Chocolat

In short: A miracle! This new version which is 1080P 1.85:1 Widescreen (not 1080i as is the Canadian version and which I have not seen) fills the screen. The original DVD I always had a hard time getting the colors and contrast right. From my view point this movie was shot perfectly that depicted an old European town in available light. The colors were very much muted earth colors except for the reds(both hooded garments of the two main characters)and the lighting was so special in many ways. There is a lot of fog which adds to the back drop of this type of story. If only the DVD could do justice to it. This is probably the most difficult lighting to get right. But this Blu-ray does. I am a black and white photographer that is very aware of the importance of detail in the shadows. Many times, even with Blu-ray they aren't quite right. Often too contrasty but most of the time things can be very good. Some would say I'm fussy but I just have a standard I'm going for. I have an inexpensive LG Blu-ray player and also an LG screen that is not 720 but the true 1080 which does help in both details in shadows and the higher highlights. So with that I will say that out of all my Blu-rays this is the best transfer I've seen to date. The Pixar type movies are always good since they are originally in digital. The movie "9" whether you like the movie or not I think is the best of the bunch. The effects of the "aura" of the textures and colors have their own story that supports the story line: Like a good arrangement behind a voice. The Blu-ray of this movie is of that quality. The fog, all the many pastel colors, are defined but still soft. The skin tones are soft but distinct,and the way the tones and textures of various objects and scenery, that are at times enhanced or changed, are presented perfectly and now makes sense of why they did this. Each scene, for a visual type like myself, was almost distracting. I really have never seen the palette continuously before so well done in a movie:Art in motion. And....not artificial looking like some. The satin in those red hoods is terrific! When the chocolate is mixed in close-ups makes your mouth water. The sound is in DTS (with a choice for Dolby 5.1) and is also delightful. When voices go out of the scene they are very carefully depicted moving off left or right. The sound stage has great depth to it and the separation in sounds helps the over all choice of music. The tone of the guitar is very clearly heard. As far as a movie goes, separate from all this teckie stuff, I do think this is one of the best movies I know of. The acting is superb. The story line shows what rigidity does to ones' views. You can even see it in the light of today's political arguments and how when one side or the other becomes rigid in their view point something in the end must give. Now instead of showing off your system with one of the Pixar cartoons, I would say this is the reference Blu-ray that will be hard to beat! I am so presently surprised. And cheap to. And one added note: This has the ability to save the place last played at. I don't even have to have the flash drive plugged in! You can eject the disk or keep it in. It has a provision that takes a few seconds but says it is looking for "updates" and then a box with the word chocolat comes up and gives you a choice to return to where you left off or not. This will become the standard I hope. I hope this looks as good to you as it did with me. I know this sounds a bit over done but I really mean this stuff. I wouldn't take the time other wise.

A lovely French allegorical story of adventure and tolerance of those that do not share our views and values. The acting is tops, the sets delicious and the little village just the right place for the setting. The music composed for this film is typical French romantic, they type you would imagine taking place in Paris. The main characters, Johnny Depp (Roux), Alfred Molina (Comte de Raynaud), Juliette Binoche (Vianne) , Judy Dench (Armanded Volzin), Lena Olin (Josephine Muscat) and Carrie-Ann Moss as Caroline Claimant, are superb in their respective roles. However, Kudos go to the young actress Victoria Thivisol who plays Vivianne’s daughter (Anouk Rocher )who is constantly adapting to their nomad existence until she causes the final change by accidentally breaking the urn carrying her grandmothers magic ashes, which made them wonder the world. The story is one of control and intolerance of strangers those that do not share our values. The Comte de Raynaud is the town’s mayor and patrician from a long line of privileged ancestors. He is so strict that even his wife left on a “vacation” never to return. Vianne and her daughter Anouk are unconventional and do not share the mayor’s strict observance of Easter and of the required church attendance and mounts an attack on Vianne and Roux, the Gypsy only to fall for the magical powers of Vianne’s chocolates. It all ends with an understanding and acceptance of their differences. A charming story that applies to today’s troubled times. I give the film five golden stars.

This movie is additive. You can watch it over and over and not get tired of it. The excellent soundtrack is a pleasant bonus to the amazing talented acting and the thought-provoking story. I thoroughly enjoyed Juliette Binoche's portrayal of Viviene. And of course, Judy Dench is wonderful as the "cranky old lady." Lena Olin is remarkable as the damaged wife who finds freedom and a new life. Oh and it has Johnny Depp! He isn't the main character, but he definitely adds a lot of spice to the movie. His character is thoughtfully and artfully played. The little girl is actually the narrator, as well as a lead character and is cast perfectly. Her smile will warm your heart. I love that the lead characters are strong women who struggle, battle and eventually overcome obstacles laid in their path. The movie was made in 2000, but feels very timely with its theme of accepting and embracing differences. Viva la difference! I highly recommend this movie to friends and strangers alike.

Chocolat was recommended to us by a friend; we were not really aware of the movie until he mentioned how good it was. We decided to rent it and agreed if it was really bad we would just stop the movie at the point we could no longer tolerate it. We were both pleasantly surprised when almost from the beginning we were at first interested and later delighted by this movie. The movie captivated us and after watching it I went online and ordered a copy from Amazon. One of the nice things about rentals is the opportunity to examine before buying; sort of like a test drive in the new car your considering buying. Our test drive quickly convinced us this was a movie we would definitely want to watch again and one we would gladly add to our collection of favorites. Juliette Binoche is charming as Vianne Rocher, a single mom on a mission. Alfred Molina and Judi Dench are both perfect in their roles and as always Johnny Depp, who doesn't appear until later in the movie, adds his usual charm which is always welcome. This is a special movie that does not easily fit into any of the typical molds; we found it refreshing and very entertaining. I suggest you give it a try and see what you think.

One of our family's favorite films. It's got it all, Johnny Depp never sexier, a splendid story, a lovely setting and plenty of amazing chocolat. Beautiful European village, exotic tale, and one of the finest incidents on film of temptation and indulgence with chocolate ever. There's a variety of story lines all woven together smoothly even with back tracking to explain the nomadic lifestyle of the mother and daughter. On top of that, an intense story of marriage and how to do it right and do it wrong and the tales of healing and changing that wistfully flows from the magic of an ancient people. Just a wonderful tale. We've watched this again and are glad we own it. Makes me wonder if this director has any other magical films. A moral to the story and everything. Extremely well done. Buy it. I would imagine almost every gal would swoon over Mr. Depp. And it's not strictly a chick flick at all. Something for everyone, say for ages 10 and up.

Last week I sat through Sidney Pollack's commentary on "Out Of Africa." It was probably the best one I've ever heard. So intelligent and informative. Tonight I suffered through the extra on the "Chocolat" disc. There were at least 4 people involved, director and producers. One woman in particular was not only badly miced, she was mumbling. Seriously, when she and Lasse were chatting, it sounded like two lovers whispering in each other's ear. Other participants were perfectly audible. Just speak up!

On time delivery, wife's favorite movie

While many would give Chocolat a 5 star rating simply because Johnny Depp stars in the film, that would do a great injustice to Depp and the film. This is not a flimsy image on a screen that will crumble under the weight of scrutiny. Chocolat view stems from a girl's tale from a portion of her life with her mother and the prejudice that is faced by the duo when moving to a small town. The film covers domestic abuse, prejudice, religious faith gone wrong and redemption, life and death. It is a story of exclusion and inclusion. Depp's character is a wanderer who travels with others such as himself. On close view, his character wanders as a way of life, not because he or the others are lost, which coincides with the girl's mother moving them from town to town. The characters are rich, relatable , and carry the sometimes precarious and heavy story-line easily. Those wanting a straightforward romance, as one might interpret the photo on the film case, will come away feeling cheated. This is not simply a romance. In fact romance takes a backseat in this movie to the social importance of the trials each of these characters face. If a viewer is, however, looking for a movie that is both enjoyable and deeper than the surface perhaps gives away, than this movie is a joy for such a viewer.

Tutto bene, dvd funzionante. Bel film, che già conoscevo e di cui sono appassionata, che ho voluto regalare.

Una peli sencilla, humilde, de esencia pura... que nos enseña a creer en nosotros mismos y a replantearnos los valores morales-éticos tradicionales. No tiene sentido vivir atados a ciertas costumbres que nos repriman o intenten castigar sólo porque sí. Que sí, que cada uno decide si quiere una vida de penitencia o libertad... pero nunca debe obligarla ni implantarla hacia los demás. Una película 100% recomendable, de esas tranquilitas y que tiene una historia fascinante que contar. Es de mis favoritas... (y no la veáis con hambre u os subiréis por las paredes del mono de chocolate...) ;)

A delightful film hence it's a keeper. Nice to know it's in my collection.

Best Film!!!

Excellent delivery, but this DVD was NOT an English version!! So I had to return it-unopened, for refund & hope to buy another English speaking one instead.