Witness (DVD, 2005, Special Collector's Edition)

The DVD was in 100% new condition, everything as stated no suprises. DVD played very well, very good quality product. Sellers e-mails and shipping were very fast, very happy with service.

While Harrison Ford rates as my most favorite American actor (along with Warren Beatty Robert Redford and Paul Newman) I should point out that there is a magic in seeing this movie for the "shower moment" with Kelly McGillis who is very sexy and lovely indeed. Too bad she is left behind in the tale of this movie and in this we must comprehend a real tragedy. Certainly a well worth seeing movie with conspiracy theory themes. I think youll have some enjoyment with it.

Now that "Witness" has stood the test of time since its 1985 release, it's surprising to learn that many in the industry originally shunned the project saying it was just "another cop movie". "Witness" is anything but. That Peter Weir eventually directed the movie is quite a blessing, as I can't imagine any other director having done so well.

Recently widowed, Rachel Lapp (Kelly McGillis) and young son Samuel (Lukas Haas) begin what starts out to be a serene Amtrak trip from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Baltimore. However at the impressive Philadelphia train station the plot becomes serious when Samuel, by chance, observes the brutal murder of an undercover police officer. Although a crime puts the story in motion, most of the film deals with Philly detective John Book (Harrison Ford) going into hiding in the Amish community in Lancaster County to protect Samuel as well as himself.

I like many things about Witness. Of course, there's scenic Lancaster County and the train trip. (That locale, incidentally, has many railroad attractions). Then there are many humourous moments to provide comic relief in a mostly tense movie. Many of these instances serve a secondary purpose of showing contrasts between the Amish and "English" communities. Differences explored include everything from the lack of modern technology in the Amish world to vanity to the tourists to belief regarding firearms.

An awe inspiring event is the great community feeling protrayed by the barn raising. Other highlights include a reference to golden oldies music as John and Rachel dance to Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World". Not to mention the romantic tension between John, Rachel, and neighbor Daniel (Alexander Godunov).

Tying everything together in seemingly effortless fashion is the music of Maurice Jarre (who also scored Dr. Zhivago). In perfect accompaniment to changing moods, the music transitions from haunting to amazement to suspense to danger to pain and healing to triumphant to sad to joyful with many steps in between. The classic passage "Building the Barn" could stand on its own and sometimes does.

This special collector's edition is chock full of features: enhanced widescreen, trailers, an extended deleted scene, and a 5 part documentary "Between Two Worlds: The Making of Witness" which runs almost as long as the film itself. The doc features brilliant and educational observations by Peter Weir, Photo Director John Seale, and the major stars. With all these extras, it's like getting to see "Witness" for the first time again. This is one of the greatest films of the modern era, and even greater on this DVD.

The person (probably female) had a 100 percent feedback so as a buyer looking for htis film I decided it would be nice to have this DVD and I bought it using PayPal. Emmediately with 12 hours if not sooner the seller began getting Negatives from other Buyers. I NEVER SAW HIDE NOR HAIR of this DVD or heard from this Seller on Ebay again. Ebay ought to go after Frauds using their site more seriously. Too many honest decent ebay buyers use ebay, and all they get is stolen from. These people ought to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the laws. Overall I REALLY screen who I buy from now on ebay. I have been scammed way too many times.

I love this movie and I used to have it on VHS. So I checked to see if they had it on DVD and I found it!!!! I just had to buy it! I love everything about it!!

This transaction was timely and the service was excellent. I would buy items from this seller again.

Features actors: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis & Lukas Haas
Running time:112 min.
Rating:R

Harrison Ford stars as a disillusioned cop heading nowhere, when he becomes involved in a case that will radically change his perceptions. A young Amish boy (Lukas Haas) is witness to a murder in a train station where he and his mother (Kelly McGillis) have been travelling to visit her sister. It's a rare trip for them outside their puritanical Amish roots and only confirms their fear of a seemingly-violent outside world.

Ford's aggressive and coarse manner does not go down well with the sensitive McGillis who is trying to protect her son. He seems equally unpopular with his colleagues and the further he delves into the case, the clearer it becomes that he's in personal danger.

This development allows Weir to get Ford into the Amish countryside where he seeks refuge. Initially he's unwelcome but as he adapts to their ways they open up to him and this transformation occupies the body of the film. It's a fascinating and quiet world that Weir paints. But underneath the blossoming relationship between Ford and McGillis and the overall calm, lies the inevitable danger that they will be tracked down and violence will enter their world.

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Arrived in good condition . Did not have a long wait for shipping . Sorry I am so late .

I got my DVD in perfect condition, exactly what was discribed within just a few days. I couldn't have asked for more!

I'm reading a book on screenwriting, and it refers several times to this film. It had been at least 20 years since I watched it. I first saw this GREAT film in the summer of 1985 when I was in school in Europe, like in Austria or Germany I think. Because the dialogue starts in Dutch I thought it was going to be in a foreign language, like it had been dubbed. I was so glad when it turned out to be in english. It is a great film, but on this special edition is a 5 part DOCUMENTARY that is just fab. It interviews the actors, director, and its worth the price of the dvd. The actors are all much older now, but their love for the film and colaborative film art is enchanting. A must for film students. Don't pass up this special edition. Blessings, Max Rainet.

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Had this Movie on VHS for many years. Glad to get it on DVD.on E-Bay, at Christmas time and already watched it quite a few times.This is a real classic. Everyone who enjoys Harrison Ford, would enjoy this movie.Great Action.