Search - Pandora and The Flying Dutchman on DVD

A wonderful escape from reality

J. Kara Russell | 04/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is a very deep and philosophical story of the Flying Dutchman. A man doomed to roam the seven seas for eternity unless he meets someone who loves him enough to die for him. There are wonderful quotations from 'Dover Beach' and 'Omar Khayyam' which say so much. If you want an escape from reality and enjoy well made movies with deep characters then this is THE movie. One of James Mason's great performances, in my opinion, and a great performance by Ava Gardner. Nothing wooden about it!!"

Worth a look, due to James Mason and Jack Cardiff

Brian R. Greenhalgh | Bangkok, Thailand | 04/05/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The fantasy / romance premise for this film is an interesting one, but the execution of the plot leaves quite a lot to be desired and much of the dialogue is quite lame and stilted. The plot has been covered well by others, no need to add more about that. James Mason's central character is the best thing about the film. He is extraordinary (as usual). Ava Gardner is very lovely to look upon (although her gowns are far closer to 1951 than to the 1930 time frame), but her acting is rather lackluster (as usual). However, far worse performances are given by Mario Cabre' and Sheila Sim (extreme under-playing and over-playing respectively). The Spanish location photography is great, as to be expected from the legendary cinematographer, Jack Cardiff. The direction is adequate, but no better. The telecine transfer on this DVD is poor in places, with color timing way off at times (sometimes with a purplish cast) and falls seriously short of what a Technicolor print can deliver. The print this was transferred from has considerable damage at the start and end of reels (can't be missed with scratches, dirt, and multiple cue marks). There are several splices, most producing a loud pop in the audio. Some simple re-making of the splices or blooping them would have helped a lot. Some scenes are way too dark to easily watch, and generally the picture is very grainy."

A GREAT OLD CLASSIC

grannygray | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA United States | 09/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was almost surprised to see this released in DVD, since it is old and seldom plays on TV. I had made a video copy years ago and have watched it many times. A fascinating story, not the best screenplay in the world, but with parts that are excellent, especially when James Mason is reciting the story of the Flying Dutchman. It may be dated, and the reproduction is not perfect, and the colors are a bit faded, but I am still glad I got my DVD copy while it was available."

I LOVED THIS FILM! Still do 50 years later. Even better

westwindwalker | El Segundo, CA USA | 11/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"than the first time I saw it. The new remastered DVD is awesomely clear, color crisp and Ava G as always beautiful.And Leonard Maltin, you said: "Sorry to say, a big Technicolor bore, one of writer-director Lewin's misfires, about a woman who destroys the lives of all the men around her; then mystical, otherworldly Mason materializes." ... aside from that did you like it? LOL.Not boring, yes about a selfish lady who finds a reason to not be selfish. geeeeee what a concept. Seriously, if you like mystical possibilities, beautiful women, and scenery... buy this, you'll like it."