This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
If you've never read the book series made famous by Terry Goodkind, then you're probably better off. This show takes very little from the original story, but adds much more to make it worth watching. The acting is superb, the new story is very well done, and the overall show is top notch. Terry Goodkind gave his seal of approval to this show, and I do also. Unfortunately, only 4 audio commentaries are offered, so if you want to learn more about the underneaths of the story, you're out of luck here (however, the four that were done are VERY well done, and include the two main characters.) Some other smaller featurettes about the show are included on the last disc. Overall, if you haven't seen this before, it's definitely worth a watch. If you followed it on syndication last year, there's nothing new unless you enjoy commentary. But it's definitely worth watching again and again. Be prepared for the new season start November 7th!
What's great about it: Excellent Story told through 5 discs, transfer to DVD is excellent
What's not so great: only 4 commentaries, small on the rest of the special features, next season doesn't start soon enough
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Now, to be fair, I have been a fan of this movie for a very long time. I have purchased the VHS version, as well as any DVD release that has come out (hello to redundancy in special features and the sort). When I heard that this was coming to Blu-Ray, I immediately pre-ordered it. My opinions may be bias because of enjoying the movie too much, so I will try to keep it in perspective.
Video Quality: 4/5 The Princess Bride is showing its age as far as production values go, but this shouldn't sway anyone from seeing this movie. The Blu-Ray version has been wonderfully remastered in 1080P. This is most noticeable with the color palette, as all the colors are vibrant. The picture is crisp, with the original film grain still in tact. You will notice the best quality during the scenes with the Dread Pirate Roberts on his quest to find the Princess. Overall, the picture looks nice for being 22 years old, a true testament to how good Blu-Ray can make any movie look.
Audio Quality: 5/5 The soundtrack in it's TrueHD quality is great. Very clear and no signs of fuzz anywhere. The 5.1 audio track is truly 5.1 as every channel receives the correct sound and really enhances the quality of the movie experience.
Extras: 3/5 As mentioned above, all the extras are on older discs. The documentary is great, and the commentary with Rob Reiner and William Goldman is interesting (if you're into that kind of thing). The Biggest extra, however, is the DVD version of the movie has been bundled with this Blu-Ray, allowing you to share the movie with anyone else. This is something that I have been waiting for Blu-Ray to do for a long time, and it's been mostly younger Disney Movies for now (Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty). HD-DVD was doing this the whole time, so it's nice to see Blu-Ray starting to do it more.
Overall: 5/5
Buy this movie if you like romance. Buy this movie if you like comedy. Buy this movie if you enjoy romantic comedies. This is a must watch for anyone looking for an underrated movie for its time, but something that has withstood the test of time and has become one of the greatest romance stories ever. Take it from a guy who enjoys a good Chick Flick, I will be watching this again and again. The price is right, the quality is superb, and the experience will be remembered for all.
What's great about it: Great Next Gen Price, Video Quality, TrueHD soundtrack
What's not so great: The movie experience has to end.