Search - Song Without End on DVD

BUY THE VHS INSTEAD

Dr R. J. Lofaro | AL | 03/02/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I WAS BARELY 10 MINUTES INTO THE MOVIE WHEN I NOTICED (I HAD THE VHS; WHEN I GOT THE DVD I SENT THE VHS TO MY SISTER...WHAT A MISTAKE!)A KEY SCENE WAS NOT THERE..AND, I AM SPEAKING OF ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF LIZST ON A CHURCH ORGAN AND THE DUST-UP AND DECISION THAT FOLLOWED. SO, WHEN HE NEXT APPEARS AT A CONCERT HALL, YOU WONDER WHY. FORGET ABOUT THE DVD UNLESS...AND I AM NOT SURE MORE SCENES HAVE NOT BEEN CUT AS I STOPPED TO WRITE THIS REVIEW SOON AS I SAW THAT AT LEAST ONE SCENE WAS GONE...YOU DO NOT WANT THE WHOLE MOVIE. WHAT A WASTE!! I WILL BE SELLING DVD AS SOON AS I CAN FIND A NEW/USED VHS!"

Fictional portrayal of Franz!

Rich | Massapequa, NY USA | 01/28/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Why does Hollywood distort reality and fabricate (...) fiction? Liszt had one of the most fascinating lives in 19th Century Europe, so why not stick to facts rather than conjure up poor fiction. Right from the start it's evident that they had little knowledge of Liszt by starring Dirk Bogarde, with short curly hair, as Liszt! Did they bother to even look at a photo or painting of Liszt... who had long straight hair! That visual inaccuracy sets the tone for the rest of this character assassination Without End.
The ridiculous notion that Liszt felt inferior to Chopin for not writing music is utter nonsense. The early version of Liszt's monumental "Transcendental Etudes" began in 1828, long before he even met Chopin! These pieces are some of the most revolutionary scores ever written for the piano! Yet, this film makes Liszt out to be a sap as a composer. Likewise, it also distorts his relationship with the Countess, who is made out to be a poor angelic figure coldly trampled upon by Liszt. Factual History knows she had emotional problems before meeting Liszt, which flared and became worse culminating into the major cause of their separation. Her brutal retaliation was to write a biting novel about Liszt years later. Some of the story is accurate especially his devotion and philosophy towards Art, which saves this film from getting a half star rating. Watch knowing the falsehoods and strong points mentioned herein and you should find some enjoyment. Especially since Jorge Bolet's sound track is the redeeming part of this film, as no matter how hard someone tries to defame Liszt...his powerful music shall eternally and triumphantly rise above such mediocrity."

A Perfect Time Killer

BLee | HK | 04/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have gone through this film twice and still find this interesting. This is not a documentary and as such don't expect too much depth or insight from this portrayal of Liszt, or else most of audience might be bored to death. Who cares about his study with Czerny or his religious faith in such a film anyway?Instead, we have quite a lot of romances with pretty faces, elegant dresses and magnificent palaces. There was even a brief mention about Chopin and Wagner in the background. Visual effect was excellent and even the actor on the piano was so remarkable. I'm not too sure though if Boglet would suit the taste of all piano lovers, probably not: Liszt is Liszt, who can compare with him when even Anton Rubinstein wanted to be his pupil. But for the general audience, it's just marvelous. The sound is wonderful too, not just the music,the dialoges too. The plot was forceful and the rhythm fast and there is not a single scene that is boring. The result: one could easily sit still in front of it for the whole length of 130 minutes and for twice. Highly recommended."

Why is this not in 16:9?

John Kane | Australia | 08/10/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I remember seeing this film in CinemaScope when it was first released. It was excelent in color and four track stereo sound. This film was such a major release in Australia that Columbia had an intermission during screening. Why hasn't a good 16:9 digial transfer to DVD been produced for this feature? Further, why has it been cut?"