The Count of Monte Cristo [Region 2]

Very entertaining, well acted by an amazing cast, beautiful costumes, set decoration and cinematography. Popcorn movie as art.

I have always enjoyed this movie but just never had the opportunity to own it until now. I thought that Jim Cavessel playing Edmond Dantez was a very strong role for him especially. I first rented it on VHS as soon as it became available. I am So Glad That I FINALLY bought the DVD to add to my ongoing seriesof DVD's!!!!!!!!Update for 2 / 28 / 2025: I LOVE to buy extra copies of my favorite movies to give away to friends and family members so I bought a second copy of the DVD and sent it to my auntie (who lives in Florida) as a gift and I know she'll enjoy it!!!!!!!

"The Count of Monte Cristo" is a classic tale of betrayal and revenge (which the novel's author, Alexander Dumas, was inspired to write after reading of an incident, broadly similar in its basic aspects, in an essay written by a French police archivist). The main character, Edmond Dantès, is betrayed and falsely accused of treason, subsequently immured in a bleak and cruel prison, where he makes a fortunate acquaintance in the Abbé Faria, another wrongly accused prisoner, who eventually provides him with the education (both social and martial) and the financial means to exact revenge upon his accusers following his inevitable escape. Upon achieving his freedom, Dantès falls in with a crew of smugglers (giving him the disreputable, underworld connections that will prove so useful to him later), recovers a literal buried treasure bequeathed him by the Abbé Faria, and assumes the identity of an Italian nobleman, the titular Count of Monte Cristo, which opens the doors of aristocratic Parisian society, thus giving him access to his targets. He then plots and carries out the downfall of all his enemies. His revenge achieved, he then resumes his relationship with the beautiful woman to whom he was engaged prior to his arrest. (In this last part, the movie departs completely from the novel, but I actually like this better; not only did I always feel sorry for Dumas' Mercédès, who lost everything, and went off to live out the remainder of a rather broken, lonely life, but the woman with whom Dantès eventually finds love, Haydée, always seemed to me a rather pale, colorless character, who serves little purpose in the story, and seems to exist only to provide Dantès with a happy ending.)This is a film which, if memory serves, did moderately well at the box office, but no more than that. For the life of me, I simply cannot fathom why that is. Perhaps it's because it didn't have enough "action." If that is so, it's a terrible commentary on how audiences' expectations have been dumbed down, and whose attention spans have been shortened by a steady diet of simple-minded action movie blockbusters over the past several decades. Sure there is only one spectacular fight, but the film needs no more than this (and such things were signally lacking in the novel as well, where Edmond Dantès achieve his revenge by plotting and intrigue, not by fisticuffs or swordplay). I don't think the disappointment of ardent fans of the novel can explain why the film didn't enjoy better success, as I doubt that a majority of film goers these days have actually read all of it. And I might as well mention, at this point, the harshest criticism that usually gets leveled at this film: that it doesn't do justice to the novel. Every time I hear someone say this it makes me shake my head in exasperation. The novel was over a thousand pages long, has a enormous cast of characters, several subplots unfolding beneath the main plot, and was originally serialized over the course of eighteen months during it's initial publication, which gave its readers plenty of time to digest the many twists and turns of the novel, and the way many characters' fates are interwoven and their stories overlap. In just what world to these critics imagine one can "do justice" to a story this long and this complex in the course of a two-hour feature film? OF COURSE the movie makes radical alterations to the story, omits nearly all the subplots, and eliminates most of the supporting characters. There was no way to fit all that material in a feature length movie. Even the 1998 French miniseries starring Gérard Depardieu couldn't accomplish this. It would take at least a full season-long television series to do it in its entirety (hmmm... now THERE'S an idea!). People should realize the movie is only based on and inspired by Dumas' superb novel, and enjoy the movie for what it is: a truly great film.So having said all that, I'll reiterate my wonder that this movie didn't do better at the box office. It has something in it to appeal to literally everyone. If you like adventure, look no further. If romance is your thing, it's in there too. Exotic, gorgeously scenic locations? Got 'em. In spades. Do you love period films? They don't come much better than this one. Do you like suspense? It's in there too. Really, the film's got just about everything. The story is marvelous, the pacing is pitch-perfect, the villains are appropriately contemptible without being clichéd or cartoonish, the cinematography is brilliant, the locations are a sumptuous feast for the eyes (Malta stands in particularly well for early 19th-century Marseilles), the set and costume design is absolutely first-rate, and the acting is superb. This last point is worth emphasizing. Every actor turns in a great performance, and two in particular -- James Caviezel as Dantès, and the late Richard Harris as the Abbé Faria -- are absolutely stellar. If you've read and loved Dumas' novel, and haven't seen this yet, don't expect the original story to be faithfully reproduced on screen, and remember that it can't be in a two hour movie. Instead, think of this film as a similar story, based on similar characters, but meant to be enjoyed entirely on its own merits. Approach it on those terms, and you will be in for a positively wonderful cinematic experience.

One of my favorite movies!!

nice movie good family night always like the story book

As I haven't read the book I cannot comment on its faithfulness to the original story. As a movie it is impeccably done. We feel for and with the hero while never descending into melodrama. History, mystery, intrigue and emotion. A modern treatise on what it means to be a gentleman.

I own Well over 3000 movies. Some are used DVDs. This DVD had no issues & I'll or from this seller again. Not to mention this movie, to me, is a great classic.Highly recommend movie & seller.

The Count of Monte Cristo is a truly exceptional film that brings Alexandre Dumas’ timeless classic to life with stunning visuals and a gripping storyline. The movie perfectly captures the essence of betrayal, revenge, and redemption that makes the original novel so powerful. The performances are outstanding, with the lead actor delivering an unforgettable portrayal of Edmond Dantès, a man wronged by those he trusted and transformed by his quest for justice.The pacing is excellent, keeping the tension high throughout, and the breathtaking cinematography beautifully showcases both the grandeur of the setting and the intimate moments of the characters. The film expertly balances thrilling action sequences with deeper emotional moments, making it an engaging experience from start to finish.Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the story, this adaptation is a must-watch. It’s a masterfully done film that stays true to the heart of the original while adding its own cinematic flair. Highly recommended!