Search - Joan of Arc on DVD

C. M P. (selkie)
Reviewed on 12/30/2015...

Having see the VHS] version first, I liked it somewhat better than the version that had been released on DVD (the VHS runs 100 minutes, whereas the DVD is 146 minutes). I am sure if I were to watch the DVD more I would probably come to prefer it, however.
Having known most of the dialogue on the VHS by heart, I was rather thrown off when I saw the DVD and was thinking to myself "What? Where did that come from?" A lot of the dialogue that had been cut from the VHS version was from the very beginning of the film, too.

In the meantime, I think I will be keeping the VHS as well until that version is released on DVD.

Miraculous Restoration of a Classic Film!!!

Christian Lehrer | Bay Point, CA | 09/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For my birthday I received the new DVD of Victor Fleming's 1948 Technicolor production of "Joan of Arc" starring the ever radiant Ingrid Bergman. Image produced the DVD and the UCLA film archive spent years restoring the film and putting in all the footage trimmed from its original 146 minute release. Many of us saw a shortened and doctored print of this film on television growing up. I did not know than that the film had not only been cut down, but additional footage, including the maps showing Joan's journey had actually been added along the way. This edited version was released on VHS by Sterling Video and on Laserdisc by VidAmerica. Both editions have been unavailable for some time. I managed to rent the Laserdisc after reading another review that said it featured the "shorter version". It corresponded to what I remembered watching on TV so it dawned on me that I had never seen the entire film. I assumed the rest was probably lost and I never would, but thanks to the painstaking efforts of the UCLA film archive with help from the Motion Picture Academy, private collecters and even (according to the insert) a film museum in the Netherlands, we have the complete film magnificently restored. Ingrid Bergman turns in a wonderful perfomance along with Jose Ferrer, Cecil Kellaway and host of other well known faces from that time. George Zucco even has a small part as captain of a border guard and for once does not play a heavy. Ingrid Bergman caught some flak at the time for playing against type herself as her own personal life came under scrutiny. Despite this she was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. The film won three Oscars including a special award to producer Walter Wanger, Cinematography and Costume Design. It was also nominated for Supporting Actor-Jose Ferrer, Art Direction, Film Editing and Score. Thanks to Image entertainment for bringing yet another classic gem to DVD! Make some popcorn and enjoy the show. Thanks!"

I AM a teenager who loves classics, and this is MY FAVORITE!

Christian Lehrer | 06/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy good movies by good actors. It is somewhat of a hobby. I was a little boy the last time I saw this movie, and I would do just about anything to see it again!!! Ingrid Bergeman made a SPECTACULAR performance in this EPIC ADVENTURE that people of all ages should see. If you are interested in the type of acting and performing that is superior to "modern Hollywood," then you need to see Ingrid at her best! I would put in a plea to the producers to re-release this film to a deserving audience!"

Great Film But NOT completely restored.

Diane C. Bonacci | Syracuse, NY | 12/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ingrid had always wanted to play Joan of Arc and it truly became her show. This is a stupendous film and Ingrid is a radiant Joan, giving an extremely moving performance. Everything about this film is beautiful: Ingrid, of course, the photography, costumes, and an excellent quality film with a cast of great actors.
I have only one fault with this film. It is NOT a completely restored original-length. There is one scene missing from the DVD. It is the scene in which Joan is captured. The DVD shows she was captured and brought before the Duke of Burgundy. She is on a brown horse with her hands tied behind her. That is all. It does not show HOW she was captured. That scene was omitted from this DVD. Here is the omitted scene: -After the battle of Rheims, she rode out to defend the town of Compiegne against a new offensive by the Duke of Burgundy. She commanded a successful sortie against the Burgundians but was outflanked by English reinforcements and forced to retire. Protecting her rearguard while they retreated over a bridge, she was forced into a field, where she was pulled from her horse by a mob of Burgundian soldiers who were keen not to hurt her, as they hoped to claim the ransom money.
-What a shame this scene was omitted from the DVD. However, it is a great historical film. With Ingrid Bergman as Joan, it is a must see.

Review by Diane C. Bonacci"