BLU-RAY REVIEW: FTN reviews The Princess Bride 25th Anniversary Edition

 

The Princess Bride 25th Anniversary Edition (PG)
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright and Peter Falk
Running time: 98mins
Released: 25 March

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).

A sick grandson (Fred Savage), lying in his bed is read a tale by his Grandfather (Peter Falk). A tale that is set in an age gone by. A time when the Dread Pirate Roberts (Elwes) struck fear into the hearts of men and lust in the hearts of women. A time when the son of a skilful sword master seeks vengeance upon the man who killed his father. A time when a beautiful young princess is kidnapped and must be rescued before she is to be married to a buffoon, sorry, I mean a Prince.

This is the setting of the classic 80s film The Princess Bride. A film that quite literally takes all of the best elements from classic fairy tales and blends them into perfect modern story telling. Backed by a cast of then fairly unknowns and comedy greats, it has become one of the most quoted films of the last century.

The Princess Buttercup (Wright), has been kidnapped on her way to be married to the dim-witted Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon) by Vizzni (Wallace Shawn). Whilst they lead the young bride-to-be through a land of fire swamps and fantastical creatures, they are persued by the Dread Pirate Roberts (whose infamy has spread across the many seas and who knows the Princess from his past); and also Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), a man who seeks vengeance upon the fiend who killed his father and Fezzik (André the Giant). .

This is the story that is brought to life by the readings of Peter Falk, portraying The Grandfather who is reading this book to his young Grandson. At first the Grandson doesn’t want to hear about Princesses and kissing, but then as the story unfolds, with peril at every turn, neither he, nor the viewer can turn themselves away from the gripping climax.

The Princess Bride, now released onto blu-ray, is regarded a classic. Though it does feel a little dated now, which is mostly due to the clunky keyboard soundtrack, this is all part of its charm. The picture and sound are crystal clear and there is an impressive amount of extras (listed at the bottom of the review), though this is not the reason to purchase this film. It’s the laugh-out-loud performances that after watching a 100 times, you still smile and chuckle at.

The best of which is down to personal choice, from Billy Crystal (Miracle Max), to Peter Cook (The Clergyman), or even Mel Smith (The Albino) there are so many to choose from.

With a Director’s Commentary from Rob Reiner, featurettes including The Dread Pirate Roberts – The Greatest Pirate of the Seven Seas and also The Art of Fencing (for those that seek vengeance and perhaps wish to constantly speak a certain movie quote), this blu-ray is a must own for any movie fan or those that simply want to immerse themselves in a timeless classic that is as good now as when he first graced the silver screen.

4 out of 5 Nerds