ID: 10000000005995910
Was this review helpful? Report this review
PERFECTReview created: 02/23/08
by:
The dvd was brand new and EXCELENT! It was abosultely perfect and shipped quickly. I honestly couldn't be happier. I highly reccomend this seller
Review ID: 10000000005777541
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Kevin Spacey IS Bobby Darin !
) I am a giant fan of Bobby Darin, and this movie captured him to a "T". The music is great and the fact that Kevin Spacey did all of the singing just adds to the enjoyment. If you like/love Bobby Darin, you must get this movie. As they say at the end of the film. Bobb Darin is "still swinging" !
Review ID: 10000000005293300
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond SpaceyReview created: 10/05/07
by:
Being a fan of Kevin Spacey and Bobby Darin's songs, I could not dislike this movie to start with. I knew little about the singer and was impressed with everything that happened in his short life. Spacey is astonishing! Performing the songs himself with a beautiful voice we had never heard before. Excellent movie in every way, very entertaining and the cast is great also. I recommend it to all people who like biographic movies, fan or not.
Review ID: 10000000004505275
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Beyond The SeaReview created: 09/08/06
by:
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Purchased this dvd because I have enjoyed everything Kevin Spacey has done, though I wasn't a big fan of Bobby Darin the movie was very good and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes musicals, Kevin Spacey or Bobby Darin.
Review ID: 10000000001797702
Was this review helpful? Report this review
beyond the sea dvdReview created: 06/07/06
by:
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
It was a great movie,very informative.I wanted to get some dvds I havent seen before for my upcoming vacation!
Review ID: 10000000001129078
Was this review helpful? Report this review
Page 1 of 1
Ready to share your opinion with others? Write a Review
About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | Resolution Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help | |
Copyright © 1995-2009 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
| |
