Anchor Bay makes an excellent DVD transfer | Diva - Meridian Collection (1981

Diva rocks (symphonically) | Diva - Meridian Collection (1981 - Remastered WS) | Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Frédéric Andréi

DVDs:


	• Diva - Meridian Collection (1981 - Remastered WS) Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Frédéric Andréi Lionsgate, 2008 average customer review:based on 96 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Almost didn't buy it!

After reading the reviews of the Lionsgate issue of Diva, I almost didn't buy the DVD. I looked at the price of other issues, and decided on Lionsgate because it was less expensive, offered extra features, and I knew I could return it if the quality turned out to be poor.

I'm so glad I bought this. The picture had very minor graininess which was not distracting. The thing was made in 1981! The sound is good. The subtitles are clear and easy to follow. The features are wonderful for any film buff, with interviews with the director, other people involved in the production, as well as a few cast members. There is also scene specific commentary by director, Jean-Jacques Beineix. All interviews and commentary have English translations.

The story has been summarized by other reviewers. I did not see in the other reviews any note of the link with the real-life diva, Jessye Norman. Shirley Verrett stated in her autobiography that the story, Diva, was inspired by a very dedicated fan of Norman's. Norman said in an interview that this French fan--now deceased--was a messenger by trade. He traveled all over Europe to attend Norman's performances. She knew him, speaks of him by name (Alain), and was fond of him--though there was no close friendship. That's where the resemblance between him and Diva's protagonist, Jules, ends.

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Anchor Bay makes an excellent DVD transfer

"Diva" was one of my favorites from my college days. It was one of those that I insisted that my later, much younger wife see with me on DirecTV when we happened upon it one evening (or was it that VCR tape I made from cable when I was single? Things run together over time...)

It is a multi-layered film, blending elements of thriller, art piece, culture tour, and sensuous cinema pleasure all into one smooth package. I enjoyed it's easy to follow plot presentation. No non-linear construction or view from the eyes of an insane narrator or any such nonsense. The operatic aria chosen by the director (or author?) for the singer's stage performance literally brings tears to my eyes. In fact I must close my eyes while listening to absorb the full transporting sound experience. The music is most definitely one of the reasons the film stays in one's memory long after the credits have passed.

This brings me to the issue which prompts me to leave a review in the first place. After happening upon my old VCR tape and seeing it once again, I was moved to try and find the film on DVD. I was astonished to find that there weren't many copies around of the quality the film deserves. And being spoiled by the many $5 DVD's around, the prices shocked me a little too. I have not watched any of the "bad" offerings of the film. Other reviewers have criticized various ones, and I think the Meridian Collection version was one that failed to meet expectations. (Dolby 2.0 MONO - what the heck? MONO ???? With music like that ????) Because of those reviews, I searched for the Anchor Bay transfer and have not been disappointed ! The sound is EXCELLENT and the video is as clean as you could expect for an older independent film.

I would recommend that anyone interested in this terrific movie search out the Anchor Bay version over any of the others. It is worth the money if there is a difference.

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Diva rocks (symphonically)

A slightly dated gem. Edgy and punk before the words were coined. Wilhelmina Fernandes is divine, and the cinematography anticipates trends seen 20 years later.

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Best Re-Mastered Version(dvd) of Diva EVER!

O.K.

Lets cut straight to the chase and make it short and sweet.
First most important thing - I don't understand the negative reviews of the "Meridian Collection by Lionsgate" version of Diva, I really don't. Maybe these people have something wrong with their TV/Video settings? I watched this on my new flat screen LCD TV connected to the stereo and experienced absolutely no problems.
This is one of the best French films of all time. It is a completely unique piece of cinema. If you like quirky movies that have romance, comedy, suspense, intrigue, drama, cute boys, beautiful women, eccentric artists, corrupt police, angelic singing, amazing cinematography, excellent soundtracks, accordian loving hitmen and not to mention the X-factor..........then this is your movie!
It is the classic of classics. It is very French.
When I was a "green" 19 year old in 1987, a mature age student(female) at college recommended this movie to me. She said: "just go and watch this movie by yourself - you will love it". I'm so glad I had faith in my friend that day, because "Diva" changed my life. It opened me up to a much more colourful, beautiful and eccentric world.
I had put off getting my own copy of "Diva" on DVD for some time, because many reviews were saying that the companies who had transferred Diva to DVD had done a very poor job. I waited ever so patiently. Then my heart fired up and gave me the signal to give the "Meridian Collection" by Lionsgate a go. It does not dissappoint. This remastering of Diva is perfect. Image quality can't be faulted. Soundtrack is crisp and clean. Lovely extra features where they interview the lead actor and director in present time today.
So. Go and do yourself a favour - get Diva! Would make a lovely gift for a cinema buff.
Hope this was helpful.
Peace be with you.
Dex.

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Excellent

Good to see this great movie was re-transfered. The first DVD version of this movie missed the artistry of the movie

Director Jean-Jacques Beineix launched the Cinema Du Look movement with this stylish cult thriller that remains as innovative today as when it premiered in 1981. Jules (FREDERIC ANDREI), a young postal carrier, illegally tapes a concert of a reclusive opera singer (American soprano WILHELMENA WIGGINS FERNANDEZ). Jules' attempts to woo the diva are interrupted when Taiwanese bootleggers come after the recording. His problems become worse when a prostitute slips another tape, one that incriminates a police chief, into his bag. Jules must escape the police chief, the cop's henchmen and the bootleggers to keep both precious tapes safe - and to stay alive. Featuring critically acclaimed cinematography and a celebrated chase through the Paris Metro, DIVA earned Cesar Awards for Best Music, Best Cinematography and Best Directorial Debut.

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