Meet Joe Black DVD

EDIT: this EDIT concerns the special features on the Ultimate Edition, which I just got. (The original review is about the movie itself, below.) The casing for the DVD set is very annoying, worse than normal DVDs when you try to remove each DVD without scratching it. DVD quality is just like the movie shown publicly, or a tad crisper. Nice to watch it, uncut. Nice to be able to select scenes and rewatch, versus VHS.The Ultimate DVD edition (not blu-ray) has the following 'Bonus features' on Disc 1: Production Notes -- which is merely one screen -- Cast and Filmmakers, DVD Newsletter, Recommendations, DVD-ROM Features. These are extensive, designed to explain the backdrop of the movie. The 'Cast and Filmmakers' section is not live, but rather little screen explanations about the cast, stuff you can learn better in imdb. The DVD newsletter is a waste of time, as is Recommendations, other DVDs you might want to purchase (Scent of a Woman and 12 Monkeys) as a result of liking Meet Joe Black. The DVD-ROM features supposedly only play in your computer, but I've never had any luck activating those features in Win7, so if you have XP, maybe they will work, maybe not. The screen says you need Win95 or higher. I didn't try it on my Win98 machines. So the Disc 1 features are pretty much useless on a DVD player.Disc 2, by contrast, has the original movie which Meet Joe Black updates: 'Death Takes a Holiday', starring (a very young) Frederick March. It's in black and white, very 1930's, Alberto Casella's play put to film. You don't get any choice of scenes, it just plays when you click on it. Rather silly movie start, so Meet Joe Black is much more interesting. Even so, the only way you can get the Death Takes a Holiday, is to buy this DVD pair. But the older movie is well-made, technically. Plot is quite different, of course. Charming, in its own way. In that older film, Death assumes the body of a living person, having made the deal with the Duke of the household, the night of the Prince's arrival. Very theatrical, kinda hokey really.But the 'Spotlight on Location' is a live interview with Mr. Brest, the Director. Very interesting. So Disc 2 has these two 'features' which are worth the purchase.OH, for all you Greek drama addicts, you'll notice the 'yes' refrain that runs pan-movie, much like John's Gospel (in Greek) uses oude, ouden, outhen to signify 'no other' (thus proving inter alia, that YES the pericope adulterae is valid, right it sits in John 8 that begins and ends with a stoning) -- so this movie, uses 'Yes'. Cute. So nice, when real literary talent is incorporated into a movie script!Original review, follows below. First paragraph was updated, to tie to the above text.=============The myth of Hades and Persephone is the underlying premise for Meet Joe Black, apparently keying off a line in the original film where the bride-to-be isn't quite ready to become a bride. The wistfulness of Persephone, see.I can't watch it often enough. Originally got it on VHS years ago, gonna get it on DVD, trying to decide which version. Looks like I'll get the Ultimate US DVD set? Of all the 20 formats you can buy here on Amazon, that one seems to have the most features, plus the original 'Death Takes a Holiday' on which this movie is peripherally based. But the real origin, is in Greek mythology, Hades and Persephone. Go read that first, and you'll get much more out of this A+++++ movie.Perfectly done in every respect, best film editing and camera work I can recall seeing in a film (okay, maybe Pearl Harbor and uncut Das Boot are as good). Seriously. If you pay really close attention upon repeated viewing, you'll notice the full-circle development of the characters, too (even the bit parts). Death and Parrish reverse roles, by the end. You got the puns, right (perish=Parrish=parish=par ish, given that 'ish' is Hebrew for 'man', and 'par' means 'by' in most languages)?Truly a work of art, this film. Nice touch, that they don't take sides about which afterlife definition you should believe, but only that there is one. Yeah, because that's the question of your life: what comes 'next'? Gotta know that, to orient to 'now'. Best of all, you realize that a superior being wouldn't necessarily despise you, and you wouldn't necessarily be intimidated by it/him/her. So the 'sting' of regarding an afterlife (which people tend to religify, as if 'god' had to be a religious person) -- is removed. Whew.For this, is a film you LIVE.

An interesting tale well made and great stars..Anthony Hopkins is brilliant and Brad Pitt is well simply wonderful..an incredible actor that envelops his character to bring you into the story..well done!

"Joe Black" is a film that digs deep into the human soul, examining the delicate intricacies of life, death, love, and familial bonds. While its script is layered with powerful sentiments, the film's true strength lies in its star-studded cast, led by none other than the exceptional Sir Anthony Hopkins.Hopkins, known for his riveting portrayals, takes the reins as Bill Parrish in this thought-provoking drama. A testament to Hopkins' extraordinary talent, his performance in "Joe Black" is nothing short of a masterclass in acting.Bill Parrish is a character teeming with complex emotions – a man standing at the precipice of life, gazing into the abyss of the unknown. It takes an actor of Hopkins' caliber to fully convey this depth of emotion. The mastery he displays, particularly in his scenes with his daughters, is raw, powerful, and profoundly affecting.His voice alone is a spectacle to behold. There's an irreplaceable resonance to it - authoritative yet tender, echoing with wisdom, love, and a certain vulnerability. Hopkins’ voice brings a unique musicality to the dialogues, that transcends mere words and seeps into our hearts.Not to be overlooked are his gestures – meticulously crafted, subtly executed, and laden with meaning. Hopkins ensures that every glance, every nod, every tear speaks volumes about Parrish's emotional journey. These minute details, invisible to the untrained eye, give Hopkins' character a touch of humanity, making his portrayal of Parrish not just believable, but incredibly real.One cannot help but be drawn in by the teary-eyed moments shared between Parrish and the other characters, particularly his daughters. These scenes are not just about the lines being spoken - they are about the poignant silences, the raw emotion, the unspoken understanding, and the familial love that holds them together. They tug at the heartstrings and make you appreciate the precious moments you share with your loved ones.Watching Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish, we are not merely spectators to his journey – we are fellow travelers, experiencing every wave of emotion that sweeps over him. We mourn his losses, share in his joy, feel his love, and learn from his wisdom. His performance has not just entertained us; it has touched us, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts."Joe Black" is a film that has enriched our understanding of love, family, and life. It's a soul-stirring experience that lingers long after the credits have rolled, urging us to cherish the moments that make life worth living.All credit goes to the sensational Sir Anthony Hopkins. His portrayal of Bill Parrish has breathed life into the character, made us laugh and cry with him, and stirred in us a deep appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of life.This film is a testament to Hopkins' enduring talent and an unequivocal reminder of why he is one of the most respected actors in the history of cinema. With "Joe Black", Anthony Hopkins has once again proven that he is truly a master of his craft. This film is not to be missed.