Cyrano De Bergerac (Bantam Classics)
by EDMOND ROSTAND
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (01 November, 1950)
list price: $4.95 -- our price: $4.95
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Reviews (29)

Cyrano
I would not recommend this book to anyone. This book has to many details that distract from the main plot. Such as all the mindless chatter in the beginning of the book. It is instances like this one, and many other frivolous conversations that make this book boring.

Cyrano rocks!
Rostand uses many qualities to make the character, Cyrano, a stunning and heart winning lover.Cyrano's quick wit comes forth in his poetry and daring bravery.By using Cyrano's many personalities, Rostand keeps the reader's attention spellbound throughout the play.I enjoyed reading this play and couldn't put it down! I recommend this play/book to everyone.

A fantastic work of Literature and Drama
When I read Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac in my AP English class, I was astonished. I loved the play, and at that point I decided that I would get my own copy of it to have for myself. This is the edition we actually used during class, making the experience of purchasing this even better.

I strongly recommend this play to anyone, especially those who loveliterature and drama. This is a classic, and I pity anyone who does not indulge themself in it. Don't pass up this masterpiece---It's wonderful to have, to hold. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553213601
Sales Rank: 76318
Subjects:  1. 1619-1655    2. 17th century    3. Authors, French    4. Continental European    5. Cyrano de Bergerac,    6. Drama    7. France    8. History    9. Plays    10. Plays / Drama    11. Fiction / Classics   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Director: Augusto Genina
Average Customer Review:
DVD (26 September, 2000)
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $22.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color

Reviews (3)

A rather special silent film!
For me, the most obvious special feature of this film is its beautiful and rare Pathe Stencil colouring which, according to the DVD's notes, took three whole years to do!Unlike the early two-colour Technicolor, this method really was like a work of art in soft watercolours or similar, and is perfectly suited to the setting of France in the 1600s with its glorious and elegant costumes.This combination alone already won me, but all other aspects of this film are also of a high quality.I was most impressed by Pierre Magnier who made the character of Cyrano De Bergerac very human and real to me (despite the somewhat artficial nose!) Apart from the touching and inspiring story which shows that true love is more than skin-deep and rather a matter of someone's inner soul, the new orchestral musical accompaniment (composed by Kurt Kuenne, conducted by Timothy Brock) is also wonderful and quite appropriate.Even without the special attraction of its lovely Stencil Color, I'm sure this would rate as a film of very high standard.There is quite a lot to read in the intertitles, but they are easy to read and follow (English being underneath the Spanish) and in a style that also suits the story and atmosphere nicely.It obviously took a lot of effort to make this film (details of the Pathe Stencil Color technique explained in the DVD notes) and David Shepard has likewise gone to some effort to make it available to us today to appreciate and admire once again.Definitely a must in any silent film collection, and no doubt a treat for Cyrano De Bergerac fans in general.

Silent Cyrano Easily Holds Its Own.
I have always been attracted to the story of CYRANO DE BERGERAC. I first encountered it as a Classics Illustrated comic book in the early 60's (which I still have). Later there was the famous 1950 film with Jose Ferrer which appeared on television many times while I was growing up. In college I had the opportunity to read Edmond Rostand's original play (but not in French). Years later came Steve Martin's adaptation ROXANNE and finally the 1990 Gerard Depardieu film which for me is the definitive version. Now comes the 1925 French film which I first saw in 1996 shortly after it was released on video. This silent CYRANO can easily hold its own against the others. Of main interest is the incredible Pathe' Hand Coloring used which involves a variety of techniques including stencil coloring and hand painting. This is one of the few surviving examples of this lost art and is worth it alone just for that. But there is much more. The performance by Pierre Magnier as Cyrano is the heart and soul of the film as it needs to be. He strikes just the right balance of cocky arrogance and heart on sleeve romanticism. Linda Moglia and Angelo Ferrari are fine as Roxanne and Christian although there is little for them to do except advance the plot. The performances are remarkably free of the histrionics which are usually associated with silent films. Even Cyrano's "nose job" is understated and quite believable. The look of the film is ideal. You really feel as if you've been transported to the France of Louis XIII. The director Augustino Genina would later make Louise Brooks' last major film PRIX DE BEAUTE'. While the Depardieu vehicle remains the best version, the 1925 CYRANO DE BERGERAC provides an excellent alternative. One of the best introductions I know of to the art of the silent film. Contrary to what it says on the box, the film is subtitled in Spanish (not French) and English. The effective score by Carlo Moser sounds a little weak in performance. Perhaps that is why the ensemble is listed as the Alan Smithee Orchestra conducted by ALAN SMITHEE (the fictional name used when a director wants his/her name removed from a project).

Phenominal color achievement
Too often films of the silent era come to us in chopped, cropped, and abused formats."Cyrano" is flat out gorgeous with its detailed Pathecolor process, giving the scenes a fairy-tale coloration that easily rivals the old two-strip Technicolor.The performances are without the silent hyperbole or melodramatic flairs; in fact, when Pierre Magnier's Cyrano becomes expansive with his flourishes, he seems to be parodying the conventions we might expect after a diet of D. W. Griffith epics.The director, Augusta Genina, later went on to direct Louise Brooks' final European film, "Prix de Beaute," and his gifts with both spectacle and introspective moments are in strong evidence here. An amazing find! ... Read more

Asin: B00004W19B
Sales Rank: 35900
Subjects:  1. Classics (Silents/Avant Garde)   

Cyrano de Bergerac
Director: Augusto Genina
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (12 March, 1996)
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $28.45
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Color
• Black & White
• NTSC

Reviews (3)

A rather special silent film!
For me, the most obvious special feature of this film is its beautiful and rare Pathe Stencil colouring which, according to the DVD's notes, took three whole years to do!Unlike the early two-colour Technicolor, this method really was like a work of art in soft watercolours or similar, and is perfectly suited to the setting of France in the 1600s with its glorious and elegant costumes.This combination alone already won me, but all other aspects of this film are also of a high quality.I was most impressed by Pierre Magnier who made the character of Cyrano De Bergerac very human and real to me (despite the somewhat artficial nose!) Apart from the touching and inspiring story which shows that true love is more than skin-deep and rather a matter of someone's inner soul, the new orchestral musical accompaniment (composed by Kurt Kuenne, conducted by Timothy Brock) is also wonderful and quite appropriate.Even without the special attraction of its lovely Stencil Color, I'm sure this would rate as a film of very high standard.There is quite a lot to read in the intertitles, but they are easy to read and follow (English being underneath the Spanish) and in a style that also suits the story and atmosphere nicely.It obviously took a lot of effort to make this film (details of the Pathe Stencil Color technique explained in the DVD notes) and David Shepard has likewise gone to some effort to make it available to us today to appreciate and admire once again.Definitely a must in any silent film collection, and no doubt a treat for Cyrano De Bergerac fans in general.

Silent Cyrano Easily Holds Its Own.
I have always been attracted to the story of CYRANO DE BERGERAC. I first encountered it as a Classics Illustrated comic book in the early 60's (which I still have). Later there was the famous 1950 film with Jose Ferrer which appeared on television many times while I was growing up. In college I had the opportunity to read Edmond Rostand's original play (but not in French). Years later came Steve Martin's adaptation ROXANNE and finally the 1990 Gerard Depardieu film which for me is the definitive version. Now comes the 1925 French film which I first saw in 1996 shortly after it was released on video. This silent CYRANO can easily hold its own against the others. Of main interest is the incredible Pathe' Hand Coloring used which involves a variety of techniques including stencil coloring and hand painting. This is one of the few surviving examples of this lost art and is worth it alone just for that. But there is much more. The performance by Pierre Magnier as Cyrano is the heart and soul of the film as it needs to be. He strikes just the right balance of cocky arrogance and heart on sleeve romanticism. Linda Moglia and Angelo Ferrari are fine as Roxanne and Christian although there is little for them to do except advance the plot. The performances are remarkably free of the histrionics which are usually associated with silent films. Even Cyrano's "nose job" is understated and quite believable. The look of the film is ideal. You really feel as if you've been transported to the France of Louis XIII. The director Augustino Genina would later make Louise Brooks' last major film PRIX DE BEAUTE'. While the Depardieu vehicle remains the best version, the 1925 CYRANO DE BERGERAC provides an excellent alternative. One of the best introductions I know of to the art of the silent film. Contrary to what it says on the box, the film is subtitled in Spanish (not French) and English. The effective score by Carlo Moser sounds a little weak in performance. Perhaps that is why the ensemble is listed as the Alan Smithee Orchestra conducted by ALAN SMITHEE (the fictional name used when a director wants his/her name removed from a project).

Phenominal color achievement
Too often films of the silent era come to us in chopped, cropped, and abused formats."Cyrano" is flat out gorgeous with its detailed Pathecolor process, giving the scenes a fairy-tale coloration that easily rivals the old two-strip Technicolor.The performances are without the silent hyperbole or melodramatic flairs; in fact, when Pierre Magnier's Cyrano becomes expansive with his flourishes, he seems to be parodying the conventions we might expect after a diet of D. W. Griffith epics.The director, Augusta Genina, later went on to direct Louise Brooks' final European film, "Prix de Beaute," and his gifts with both spectacle and introspective moments are in strong evidence here. An amazing find! ... Read more

Asin: 6303968171
Sales Rank: 68667
Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - French   

Cyrano de Bergerac
Director: Michael Gordon
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (26 June, 1995)
list price: $9.99 -- our price: $9.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Edmond Rostand's ineffably romantic play about the big-nosed soldier and swordsman with a poet's soul looks stagey in this 1950 film adaptation. But, thanks to a heartfelt performance by Jose Ferrer (who won an Oscar for the role), the beauty of Rostand's words shines through. Ferrer plays Cyrano, who is in love with the beautiful Roxanne but is unable to tell her so for fear that she will reject him because of his extremely prominent nose. In a heart-breaking turn, she confesses her love to him--but it is love for another man, a soldier under his command named Christian. Christian, however, is a good-hearted but tongue-tied youngster, and so the older Cyrano woos Roxanne vicariously by supplying Christian with his own words of love, most famously in a balcony scene in which Cyrano speaks for himself while pretending to be Christian. Ferrer is tender, tough, and funny and single-handedly pulls this film to near-greatness. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Features

• Black & White
• NTSC

Reviews (40)

Black and White Movie with Colorful Language
+++++

(Note: this review is for the DVD released by "Image Entertainment" in May 2004.)

This movie is based on French playwright Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1897).

This movie is about long-nosed Cyrano de Bergerac (Jose Ferrer).According to his cousin, Roxane (Mala Powers), Cyrano is a "soldier, poet, philosopher, musician, playwright, and best swordsman in Paris."Unknown to Roxane, he is also in love with her.Cyrano is afraid she will reject him because of his very long nose.

Roxane confides in Cyrano that she's in love with a young soldier named Christian (William Prince).Christian is also in love with her but he has one major flaw: he is romantically inept and can't express his love.

Thus Christian enlists the help of Cyrano (or more precisely Cyrano's words) to woo Roxane.It is from this point on that the fun begins.

The words used throughout this movie especially by Cyrano are in a word -- beautiful.Even though this movie is in black and white, the words used are very colorful.It's strange but the black and white actually enhances the colorful words that are used.

All the sword dueling is finely choreographed and so very authentic looking.The background music enhances all scenes in this movie.All costumes are so authentic-looking that they add to each actor's performance.

All acting is superb but Jose Ferrer as Cyrano steals the show.It is easy to see why he won an Oscar for this role.

Finally, this DVD by "Image Entertainment" is of good quality.I have seen this movie on other less-expensive DVDs and both the picture and sound quality suffer.If you do not want distracting artifacts and want to see a classic play that's well acted, then this is the DVD to get!

In conclusion, this is a classic, swashbuckling movie.Be sure to see this movie and see why "a great [long] nose indicates a great man!"

(1950;black and white;115 min; full screen)

+++++

Best edition of a magnificent film
This (yellow poster on DVD case) is the Hal Roach edition of the 1950 film starring Jose Ferrer.I'm aware of two other editions: Alpha Video, & Marengo Films.The Alpha Video edition (full colour head shot of Cyrano) is crap -- not worth $5.The Marengo edition (black poster on DVD case), while clean in sound & video, is darker than this Hal Roach edition.In several significant scenes taking place outdoors at night, this edition shows more detail and is easier to watch.It has a minor flaw, a purple band that slowly rolls from bottom to top of the screen; I can eliminate it by reducing the colour intensity on my monitor.

I have all three editions; this is the one I watch.

Great Movieneeds restoration
This is one of my favorite films. The quality of the print shows it's age. It would really benefit from a clean up. ... Read more

Asin: 6303562388
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Cyrano de Bergerac
by Edmund Rostand
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 February, 2000)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $9.71
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Edmond Rostand's ineffably romantic play about the big-nosed soldier and swordsman with a poet's soul looks stagey in this 1950 film adaptation. But, thanks to a heartfelt performance by Jose Ferrer (who won an Oscar for the role), the beauty of Rostand's words shines through. Ferrer plays Cyrano, who is in love with the beautiful Roxanne but is unable to tell her so for fear that she will reject him because of his extremely prominent nose. In a heart-breaking turn, she confesses her love to him--but it is love for another man, a soldier under his command named Christian. Christian, however, is a good-hearted but tongue-tied youngster, and so the older Cyrano woos Roxanne vicariously by supplying Christian with his own words of love, most famously in a balcony scene in which Cyrano speaks for himself while pretending to be Christian. Ferrer is tender, tough, and funny and single-handedly pulls this film to near-greatness. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Black and White Movie with Colorful Language
+++++

(Note: this review is for the DVD released by "Image Entertainment" in May 2004.)

This movie is based on French playwright Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1897).

This movie is about long-nosed Cyrano de Bergerac (Jose Ferrer).According to his cousin, Roxane (Mala Powers), Cyrano is a "soldier, poet, philosopher, musician, playwright, and best swordsman in Paris."Unknown to Roxane, he is also in love with her.Cyrano is afraid she will reject him because of his very long nose.

Roxane confides in Cyrano that she's in love with a young soldier named Christian (William Prince).Christian is also in love with her but he has one major flaw: he is romantically inept and can't express his love.

Thus Christian enlists the help of Cyrano (or more precisely Cyrano's words) to woo Roxane.It is from this point on that the fun begins.

The words used throughout this movie especially by Cyrano are in a word -- beautiful.Even though this movie is in black and white, the words used are very colorful.It's strange but the black and white actually enhances the colorful words that are used.

All the sword dueling is finely choreographed and so very authentic looking.The background music enhances all scenes in this movie.All costumes are so authentic-looking that they add to each actor's performance.

All acting is superb but Jose Ferrer as Cyrano steals the show.It is easy to see why he won an Oscar for this role.

Finally, this DVD by "Image Entertainment" is of good quality.I have seen this movie on other less-expensive DVDs and both the picture and sound quality suffer.If you do not want distracting artifacts and want to see a classic play that's well acted, then this is the DVD to get!

In conclusion, this is a classic, swashbuckling movie.Be sure to see this movie and see why "a great [long] nose indicates a great man!"

(1950;black and white;115 min; full screen)

+++++

Best edition of a magnificent film
This (yellow poster on DVD case) is the Hal Roach edition of the 1950 film starring Jose Ferrer.I'm aware of two other editions: Alpha Video, & Marengo Films.The Alpha Video edition (full colour head shot of Cyrano) is crap -- not worth $5.The Marengo edition (black poster on DVD case), while clean in sound & video, is darker than this Hal Roach edition.In several significant scenes taking place outdoors at night, this edition shows more detail and is easier to watch.It has a minor flaw, a purple band that slowly rolls from bottom to top of the screen; I can eliminate it by reducing the colour intensity on my monitor.

I have all three editions; this is the one I watch.

Great Movieneeds restoration
This is one of my favorite films. The quality of the print shows it's age. It would really benefit from a clean up. ... Read more

Isbn: 1557832307
Subjects:  1. 1619-1655    2. 17th century    3. Authors, French    4. Continental European    5. Cyrano de Bergerac,    6. Drama    7. France    8. French Drama    9. History    10. Literary Criticism    11. Plays    12. Plays / Drama    13. Theater - General    14. Cyrano de Bergerac    15. Performing Arts / Theater / General   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Director: Michael Gordon
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (14 June, 1989)
list price: $6.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Edmond Rostand's ineffably romantic play about the big-nosed soldier and swordsman with a poet's soul looks stagey in this 1950 film adaptation. But, thanks to a heartfelt performance by Jose Ferrer (who won an Oscar for the role), the beauty of Rostand's words shines through. Ferrer plays Cyrano, who is in love with the beautiful Roxanne but is unable to tell her so for fear that she will reject him because of his extremely prominent nose. In a heart-breaking turn, she confesses her love to him--but it is love for another man, a soldier under his command named Christian. Christian, however, is a good-hearted but tongue-tied youngster, and so the older Cyrano woos Roxanne vicariously by supplying Christian with his own words of love, most famously in a balcony scene in which Cyrano speaks for himself while pretending to be Christian. Ferrer is tender, tough, and funny and single-handedly pulls this film to near-greatness. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Features

• NTSC

Reviews (40)

Black and White Movie with Colorful Language
+++++

(Note: this review is for the DVD released by "Image Entertainment" in May 2004.)

This movie is based on French playwright Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1897).

This movie is about long-nosed Cyrano de Bergerac (Jose Ferrer).According to his cousin, Roxane (Mala Powers), Cyrano is a "soldier, poet, philosopher, musician, playwright, and best swordsman in Paris."Unknown to Roxane, he is also in love with her.Cyrano is afraid she will reject him because of his very long nose.

Roxane confides in Cyrano that she's in love with a young soldier named Christian (William Prince).Christian is also in love with her but he has one major flaw: he is romantically inept and can't express his love.

Thus Christian enlists the help of Cyrano (or more precisely Cyrano's words) to woo Roxane.It is from this point on that the fun begins.

The words used throughout this movie especially by Cyrano are in a word -- beautiful.Even though this movie is in black and white, the words used are very colorful.It's strange but the black and white actually enhances the colorful words that are used.

All the sword dueling is finely choreographed and so very authentic looking.The background music enhances all scenes in this movie.All costumes are so authentic-looking that they add to each actor's performance.

All acting is superb but Jose Ferrer as Cyrano steals the show.It is easy to see why he won an Oscar for this role.

Finally, this DVD by "Image Entertainment" is of good quality.I have seen this movie on other less-expensive DVDs and both the picture and sound quality suffer.If you do not want distracting artifacts and want to see a classic play that's well acted, then this is the DVD to get!

In conclusion, this is a classic, swashbuckling movie.Be sure to see this movie and see why "a great [long] nose indicates a great man!"

(1950;black and white;115 min; full screen)

+++++

Best edition of a magnificent film
This (yellow poster on DVD case) is the Hal Roach edition of the 1950 film starring Jose Ferrer.I'm aware of two other editions: Alpha Video, & Marengo Films.The Alpha Video edition (full colour head shot of Cyrano) is crap -- not worth $5.The Marengo edition (black poster on DVD case), while clean in sound & video, is darker than this Hal Roach edition.In several significant scenes taking place outdoors at night, this edition shows more detail and is easier to watch.It has a minor flaw, a purple band that slowly rolls from bottom to top of the screen; I can eliminate it by reducing the colour intensity on my monitor.

I have all three editions; this is the one I watch.

Great Movieneeds restoration
This is one of my favorite films. The quality of the print shows it's age. It would really benefit from a clean up. ... Read more

Asin: 6301394690
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (13 May, 1998)
list price: $7.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Black & White
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Poetry, Excellent Acting
Jose Ferrer delivers an unforgettable Oscar-winning performance.Beautifully poetic English translation of the original De Rostand "Cyrano".I have seen four different versions of "Cyrano" on film and this is by far my favorite.Print and sound are still in very good shape. I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Asin: B000007PR1
Sales Rank: 67099

Cyrano de Bergerac / The Son of Monte Cristo
Director: Rowland V. Lee
Average Customer Review:
DVD (28 August, 2001)
list price: $9.99 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Color
• Black & White

Reviews (4)

GREAT VALUE
Like the other reviewers here have stated, the transfers are very good.I read a reviewer at "DVD Town" who wrote that this transfer is much better than a previous Marengo release of "Cyrano."Aside from the quality, the stories of both movies are very interesting."Son of..." is a good movie I had never heard of before.

WORLDS GREATEST SWORDSMAN
First... these two prints are FANTASTIC... the sound is PERFECT.
If you like real heroes you will love Cyrano, if you like love stories you will love Cyrano, if you like swashbucklers you will love Cyrano... Can you tell I LOVE THIS MOVIE... The Son of Monte Cristo was enjoyable too... it's a kick to see Clayton Moore without his mask...! Excellent product from Marengo Films.

Cyrano at his best
Cyrano is a classic figure and this film brings out the essence of his grace. The imperfect hero, the long nose, the malancholy, the honor of it all is captured to perfection in this film. The print and sound are wonderful.

Marengo Films has done a very nice job of paring this with The Son of Monte Cristo. Obviously the "B" title of the double feature, this print is also excellent. Watch for Clayton Moore in his early acting days before he became, The Lone Ranger. The price paid for these two films is a bargain. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N8AR
Sales Rank: 31772
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Cyrano De Bergerac
by Edmond Rostand
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1972)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $11.16
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (3)

The long nose revolution
Cyrano is a really interesting book with many surprises to the reader. It's really creative and it's funny and romantic at the same time.
Cyrano is a man with a very large nose who loves Roxane, however Roxane loves Christian who she finds handsome and romantic, yet Cyrano is the one who helps Christian to seem like the very poetic and romantic man she thinks he is, because he tries to help him to win her love.
There are also fights along the book, and it's very entertaining and heroic. The story teaches to not be worried about appearance above everything and also to encourage people to try to explain the feelings they have inside.
I strongly recommended it if you want to spend a nice time reading these drama play and classic.

A Fun and Approachable Classic
My introduction to Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" came, unsurprisingly, in an English class--a testament to the work's literary value, if nothing else.However, unlike many of the'classics' that I had to slug through in such classes, I was thouroughly engaged by "Cyrano."While it is hardly one of the best known plays I've come across, it is certainly well worth the read.

It contains a lively and entertaining plot, both comical and tragic, is the story of a French nobleman, soldier, and playwrite who is secretly in love with the beautiful Roxanne, whom he fears will never return his affection because of his self-perceived uglyness.In an attempt to vicariously woo Roxanne, Cyrano helps his handsome but inarticulate rival by providing him with beautifully worded love letters.However, both Cyrano and Christain, his rival-cum-protegee, are sent to war, disrupting the romance.During the hostilities, Christian realizes that Roxanne truly loves Cyrano, and urges him to reveal the secret.However, Christian is killed before they are able to return from battle, and Cyrano, unwilling to reveal his true role in respect of his fallen friend, is forced to live as merely a friend, comforting Roxanne over the lover she believes she lost.It is only later as Cyrano himself dies that Roxanne discovers the truth, forcing her to experience the loss of the love of her life for a second time.

Rostand's characterization throughout the novel, particularly of the title character, is exqusite.Cyrano is a very complex character, fueled by intense emotion, pride, and fierce independence, and the reader is treated to a brilliant portrayal of both his virtues and the downfalls to which he is subject.

All around, "Cyrano" is a engaging story, well-told, and I highly recomend it to all audiences.

Cyranno De Bergerac Book Review
When you have to make an important decision that is between true love and a friendship, what are you to do? I'm sure that was a question that ran through Cyranno de Bergerac's mind all the time. Cyranno was a writer with beautiful words, but he also was a fighter in the battlefield. The fighter in him created honor, while his words created love, but not for himself but for his friend Christian.
This book had a huge turning point when Christian declared his love for Roxanne and asked for Cyranno's help. This caused Roxanne to fall in love with Cyranno's words but Christians face. This turning point showed the true emotion of Cyranno and how he really felt about Roxanne.
I think Edmond Rostand is a good writer because he makes you think. It is sort of like he makes the book seem like a puzzle. I also liked it because as the book went on he tried to create some comedy with it. I would recommend this book because it keeps you interested and always thinking. This book would appeal to people who are interested in romance, mixed with confusion and plays ... Read more

Isbn: 2253005673
Sales Rank: 248910
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Literary   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (24 November, 1993)
list price: $19.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and cowriter Jean-Claude Carriere had the brilliant idea of casting France's most lovably vulnerable hunk, the massive Gerard Depardieu, in one of French literature's meatiest roles: the sword-wielding poet Cyrano. Equipped with a massive nose and a heart to match, Depardieu soars as the heart-broken soldier who must lend his words of love to another man to woo the woman he yearns for. Rappeneau spared no expense in taking this Edmond Rostand play into realistic locations for the battle scenes in the second act, making the film as exciting as it is romantic and funny. Depardieu attacks the role in great gulps, consuming all the oxygen in any room he enters. Macho but sensitive, he creates a larger-than-life Cyrano, whose wrenching sadness at the lack of interest from his lady love will have you reaching for the tissues. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (64)

a masterpiece deserving better picture quality
This film is one of my favorites.
However, this DVD is not anamorphic.The picture quality is only marginally better than LD.This takes away much of my viewing pleasure.

I suggest that Amazon should change the format from widescreen to letterbox. I also suggest a new edition of this great film with better picture and sound quality.

I am not a romance fan...
I am not a romance fan... but this movie still remains in my top 50 list. And, I must admit, I cry at the ending, everytime.

The acting, direction, editing, and cinematography are all excellent, a rare feat.

I guess it is the story that gets me the most. If you have watched "Roxanne" you might recognize the plot.

Heartbreaking! Such is the fate of the poet.
This film is a poem to the enduring pulse of true love and the complex nature of beauty - at once a flickering flame that draws the eyes and then a source of warmth that melts the heart. Cyrano, the poet extraordinaire who's sword is as sharp and fast as his wit, has carried a torch for the beautiful Roxanne as long as can be remembered, the brightness of which has been hiding in the shadow of a grotesque deformity: a large misshapen nose. "I can never be loved even by the ugliest. My nose precedes me by 15 minutes." Like Cyrano, Roxanne is a Romantic where words are windows into the soul, but she's fallen in love with the handsome young musketeer, Christian, who unbeknownst to her, has not the gift for poetry. And so Cyrano becomes the voice of Christian, thus expressing in letterform the depth of his love for her. Roxanne becomes intoxicated, but is blinded by the external beauty of Christian, and remains ignorant of the fact that as her love has grown, Cyrano is really the object of that love. Such is the fate of the poet! Depardieu as Cyrano gives a moving portrayal that is both heartbreaking and heroic. ... Read more

Asin: 6302176778
Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - French   

Roxanne
Director: Fred Schepisi
Average Customer Review:
DVD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $14.94 -- our price: $13.45
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Editorial Review

In 1987, almost a hundred years after its first production, the romantic story of Cyrano de Bergerac found new life in a winsome film written by Steve Martin. Roxanne updates the tale with a smart '80s spin, yet writer-star Martin stays close to the old-fashioned heart of the matter. He plays a small-town firefighter named C.D. Bales, whose otherwise unremarkable existence is crowned by an amazingly long nose. He falls for the world's most beautiful astronomer (Daryl Hannah), but he is embarrassed by the size of his proboscis and prefers to stay on the sidelines. Like Cyrano, the shy C.D. instead helps a handsome friend (Rick Rossovich) woo the fair lady by providing flowery sentiments and soulful poetry. Not only does the story still work, but Australian director Fred Schepisi captures a dreamy grace in his visual design for the film (some of which will be lost without the widescreen format). Set in Washington State, but filmed in the hilly ski resort of Nelson, British Columbia, the location seems like a fairy-tale town, nearly as unreal as Steve Martin's nose. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby
• Widescreen

Reviews (32)

Should become a comedy classic
This is Cyrano de Bergerac updated and told with the craziness of Steve Martin's brain--a wonderful, funny movie. Martin is the fire chief of a scenic Northwest resort town. There are two newcomers to town: a professional firefighter (Rick Rossovich) and a beautiful female astronomer (Daryl Hannah). Martin, the self-assured, passionate but ugly (that schnoz) chief and Rossovich, the dumb but handsome hunk both fall for Hannah; of course Hannah is interested in the hunk. But Rossovich is unable to talk to bright women, so Martin feeds him lines and Hannah is swept off her feet. The mistaken identity is all worked out satisfactorily by picture's end (Martin wins Hannah). Everything works perfectly in this movie, and Martin is at his very best. I've watched this quite a few times over the years and the humor never gets stale. A terrific movie.

Great movie, except for Daryl Hannah
Didn't anybody else find Hannah's performance here to be...lacking?She just doesn't make it.The last scene, in which her character declares her love for Martin's character, is almost unbearable for me to watch, she's so lame and unbelievable.Despite her physical beauty, I can't accept that Martin's character would fall for her.He's so full of life and she doesn't show near enough character to match him.I don't think she's a good actress.

Sorry, Daryl.

I'd rather live here, than in the best town in the world!
"Roxanne" is one of the old-fashioned, yet wonderfully watchable comedies that comes around only once in great while.Despite some harsh language at times, this is the perfect movie for those over 14.

Steve Martin plays the C.D. Bales, the local fire chief who probably would've found happyness a long time ago if it weren't for his huge nose (or rather, his self consciousness about his huge nose).Along comes Roxanne, played nicely by Daryl Hannah, who has come to town with her telescope to spot a comet she's thinks she's discovered.Of course, C.D. falls head over heels for her, but her attentions are drawn to the new fireman Chris, played by Rick Rossovich (Hmm, I wonder whatever happened to him? He's probably in the same boat as "Sixteen Candles" star Michael Schoeffling).

"Roxanne" elevates itself above routine fare with an excellent supporting cast, including Shelly Duvall in the odd role of C.D.'s best friend (according to the film, their characters aren't related, so have they dated in the past?), Michael J. Pollard as the nerdy, but very funny fireman Andy, who should never be challenged in a boxing match.And most especially Fred Willard as the over-the-top mayor.He has the best single line in the film when, after a major event takes place (I won't give that away), he toasts the crowd by saying, "I'd rather be with the people here tonight, than with the finest people on the planet!".A drop dead funny line.

Also look for a young Damon Wayans as one of the firemen.

Highlights of the movie include the famous "20 worse things you can say about C.D.'s nose" (if you keep count, it's actually 25?!), Chris's constant attempts to overcome his shyness about meeting Roxanne, the confrontation of C.D. and two drunk skiers (one of them played by SNL's Kevin Nealon), and any scene with Michael J. Pollard.

This is a warm, wonderful film full of laughs and great character bits.I heartily recommend it to all who want a break from today's gross-out comedies.

Notes: I wonder just how drunk the skiers were at the beginning of the film.They're carrying ski gear, but it's clearly summertime (the leaves are green and not one snowflake to be found).

Also, Daryl Hannah is the best looking astronomer I've ever seen.


... Read more

Asin: 0767818105
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

The Very Best of... Sting & the Police
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Reviews (31)

A Lotta Great Music on Odd Compilation
Music: 4.5 stars; Compilation: 3.5 stars.

Saw Sting in concert a few weeks back (surprisingly strong set with LOTS of Police-nuggets such as Bed's Too Big Without You etc.) and that lead me to revisit this album. This was rushed out in 1997 as a result of P.Diddy's monster hit "Missing You", sampling "Every Breath You Take".

"The Very Best of Sting and the Police" (18 tracks, 78 min.) is "politically correct" in that it brings an equal number of Police hits and Sting solo-hits (9 each). It has a lot of things going for it: first and foremost, much of the music is outstanding. Best of all is the inclusion of "So Lonely", a major hit which somehow was omitted from The Police's "Every Breath You Take: The Classics". This can directly be attributed to using the full extent of a single CD capacity. The sound quality is surprisingly good as well. What is very unfortunate is that all 18 songs are mixed and matched without any apparent rhyme or reason. Thus we go from the Police's "Can't Stand Losing You" directly into Sting's "An Englishman in New York. Say what? Or we go from Sting's "Seven Days" into the Police's "Walking on the Moon"! Why couldn't they simply present the songs in chronological order? That said, there IS a lot of great music on this CD. It's simply up to you to play it in an order that makes more sense and pleases the ear more.

A Must of Fans for Both 'The Police' & 'Sting's' work.....
For a band that were at the height of their fame, It seemed a shock too hear that 'The Police' were to disband.(Due to tensions between 'Sting', and the rest of the band, "Andy Summers (Guitar)" & "Stewart Copeland (Drums)".But what they did leave behind, was a collection of incredibly well-crafted, slick, literate & lively songs that touched upon Jazz (a particular favourite of Sting's, and one he would explore on his solo albums),Album rock, Pop/Rock ("Message in a Bottle", was the perfect encapsulation of intelligent Pop music, for a more discerning listener).New Wave (The spookily infectious anthem, "Don't Stand so Close to me" was one of the most successful new Wave-oriented tracks to climb the singles chart).Alternative Pop (The angst-ridden swagger of "Roxanne", was as reflectively beautiful enough for it to become one of their most requested/Covered songs, of their career).Songs with a slight reggae-ting to them ("Cant stand Losing you", toyed with elements of reggae instrumentation to marvellous effect).Alternative Rock/Post-Punk (The spaced out freeform guitar on "Walking on the Moon", perfectly summoned weird images of life on another planet), Cerebral Pop (The unforgettable catchiness of the mildly melancholic "Message in Bottle" will arguably remain one of their best known songs).Singer/Songwriter tracks (the Haunting "Every Breath you Take", is all the more disturbing, when you realise the song is about a 'Stalker' watching his victim, read the lyrics for the song again, and it'll start to make sense).

And all these established /Classic tracks are included in this reasonably comprehensive complition of the work of The Police. But there are several things that are going to divide listeners, as to the merits of this release.Firstly, there are a couple of tracks that haven't been included in this release that fans will (reasonably) have expected to make it. Songs like "Wrapped Around Your Finger", "King of Pain", "The Beds Too Big without You", "Driven To Tears", "Spirits in The Material World", and my personal favourite...the Exotic/World music influenced "Masoko Tango", are all curiously absent. This is probably so there's enough room on the disk to include tracks from the solo work of "Sting".

Now I'm not going to lie to you, when I bought this album...and it said "Sting & The Police", I didn't really think anything of it (maybe 'Sting' just wanted Top Billing??, I thought).When I realised that It included his solo work, I Thought.....D'OH!!!,Sting's okay I thought, and he has released some nice songs in his solo career, but I'd had no intention of picking up any of his Solo Albums.Well, thankfully the compliers here have chosen the best/most accessible tracks from his career, and interspersed them amongst the Police songs.and although I'm big enough to admit this, his tracks, although far more subtle in sound, and Jazz-tinged are generally excellent, and whilst it's hard to ignore the fact that isn't wholly necessary to have his tracks on this album, the actual music selected from his solo work is very good.(I'll even admit that I love "Englishman in New York" & "If you Love somebody Set Them Free" & "If I Every Lose my Faith in You").Sure....It would have been perferable to have more "The Police" tracks than Sting's Solo stuff, but by picking some of his more intimate work, his work doesn't in any way disgrace this album.And I'll wager that this compilation isn't really suited for the devoted 'The Police' fan/enthusiast....instead this is far more suited for either the casual fan, or someone that likes both 'The Police', and Stings's Solo work (does such a person exist??......**Joke**).If it'd had possibly featured more "The Police" tracks, fitting in some of the tracks that I mentioned, that didn't make it, or trimmed back slightly on Sting's Solo work, to make space for more "The Police" tracks, This would have most definitely gotten a 5 Star rating.It's not that Sting's solo tracks are weak....far from it, although very different in sound to 'The Police's' work, it sits nicely in amongst the bands work (although a definite shift in tempo is noticeable), but "The Police's" work is so inspirational / Timeless, that you'd have to argue that the strongest songs, should have made the compilation.Irrespective of that, this is still a marvellous compilation, that tries to compile work, from two very different sources, and largely succeeds.And Essential for anyone that's a fan of both bodies of work ("The Police" & "Sting").

Excellent album of Sting and Police songs together!
This is a very good album.I noticed that the 2002 release doesn't include Roxanne '97 which was on the former 1997 album.I liked that one--just brought a hip-hop street edge to Sting with Sean Puffy Combs doing an updated version of the song.But the updated album is just as solid with the hits and De Do Do Do De Da Da Da.I love Walking on the Moon, which I had never heard before when I bought it the first time.Covers a very expansive career of Sting and his band The Police! ... Read more

Asin: B000060KB6
Sales Rank: 1479
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Album Rock    4. College Rock    5. New Wave    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (08 April, 1991)
list price: $29.98
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Features

• Color
• Box set
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

Sir Derek as Cyrano is THE BEST!!!!!
This video is based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage production of Cyrano that ran in London, New York and Washington DC 1983-1985. I saw the London and New York productions each several times, and, as phenomenal as they were, the video is in many ways better, if only because this version is more permanent.

I love this play. I've seen many renditions and adaptations of Cyrano over the years, and this one is by far the best I've seen. I'm a huge fan of Sir Derek Jacobi's work, and this rendition of Cyrano showcases his work at its pinnacle. Sinead Cusack is glorious in this production as the love-struck Roxane, John Carlisle is just dark enough as DeGuiche, Pete Postlethwaite is over the top as Cyrano's sidekick, Rageneau, Tom Mannion intelligently provides a beautiful and downright stupid-sounding Christian. The rest of the cast is equally fine (there just isn't time enough to list them all: sorry, Cast, you're all terrific). But of course this show is about Cyrano and Sir Derek keeps him (and his large but not obscene proboscis in the center of the viewer's attention from Cyrano's first chandelier-swinging entrance to his bittersweet death in the nunnery yard.

If you can find it, get this video, watch it and drool. Why the distribution company let it go OP is beyond me.

RSC Cyrano
Without a doubt,THE best Cyrano I've seen! The acting, the production; without equal! ... Read more

Asin: 6301328116
Sales Rank: 32945
Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Theater   

Cyrano De Bergerac
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (31 August, 1989)
list price: $19.99
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Features

• Animated
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Better than the Original
This movie version of the famous story is so much richer than the original (in B&W).It is more than just being in color.The details and cinematography are excellent.Yes it has subtitles but don't let that put you off.It actually sounds good to here the dialog in french, as you read in english.As proof, even my kids (9-14)loved it. ... Read more

Asin: 6301252578
Sales Rank: 43565
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

Mr. Magoo's Literary Classics: Cyrano De Bergerac / A Midsummer Night's Dream
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (28 February, 1991)
list price: $12.95
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Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Jim Backus's vocal worn shines as Magoo doing Cyrano
This particular volume of "Mr. Magoo's Literary Classics" offers up a pair of famous dramas with a Magoo twist.In Rostrand's "Cyrano De Bergerac," the nearly blind little man plays the title role, in love with the beautiful Roxanne, but embarrassed of his large nose.Then Magoo plays Puck in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream," where he has great fun with foolish mortals.Young viewers will certainly get a sense for these plays and may well be inspired to check out the actual things once they have seemed these animated versions.As always, Jim Backus does the wonderful voice work for Magoo and the chief charm of this particular tape is the amazing job he does of evoking the pathos of Cyrano while retaining the vocal characteristics that so define Mr. Magoo.Unlike Mel Blanc who did a symphony of voices, Backus did one voice really, really well.As always, you are encouraged to check out "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" if you have never seen that particular holiday classic. ... Read more

Asin: 6301921984
Sales Rank: 17952
Subjects:  1. Children's Video