Search - Vatel on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 08/07/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 43 mins Studio: Miramax Members Wishing: 12 Genres: Historical Film, Romantic Drama, Period Film

A man hoping to win the favor of a King finds that his heart has gotten in the way in this lavishly-produced comedy-drama. In 1671, the Prince du Conde (Julian Glover) is a figure of French nobility who is deep in debt and suffering from gout. Hoping to buoy his fortunes and his reputation, du Conde wants to win command of the French Army in an anticipated conflict with Holland. When du Conde receives word from the Marquis de Lauzun (Tim Roth) that that King Louis XIV (Julian Sands) wishes to spend three days at his estate, du Conde is determined to pull out all the stops, and he asks Francois Vatel (Gerard Depardieu) to make the arrangements. Vatel is a master chef with a genius for arranging spectacular entertainments, and he is determined that this will be a weekend that the king will always remember. But that's before Vatel meets Anne de Montausier (Uma Thurman), a lovely courtesan traveling with the king's party. Anne is the king's new mistress, but that doesn't stop Vatel from falling in love with her, and he is determined to win her heart. Produced in both English and French language versions, Vatel was chosen to open the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Féodor Atkine - Alcalet
Hywel Bennett - Colbert
Gérard Depardieu - Francois Vatel
Arielle Dombasle - Princesse De Conde
Julian Glover - Prince De Conde
Tim Roth - Marquis De Lauzun
Uma Thurman - Anne De Montausier

The romantic period piece Vatel comes to DVD from Disney with a 2.35:1 widescreen transfer. Though produced in France, the film is populated with an international cast and the dialogue is originally spoken in English. Audio is available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The only special features are a look at the costumes and previews for other period pieces like Shakespeare in Love, Hamlet, and Mansfield Park. This is an adequate presentation for a film that received a limited release in the U.S. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide