Cyrano de Bergerac [Blu-ray]

One of my absolute favorites! Jose Ferrer IS Cyrano!

This review is of a brand new, Hal Roach Studios release (yellow background on cover):Jose Ferrer's performance as Cyrano is exceptional, of course, but I was surprised at the relatively poor quality of the transfer, given all the reviews I've read about how the Hal Roach release is, by far, the best! It may be the best, and if so, then I pity anyone who buys a DVD version of "lesser" quality. The film original must have been in dreadful shape by the time they got around to transferring it to a digital medium.There are all the usual speckles and splotches you see so often in older movies, but it's most irritating in the final scene with Cyrano at the movie's end. It's as though there was a "wash" of some kind that causes the sky to look like it has been filled with soapy dishwater or something. Most distracting, just as Ferrer is giving some of the most poignant, emotional lines.So, by now you've probably read many reviews about how BAD the other versions of the movie are, and they may be -- but don't expect the Hal Roach Studios version to be pristine, because it surely is not. Not by a long shot!Ferrer is superb, but the directing is a little wooden at times. Still, the movie adheres closely to the word and spirit of the book. You'll enjoy Jose Ferrer's performance, which may never be eclipsed, but some of the supporting cast, including Mala Powers as "Roxanne", are, uh, rather unremarkable.*** Update: finally broke down and bought the blu-ray version of this movie. It's much better, but by no means is it totally free of the visual defects. Buy the blu-ray version if you buy one at all.

Having never read Cyrano before (pardon me while I hang my head in shame) I wasn't familiar with the story. The character, yes -- nearly everyone knows something about the theme of this tale -- but I was terribly uninformed of the greatness of the story. Watching the movie opened up a wonderful world to me. I immediately liked the dashing yet vulnerable, heroic yet fallible, Cyrano. His heart is immense, his courage without reproach, his honor without blemish, and despite the almost superhuman-ness of him he is still a man with a man's weaknesses and fears. Ferrer played Cyrano with an almost fanatical passion, a greatness that the screen barely contains. I found him amazing! At my next trip to the library I borrowed the book and devoured it, discovering that the story and writing are treasures that I only wish I'd encountered years before.Yes, I'm smitten with Cyrano. He's become a personal hero to me, a man who writes sterling poetry, defends his friends to the death, loves with ferocity, handles a sword as though he were born with one in his hand, serves his king and country nobly, keeps his honor pure throughout his trials, spins fantastical tales with ease, and through it all has a silent and noble strength that never falters. How lucky a man would be to have such a friend, and how fortunate a man would be if he could only BE such a man. Such a man do I endeavor to be.Buy this movie and the book -- give yourself a treat and relish them both over and over. If you have romance in your soul and courage in your heart you will love Cyrano as I do.

I liked this copy because it played first-run clearly with audio to match. This movie was first presented back in the 1950s. This is a copy of that film. I wanted it because I was overwhelmed by Cyrano as portrayed by Jose Ferrer and because my wife and I saw it together on our first date. It played at the Gem Theater in its original location in Detroit which is where we saw it. It should be remade today if an actor can be found to match Ferrer's skills. (You don't suppose Tom Hanks could do it, do you? Nah, he's too old. Still, it's a movie. But I digress.) Rostand's story is immortal. The lines of the script were superbly written. Ferrer was ever the master at delivery. I bought the DVD for entertainment and reminiscing. I was not disappointed.

My all-time favorite Derek Jacobi performance! This is a VERY hard to find VHS of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1985 Broadway production of "Cyrano de Bergerac". My original set is almost worn out from use and so I was thrilled to find it listed on Amazon. ALERT - this is a 2-Tape Set so ALWAYS confirm that the item listed is for the 2-Tape Set with the seller before you buy. This seller responded promptly to my question. It is pricey for a used VHS but well worth the cost and the seller shipped immediately. I am now on the hunt for another backup VHS player just in case my old faithful buys the farm. I am always on the hunt for this production on a DVD - even contacted RSC - but to date no such animal exists. If you can get a copy - DO IT - it is so beautifully written and acted that it makes all other versions of the Rostand play pale in comparison. Lighting is a little dark but you get used to it. Enjoy. Michele Goff

Preferences in literature are as varied as the people, who read them. It is totally futile to recommend any of it;The best that can be done is to give personal opinions and indicate reactions to any given work.Cyrano de Bergerac has always been one of my favorite plays. I read it, saw it on stage, in the movie ouse, and now finally in the comfort of my home.The plot is such that someone with a logical, sensible attitude would seriously question. The enormous pride, the almost pathological concern with a handicap-- a very large nose—almost brushes the limits of credibility. And yet, because the very human failings, the crippling fears, the insecurity, the tragedy of unspoken words, and the lyrical love , which in the XXI century seems to have more or less disappeared, if not from our life, but certainly from the screen, makes the play all the more endearing and in spite of its quaintness, totally personal..For some reason not quite clear to me, I appreciate that it is in black and white. And from all the truly great actors portraying the hero with the big nose, Jose Ferrer is, at least for me, the best and most authentic Cyrano.

Cyranoi is a poet, a soldier, and a sad romantic. He's full of love and generosity but his perceived ugliness prevents him engaging with the girl of his dreams. As a great romance it rivals "Romeo and Juliet" and the performance of jose Ferrer is simply magnificent. Highly recommended.

A classic play turned into a wonderful film, but the disc quality was bad, sound and film quality left a lot to be desired.

This must be the poorest version of any film I've ever seen. The picture is blurred and hops about one gets seasick watching it. As for the sound, it's even worse than the picture. The plastic DVD case was good though.

Another fine addition to classic film collection!

Good quality production - fine definition - replacing old VHS copy.