Cheap Coma (DVD) (Michael Douglas, Rip Torn) (Michael Crichton) Price

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Customer Reviews of Coma

Coma despite being an "old" movie by many standards, is surprisingly fascinating on DVD. Crichton gets good performances from the whole cast, with Genevieve Bujold, in particular, reminding us of what a fine actress she can be. As a doctor suspicious of certain goings-on in her hospital but disbelieved by everyone around her, she shows courage and determination (without ever losing her femininity) which is welcome in a female lead. She finds herself forced to question her own sense of perspective, even her sanity, as she struggles to uncover the mystery of comatose patients that surround her.

There's one sizeable twist towards the latter half of the movie, but you generally know what's going to happen. The beauty of this movie is in the overall execution -- it's VERY well done.

Recommended rental. Especially for the medically inclined.

Medical Curiousities
I first saw Coma sometime in the mid 80's, at a time when the VHS format was king, and to be honest, my memories of the film were fuzzy at best. With that in mind, I decided to give it a look, knowing that popular figure Michael Crichton was behind the camera, made me even more curious to see it again.

Based on the best-selling novel by Robin Cook, Coma tells a creepy tale and is a solid thriller, though not without its problems. Dr. Susan Wheeler (Genevieve Bujold) suspects her colleagues of foul play when her closest friend lapses into a coma following a routine operation. When Wheeler discovers an alarming pattern of unexplained comas in her hospital, she becomes obsessed with finding an answer, even when it puts her own career and life in danger. Her lover, Dr. Bellows (Michael Douglas), admits there is a mystery but doubts there is a conspiracy and even suspects Wheeler of suffering from a mental breakdown.

While I never read Mr. Cook's novel, having Michael Crichton, as a former physcian, adapt the script and direct the film seemed like the right way to go. The film boasts fine performances from Bujold, Douglas, and the "creepy" Richard Widmark as Dr. Harris. Composer Jerry Goldsmith gives the movie another stellar score adding to the chills factor. All of that being said, I still noticed some problems with pacing and other technical gaffes that could have been avoided. Thanfully, there's not enough of these problems, to be of any real concern.

The DVD loses points from me, because, of the lack of any real extras. All you will be treated to, is your standard, run of the mill, theatrical trailer. I would have been interested to hear some comments from Crichton, about the film and his take on it now, given the time that has passed. A missed opportunity---in my opinion. Special Edition anyone? Viewers can choose to see the film in either the widescreen, or pan and scan formats.

Coma is an apt thriller that acts as a metaphor for the state of medicine, that is as notable even today. Recommended, especially to those interested in following Crichton's film work.

What a surprise!
I discovered this film when I was in desperate need of some blank tapes. All the local shops were closed, but I managed to find a bunch of used tapes in a second hand shop for about 50p.
Anyway, I bought them and went home with the intention of taping over them. When I got back, my brother was curious to see what was on them. First tape he stuck in was Coma. He had already seen it years earlier, and wouldn't let me tape over it.
So I didn't. And I'm glad I didn't, because what a great movie it is.
It's odd to see films like this nowadays. I get so used to modern Hollywood melo dramas, with there laugh a minute format, that when I see a film like Coma, it reminds how much better a serious film is, when it's actually serious.
And it's so true. Crighton paces this film very well, it keeps you on your toes throughout the whole thing, and it never fails to be interesting.
It's even got some X Files espionage type moments, that I can't help but enjoy.
Anyway, without giving anything away, let me just tell you that you won't regret buying or renting this film.
It's a breath of fresh air, or, it was anyway.