Search - Girl With a Pearl Earring on DVD

Girl With a Pearl Earring

Actor(s): Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy
Director(s): Peter Webber
109

Movie Details

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Content Advisory: Brief Nudity, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Sexual Situations, Watch With Your Teen
Movie Release: 2003
DVD Release: 05/04/2004
Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Studio: Lions Gate
Total Copies: 7
Genres: Drama, Biopic [feature]

DVD Synopsis

The subject of one of Johannes Vermeer's most enduring portraits becomes the focus of this biographical period piece from director Peter Webber. Girl With a Pearl Earring is told from the point of view of Griet (Scarlett Johansson), a teenaged girl who leaves her family's care in the country to become a servant for the Vermeer household in the comparatively bustling, canal-laden burgh of Delft. When she arrives, she finds herself at the low end of the servant totem pole, until she's allowed to clean "the master's" painting quarters. There, she catches the eye of the taciturn, reclusive Vermeer (Colin Firth), and over a period of time, he begins to craft her portrait. Of course, this does little to further his relationship with his jealous, pregnant wife, Catharina (Essie Davis), or with his most vocal benefactor, van Ruijven (Tom Wilkinson), who often dictates what portraits Vermeer should paint. Meanwhile, Griet navigates a sweet, tentative relationship with a peasant boy her age (Cillian Murphy). Girl With a Pearl Earring had its North American premiere at the 2003 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide

Actors

Colin Firth - Johannes Vermeer
Scarlett Johansson - Griet
Tom Wilkinson - Van Ruijven
Judy Parfitt - Maria Thins
Cillian Murphy - Pieter

Editorial Review of DVD

Peter Webber's drama Girl With a Pearl Earring, containing a Golden Globe-nominated performance by Scarlett Johansson, arrives on DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The film's cinematography is one of its most appealing aspects, and this transfer does a loving job of replicating the cinematic experience. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include an episode from the Sundance series Anatomy of a Scene concerning the making of the film, and trailers. This is a fine release from Lion's Gate Home Entertainment. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Member Movie Reviews

Susan S. from BERKELEY SPGS, WV wrote on 9/5/2009...

For those who are familiar with Tracy Chevalier's book and the painting by Johannes Vermeer with the same name, this movie is an absolutely brilliant adaptation. For this reason, I give the movie a 5-star rating. Chevalier crafted a clever story which was inspired by the painting and the screen play was brilliant as well. The movie, like the book, has many subtle twists which are brilliantly portrayed by Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth. The first-rate acting of the supporting cast rounds out the movie. Readers of the book will not be disappointed.

Sarah F. (keanupattinson) from INDIANAPOLIS, IN wrote on 8/20/2009...

I enjoyed this movie very much, it closely followed the novel it's based upon. Worth looking into.

Loretta B. from CRANSTON, RI wrote on 8/10/2009...

This movie is very beautifully filmed and the story takes you along into the mind of a painter and his muse. The time frame makes you slow down and get into the mind set of life then.They had all the ups and downs of everyday life and it makes you very glad to live now.

Sarah F. (Ferdy63) from DALTON, GA wrote on 1/7/2009...

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Gorgeous movie. The sets all look like Vermeer paintings that have come to life. The story of the young servant girl who leaves home to work for the Vermeer family is beautifully acted by Johansson. Her face is so expressive. If you enjoyed movies like Pride and Prejudice, then this one might appeal to you.

Heather F. (8izenuff) from PHOENIX, AZ wrote on 9/19/2008...

1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a keeper, you will love the lighting and all the references to artworks. It was very good.

Tarra S. (thesaintmom) from PIEDMONT, SC wrote on 5/3/2008...

2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this would be an inapproprate movie. But it was quite innocent and tasteful. A+++