Cheap Valmont (DVD) (Colin Firth, Annette Bening) (Milos Forman) Price

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Customer Reviews of Valmont

Perfectly Cast
This version of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" was short changed by Stephen Frears "Dangerous Liaisons" (A decent movie in its own right). Milos Forman's direction was wonderful. In addition to the direction, the great success of this film is in its casting. As good as John Malkovich, Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Uma Thurman are in Dangerous Liaisons, Colin Firth, Annette Bening (one her two greatest performances, along with "The Grifters", IMO), Meg Tily, and Fairuza Balk are far and away the better cast in the sense that they make the story feel far more authentic. "Dangerous Liaisons", on the other hand, feels fabricated and overblown (very hard to believe that Glenn Close is supposed to be in her mid 30's and that Uma Thurman is playing a 15 year old). "Valmont" gives you a much more accurate sense of how this plot would play out without the Hollywood fanfare.

Magnificent Film! I've been waiting for quite some time to finally see this one arrive on DVD! Enjoy!

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An Exquisitely Beautiful Film
"Valmont" is one of my favorite films of all time. It is so lovely to look at, with lavish sets, lovely country locations, exquisitely crafted costumes, and brilliant production design, that I have literally watched it over and over again. When you watch this movie, you are transported into the luxury of 17th Century aristocratic France. It also skillfully integrates music into the production, when Cecile and Madame de Merteuile go to the Opera, or when Cecile is performing songs with her harp. Of course, I want to make it clear to you right now that all reviews claiming that "Dangerous Liaisons" is a better film than Valmont are dead wrong! It is truly a tragic circumstance when a film as beautiful as "Valmont" is overlooked because of an inferior product such as "DL", just because "DL" came out first. Colin Firth is so much more likeable and dashing than John Malkovich. Annette Bening is much better than Glenn Close. In fact, the entire cast is perfect, as is every other detail of this movie, thanks to Director Milos Forman (the quality of this film is no accident). There are also fine supporting performances by Henry Thomas, Jeffrey Jones, Sian Phillips, and the last performance of the legendary Fabia Drake, who steals all the scenes she's in. But what you have to understand about "Valmont" is that it's a different kind of movie than "DL". "Dangerous Liaisons" was a cold, sinister, mean-hearted film. "Valmont" is gay, light-hearted at times, sad, tragic and heartbreaking at others. But it is never cold, and is always beautiful. And I will never neglect to say that Meg Tilly, as Madame de Tourville, is the most lovely, beautiful, and perfect creature to have ever graced the silver screen. Forget about all other actresses, Meg Tilly is the one for me. Fortunately, this film is now scheduled for release on DVD and might get the attention it truly deserves. If ever a film could exploit the brilliance of DVD technology, this one will.

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An outstanding yet neglected film
I happened to watch this movie on TV, quite a while ago. Despite the rather "unastable" ending (towards the book) I found it very good. Colin Firth (apart from being an absolute hunk in period frocks is also fantastic-though he smiles too much for such a tragic character) is much more down-to-earth and handsome than -otherwise great actor- John Malcovitch. Colin is brooding, John is SCARY. Not the person I'd trust my heart or body to. Glenn Glose is a lot more scary - Anette Benning is fantastic because she is bad, she is sexy,and can be even good sometimes. Glose is bad, bad, and scary. Not to mention that ravishing - and too old - Uma Thurman can't possibly persuade anyone for being innocent, pure and well, virgin. Fairuza Balk, is yet a child. Milos Forman gives the characters a depth that we don't see in DL1. The only thing I consider a good choice, was Michelle Pfeifer as the tragig widow. She is brilliant, beautiful (Meg Tilly was pretty but not as ravishing), and most of all, CAN ACT. A few years younger and next to Firth, could produce sparks. I definitely go for the Milos Forman edition. Despite the really bad ending, he gives his characters more dimensions. In DL1, the good are too good, the bad are too bad, and the people between, insignificant. Life isn't just that way.
I hope i will be able to find it in a DVD region 2 someday. Unless I buy an All-regions DVD player. (sigh).