Search - Atlantis on DVD

Outstanding. Finally released on DVD!

spkslattery | Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | 02/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so pleased to finally be able to watch this on DVD. I remember seeing the movie's origianl release in France in 1991 and being amazed by Luc Besson's brillant camera work and vision. Set, as usual, to Eric Serra's music, there is no comparable underwater film."

Finally surfacing

Sheri Richardson | Formerly San Jose, CA US, now in the Wilds of OR U | 02/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At last. Long had I heard rumors of the magnificence of Luc Besson's ATLANTIS, but found nary a showing in the years since becoming enamored with the serene moments of Besson's THE BIG BLUE. [The DVD's release date] couldn't have arrived too soon.

ATLANTIS is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with a French Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. English subtitles are optional for the opening prologue. Chapter-title cards display only in French, but a printed insert lists the chapter breaks in English. Also included are the trailers for this and one other Besson film. What's notably (and thankfully) NOT included is a voice-over narration beyond the prologue. Press Chapter Next to skip even that much, and move on to:

[1] premier jour / Start
[2] la lumière / The Light
[3] l'esprit / The Spirit
[4] le mouvement / The Movement
[5] le jeu / The Game
[6] la grâce / The Grace
[7] la nuit / The Night
[8] la foi / The Faith
[9] la tendresse / The Tenderness
[10] l'amour / The Love
[11] la haine / The Hatred

dernier jour
[12] la naissance / The Birth

ATLANTIS is a pleasure-piece of a documentary, marveling at and frolicking with the undersea creatures. No soapbox or proselytizing, Besson and company had a good time making the film and pass that right along. Eric Serra's score runs from typical, if familiar with his work, to stunning. The score gladly steps aside for the chattering of dolphins, penguins, and sealions, however. Sound editing and foley crews are allowed to shine, in fact, with some of the best humor (school's out and the manatee snicker come to mind). The little bumps against the camera are fun but don't distract from the majestic, operatic rays, rubbing shoulders with dolphin buddies, or thousands of little moments, such as the coral fans bowing in the "wind".

Of parental concern: No orcas toss any cute critters about. One reef-shark feeding frenzy, but very mild (tag, keepaway flavor). Close-ups of the great whites might be scary, and you could have a bit of fun explaining portions of L'amour (nothing graphic).

Credits roll with a pictoral cast list in French of the featured performers, beginning with les dauphins.

Highly recommended."

Finally!

Sheri Richardson | 02/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since I saw this film years ago I've been searching for it on VHS or DVD. In short, the movie opened with a few lines of dialog as the camera flys over the ocean. Suddenly we dip beneath the waves and for the next hour and 40 all images are from underneath the water. The only sounds you hear are the film's excellent score and some occasional sound effects to enhance the scene.The film itself is broken down into sections which represent themes. Each theme is then appropriately scored by Eric Serra. Using this structure helps in the film's pacing as the theme can be scary, lighthearted, or awe inspiring. If anyone enjoyed the movie Baraka I think you'll enjoy this one as well."

Incroyable

desertgirl | Hot Springs, NM USA | 08/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is overwhelming in its effect on the viewer. I am a big besson fan and came across this older movie a few years ago (before the dvd release) when I found it at a tag sale in a box of Laser Discs. Being a diver and realizing what the movie was about (life underwater as if you ARE a creature of the sea, with the music to match the sea creatures "personalities", among other things) I actually shopped ebay to buy a Laser Disc just to watch this movie. It was worth it. I think this is much better than the Koyaanisqatsi series because of its simplicity and compactness. The essential Luc Besson if you will."