Der Elefantenmensch. Digital Remastered

The 4K restoration and transfer are fantastic. So is the packaging! I wish this had been released in the US, so that I could watch the special features, but the 4K disc works just fine and that’s all I really care about. If you’re in the US and you’re willing to spend the extra money to have the best possible presentation of this wonderful film, it’s worth it.

A unforgettable movie experience of all time, saddest tear jeering movies ever 😢

EVERYONE CAN PLAY 4K DISCS!It’s true that most Blu-rays (why does spellcheck keep making it “Blu-ray’s”? That’s simply incorrect.) are region coded. That means the US and the UK discs generally are not compatible. It’s a “rights” issue. It makes sense. Sometimes a movie will open in England, and at the same time might be released on disc/streaming in the US. To prevent a huge box-office loss, they region code most Major Studio releases.HOWEVER... all 4K discs are REGION FREE! But only the 4K disc. If there’s a release that has the movie in 4K as well as a Blu-ray with extras, say, you’ll be able to play the Ultra HD 4K disc(s) only! Again, I’ll put it in all caps:ALL 4K UHD BLU-RAY DISCS ARE REGION FREE AND WILL PLAY IN YOUR NORTH AMERICAN 4K PLAYER!(Naturally, you need a compatible 4K player and 4K tv. As an aside, it’s amazing to me how cheap 4K TVs are today. Last year I purchased a 55 inch 4K TV for just under 400. A player? I’m not sure, but there are many inexpensive decent players here on Amazon. And if you’re REALLY a collector who can’t wait for the American release of a British film, there are region-free Blu-ray players that’ll play any BR, or DVD, no matter what its region code is. Those players may be harder to find, and may be a bit more costly, but I’ve found it to be awesome. [For example, back in 2000, the British ‘The Office’ with Ricky Gervais was only available in the UK. Americans didn’t know anything about it. It wasn’t until about two years later that they released a North American release. But since I had a region-free player, I ordered it from Amazon UK and was hugely ahead of the curve in comedy television. Yes. Yes, I am indeed a dork.]Finally, because this “review” isn’t about the movie. I won’t even stoop to tell you anything about this moving, touching, brilliant, beautiful, Academy-Award-snubbed masterpiece from David Lynch. Nope. I am NOT going to tell you what my opinion is, or that I cry every darn time I watch it. You know that saying: “Opinions are like a——“Oops! Mom’s calling! Gotta go!

I so much wanted to see this restored film in UHD at the cinema. Covid-19 put paid to that. The blu-ray disc however is absolutely stunning. Crystal clear image with a fantastic depth of field. Almost 3D like in appearance. Such a pity that the sound is only 2 channel. But this doesn't distract from the emotions that this film evokes. Having seen the original, I still wept during this latest offering. A heartbreaking story, but a must see movie.

The quality on this new (2020) blu-ray is out of this world, so sharp and the sound although only 2.0, you would'nt know.Still had a tear in my eye by the end.

I already had a 1-disc edition of this classic British movie,without extras,so when I discovered that a 40th anniversary 2-DVD edition was being released,I just had to buy it,and I am so glad I did.John Hurt is absolutely superb in his heartbreaking role of John Merrick,a man ostracized by nineteenth century society,cruelly abused by being paraded in a freak show,because of his terrible facial deformities. He is rescued by the kindly Dr Frederick Treves,(an equally superb performance by the future Sir Anthony Hopkins) who gradually introduces him to a London that had previously shunned him.Also in brilliant supporting roles are Anne Bancroft and Sir John Gielgud,to name a few. A thoroughly excellent true story. A British masterpiece.

The Elephant Man is a black and white cinematic masterpiece by David Lynch, with memorably subtle and searing performances from Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt. Since this drama is based on a true case study of extreme physical developmental deformity, it may have been too painful to watch the suffering of Joseph Merrick, called John Merrick in the script, in colour. Lynch systematically juxtaposes cruelty shown towards the afflicted gentleman, with scenes demonstrating the opposite approach of kindness and compassion, most notably from the character played by Anthony Hopkins, the surgeon Frederick Treves, who tries to help Merrick and treat him with dignity, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales. This creates the perception that the society of the time was sharply divided into the morally dubious and the civilised. The film succeeds both as a moral fable and as a period piece. It is beautifully acted and filmed.

Excellent 2020 re-release with a bonus disc. Most people will be familiar with the story of the Elephant Man. The film is a classic & this edition has a very good bonus disc well worth a watch. It includes a short documentary on John "Joseph" Merrick which gives the true timeline of events. Also interviews with David Lynch(Directed & Wrote the screenplay). An In-depth interview with John Hurt is very good. Mel Brooks was the Executive Producer but kept his name out of public view because everybody would think it was a parody upon release. The movie is an emotionally charged journey of hope & despair brilliantly displayed by John Hurt & Anthony Hopkins. A classic.