English Patient

English Patient [Blu-ray]
$33.98
Like other reviewers, I was disappointed that this DVD movie had no subtitles and that it was produced using an inferior video format (1034i). As one with hearing a deficit, I would not have bought it had I known this; maybe it is my own fault for not researching the product more closely; I will be much more cautious in the future, as I am with BBC-produced items which often lack English subtitles. Even my 1997 "English Patient" laserdisc has subtitles. The less-than-ideal DVD sound quality makes Kristin Scott-Thomas's telling of the story of Gyges almost unintelligible unless one has heard it before. I'd think that an ethical seller 13 years later would have made a point of noting the primitive audio status of this product in the interest of service to handicapped persons. Only the Direction of Anthony Minghella and superb acting mitigate this defect.

The English Patient: Original Soundtrack Recording
$18.98
This recording of Gabriel Yared's Academy Award winning film score for the English Patient is nothing short of magical. His ability to draw from a variety of worlds is pure genius, organic and unaffected, as is the way he weaves all into this truly inspired work of art.
The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the soloist are superb.
Not only does Yared's music lift the film into another dimension while it moves the story forward; it can stand on its own by virtue of its sheer majesty and completeness; much like Wagner, Yared's music has a life of its own separate from the action or performance.
And like unlike other composers, his hand seems to be directed from above.
As a musician who is beguiled by beauty, I am in awe of this composer and highly recommend this CD without reservations.
Gladys Carbo Flower

Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)
$14.99
Great script, great cast, great acting, and Gwyneth Paltrow too, what's not to like? The sets are realistic, (especially the Globe) and the idea that all female leads were played by males throws out any number of interesting layers of interpretation. As someone involved in the arts, I live with the idea that art can transform society. My only question: what happened to Voldemort's brother?

The English Patient
$19.99
Ralph Fiennes should have won the Oscar for his performance. Heartbreaking. An incredible film. Superb score by Gabriel Yared.