Shadowlands (DVD, 1999, Multiple Languages)

This item was falsely advertised as the original movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Deborah Winger. It was very reasonably priced. When it arrived it was a PBS copy with two unknown actors.
The story was good and the quality was good- but I wanted Anthony Hopkins and was very disappointed. I wrote the seller but he never replied.

An exceptional film in every way imaginable: performances, direction, cinematography, score, etc. For lovers of C.S. Lewis, this is probably the best depiction out there, and for lovers of movies in general, you'll be hardpressed to find a better one than this.

This was exactly what I was looking for. I discovered this movie is very difficult to find with Hopkins & Winger. I haven't seen it since it was in the theaters. The newer movie is easier to find. The dvd was in excellent shape and I received it quickly. The video was like new!

"Shadowlands" is one of the most moving love stories of our time. It is superbly acted, with two unforgettable performances from Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger (in an Oscar-nominated role), gorgeously photographed, elegantly scored, supremely directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, and marvelously scripted by William Nicholson (adapting his own stage-play).

The film centers on the real-life romance between British scholar Clive Staples "Jack" Lewis and American poet Joy Gresham. Although some details are either omitted (Joy had two sons instead of one) or barely mentioned (Jack's brother Warnie struggled with alcohol), the film remains true to the nature of the real story. What is remarkable about this film is that it examines both the rewards and consequences of love. At first, Jack resists the choice to fall in love with Joy because he does not want to experience the pain of losing her. But once she is diagnosed with cancer, he discovers that his purpose is to make her happy and thus decides to marry her.

The performances are what makes the film shine. Hopkins makes a wonderful C.S. Lewis, giving the character both wisdom and emotional flaws. Debra Winger is not only excellent as Joy, but her performance complements Hopkins' Lewis. It is through the beauty of their performances that we get to witness a story of emotional healing and unbearable loss. The supporting cast is effective, including Joseph Mazzello as Douglas Gresham, Edward Hardwicke as Warnie Lewis, James Frain as Peter Whistler, and John Wood as Christopher Riley. The film's production design is one of the film's highlights, thanks to the talents of Stuart Craig. The look and feel of 1950's Oxford is rendered exceptionally well in this film. The composer George Fenton graces the film with a rich music score that truly shines in some of the film's later scenes.

For those who are not able to handle extremely sad scenes, then think twice before viewing this film. A few scenes may be difficult for some to watch, especially during Joy's remission from the cancer treatment. But if you admire fine performances and direction, then you will find "Shadowlands" to be a rich and emotionally rewarding experience that will have you coming back for repeat viewings. I highly recommend this film.

The DVD was a region 2 viewing audience DVD which means that unless you have a DVD player that will play all world wide regions, you cannot play the DVD in the United States since all US DVD's are region 1. The seller may have had that lsited on the webpage advertising the item but if he did, I missed it. I sent an e-mail to the seller asking to return the item and for the seller to refund my payment plus my shipping. I made the request over a week ago and have not heard a word. I am probably out $21 at this point.

DVD being sold from someone in this country. However the DVD was not viewable on players made in this country. I tried to find out what region the US was in however this information was not available. I bought a movie that I am unable to view and when returned I have yet to receive a refund (full or partial.) Very dissapointed.

I found this movie online and really wanted to watch it. I figure renting movies cost about half the cost of buyig dvds on ebay so I just purchased it. I watched clips on Youtube.com and it lived up to the hype. I really enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to anyone.

The movie was very touching. I liked this movie a lot the acting was the best. So were the characters I really started to care for them. I would buy this movie because it is worth watching over and over again. Each time you watch the movie you will like it more. The main reason to buy this movie is to watch Anthony Hopkins act he is in top form in this great movie.

Wonderful film, but only plays on European and specially made DVD players (and many PCs with movie software).

The movie was in excellent shape it look like it had never been used or taken from the case. The case was in perfect shape too. I was very pleased!

This was exactly what I was looking for. I was in excellent shape and I received it quickly. The video was like new!

Unbelievably moving true story of the latter years of C.S. Lewis' life. He wrote one more book after this event and died shortly afterwards. A must for anyone to see.
I bought it to replace the one I had and loaned out. Of course, I never got it back!!

Reasonable price, great product, and fast transaction. I would consider returning given my positive experience and satisfaction with the item.

This is an excellent movie about C.S. Lewis. If you like any of his books than you will love this movie!

my wife wanted it and wow ican see why. it was very inspiring!
and i couldn't get a reveiw for the buyer to come up on my cpu. she was fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Outstanding movie! First time I ever heard sobs in a movie theater. Genuine love story that makes all of C.S. Lewis' books mean that much more!

I really love the story in this movie. It's a love story in the truest sense of the word. Not a Hollywood-happy ending kind of story, but wonderful nonetheless.

I've always been a fan of C.S. Lewis' writings. It was awesome to see a part of his life. Hopkins does a great job.

one of Anthony Hopkins' best movies, because he isn't evil or mean: he acts like I believe C S Lewis might have been like. Debra Winger plays a very believable American who wants security and love for her child. Together, there is magic.

The movie is excellent. I had seen the movie sometime ago and decided to purchase it for my daughter.

The story of C.S. Lewis' and his late-in-life marriage to Joy is wonderful. A powerful story that deserves telling. This movie is only average to good. Worth seeing, but not nearly as powerful as it could have been. Pity, because the back-story is astonishingly uplifting, refining and heartbreaking.

Perhaps I ask too much of the movie. To get a better feel for the story of Lewis' life, writings and his eventual marriage, consider buying the remarkable lecture series done by Professor Lous Markos. It is available from "theteachingcompany.com" on six audio CDs (and can occasionally be found on eBay), titled: "The Life and Writings of C.S. Lewis."

There is also a fine collection of his apologetics available in a large format edition (about 8.5 x 11) published by Harper Collins titled: "The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics." This beautiful book presents his classic works: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, and Lewis's prophetic examination of universal values, The Abolition of Man.

Well worth having on your bookshelf.

He cried out, “Where is God when I really need him?” This film is about the agonizing spiritual crisis of C.S. Lewis when his wife died from cancer. The love, grief, pain, and sorrow were so shattering to Lewis that his basic Christian beliefs, magnificently communicated in his many books, were now called into serious doubt.

But he picked up the pieces and moved out of the depressing “shadowlands,” realizing that “real life has not even begun yet.”

Starring Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom. This DVD contains both the 90 minute TV version & the 73 minute abridged version.

Shadowlands is one of those great films that were released in the U.S. on VHS, but never made it to DVD. Unfortunately, legal DVD's can only be purchased in a Region 2 PAL format, which will not play on most North American DVD players. I have a Dell laptop computer, and I purchased an extra DVD drive which is designated as "Region 2" just for that purpose. Being able to watch Shadowlands made the drive purchase worthwhile. I simply patch my laptop into my home theater system, and we are all set.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only is this version of the DVD in widescreen, but the British Region 2 version includes features which did not appear on the American VHS version. The soundtrack is in mono, but has been digitally remastered with that rich theater audio sound.

Shadowlands is a Richard Attenborough film which will not disappoint. In my opinion, Tony Hopkins gives his best film performance.

If you like Shadowlands, another Region 2 PAL format DVD which you can find on eBay is Young Winston. You will not be disappointed.