5 Stars For The Film...."Deluxe" Edition DVD Due Out In Aug 2006
This review refers to the 1998 DVD edition of "A FishCalledWanda"(MGM)
"A Fish Called Wanda" is a fabulous romp with a group of jewel thieves, of which the term "honor among thieves" has no meaning!
At every turn, they are scheming and manipulating the events, as each wants the loot for themselves. The most scheming and manipulating of all is the lone woman of the bunch, who is also the weak spot for all the fellows. Wanda, played impeccably by Jaime Lee Curtis, has these guys falling over themselves trying to get the loot and the girl! Kevin Kline, John Cleese(who also penned the screenplay)and Michael Palin, will have you in stitches with each and every view. Every time I view it I see or hear some little detail or subtlety I didnt get previously.
Nearly 20 years later(yes fans, it's been that long), this film has not lost one bit of it's appeal for those of us that like our humor a little on the bawdy side(Although all in good fun).
But!...Give me a break MGM. This DVD is quite shabby considering the loyal fans this film has.This DVD does have a couple of things going for it. It has the choice of widescreen viewing or standard, has English, and French subtitles, for those who may need them, and includes a booklet with production notes and trivia. Also, the menu page was cute. If you click on the little treasure chest in the aquarium, the screen becomes just the "Wanda" fish swimming around with sound effects. However... as another reviewer mentioned the picture is below average. It does not live up to the reason why we don't mind paying a little extra for a DVD vs a VHS. The sound is in MONO..what's up with that? This film is deserving of at least stereo sound.
And as usual, after all of us have already purchased this now classic comedy, MGM is coming up with a new "Deluxe" edition, that is more along the lines of what is expected of a DVD.(Talk about double dipping!)It is a 2 disc edition and shows these features:
"Audio Commentary with Actor/Writer John Cleese
Over 25 minutes of Deleted and Alternate Scenes
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance
Something's Fishy Making-of Documentary
Easter Eggs, Previews, and More!"
It is available for pre-order(but doesn't list the sound available yet)The ASIN for that site is B000E33W1C.
5 stars for a film that never gets old. 3 stars to MGM for making us wait this long for a decent view.
This is a heart-warming piece of gem and still is today with memorable and outrageous performances by all the characters in the film. The film has all the makings of an unforgettable comedy classic: there are mis-adventures, farcical situations, silly bedroom scenes, characters not talking or making any sense at all, cheating, deception etc. all through the movie.
It is especially up-lifting and should be seen during times of boredom, sadness or whenever you like and will cheer you up no sweat!
The U.K. DVD is of good quality with a decent range of extras including deleted scenes presented by John Cleese, for UK region 2 viewers. It is certified 15 in the UK, (but the Amazon.com review states it is rated 18 for USA and Canada?)
A must see.
True to form, the cast of characters in this film deliver a hilarious performance. A great 'pick-me-up' when you need to be entertained.
John, Jamie, and Kevin play very well off of each other. I would love to see them do something together again.
Hilarious Comedy
"A FishCalledWanda" is a hilarious comedy which brings out some of the cardinal vices in people including avarice, murder, lust, envy, greed and revenge. The cast is excellent and the movie is fun throughout.
The story starts with four people engaged in a jewellery robbery. The four, George (Tom Georgeson), sexy Wanda (Jamie Leigh Curtis), the stammering animal loving hit man Ken (Michael Palin) and Wanda's brother Otto (Kevin Kline) all want the loot for themselves. From this, an excellent plot is woven into a brilliant and exceptional comedy that is among my favourites of all time.
George finds himself in prison, betrayed by his accomplices. The conservative lawyer, Archie Leach (John Cleese) has the duty to defend George. However, he is mesmerised and seduced by Wanda, resulting in him compromising his professionalism and getting deeply mired in the mess.
When you are feeling down and need something to uplift or cheer you up, this DVD will do the trick.
based on 121 reviews
