Product ReviewsThe Princess Bride (DVD, 2006, The Dread Pirate Edition)

The Dread Pirate Roberts is Here for Your Souls!

"Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..."

The character of The Grandfather, portrayed by the infamous Peter Falk, was indeed correct when he informs his ill grandson that the story of THE PRINCESS BRIDE has elements to it that would appeal to just about anyone. Directed by Rob Reiner, the plot contains all of the fundamental aspects necessary for just plain good storytelling.

Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright-Penn (as Robin Wright), Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Christopher Sarandon, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane and other recognizable names, THE PRINCESS BRIDE follows the story of the young Buttercup and Westley, the poor farm boy who has fallen hopelessly in love with her. After Buttercup realizes that she is also in love with him, Westley leaves on a sea voyage in order to make his fortune so that they may marry. Unfortunately (but to the Grandson's great delight, as he is disappointed with the slow start), Westley's ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who never leaves his prisoners alive. Five years later, Buttercup becomes unwillingly engaged to Prince Humperdinck.

What follows is almost Shakespearean in its cases of mistaken identity, plots and schemes, miracles, revenge seeking, players switching sides and confessions of true love. THE PRINCESS BRIDE is essentially a harmless little fairy tale, but with a funny, charming, almost child-like quality that appeals to both young and old. Billy Crystal's performance as Miracle Max is inspired in its hilarity, and the movie pokes fun at itself while still remaining a valid action-adventure-romance. While the film is not perfect in its technical aspects, such as seeing the pads beneath the dirt during the fight scene between "the man in black" and Inigo Montoya, these little imperfections only add to the allure, making the film special because while you know it's not flawless, it's so wonderful you don't care.

THE DREAD PIRATE EDITION features artwork tailored to the fans with a spirit of adventure. The special features are outstanding - my personal favorite being the "Quotable Battle of Wits Trivia Game." The artwork both in the packaging, on the discs themselves and the within the title screens is beautiful, making the set itself a wonderful tribute to the movie. There are also two different title screens to choose from - one perfect for those who believe in true love, featuring soft, romantic melodies from the film, and one for the more adventurous sort, with the rousing music of The Dread Pirate himself.

"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."

Katie Galloway
Movie Magic USARead full review...

Better Than the Original

When "The Princess Bride" first came out on DVD, I resisted buying it. After all, I have a VHS copy, and there didn't seem much reason for me to buy the movie all over again. But this Special Edition changed my mind.

First of all, there are TWO DVDs, one with the movie, and one with a large amount of extras. On the first disc, you have the option of several audio commentaries, which I found refreshing, though I found Rob Reiner, the director, more than a bit dull at times. But the quality of the film is still excellent.

The second disc has a good deal to do. There are several documentaries (about the history of Pirates, among others), which I felt went on for WAY too long, but it was very amusing to see historians trying to prove or disprove that the Dread Pirate Roberts was based after a real character or not. But I adored the behind-the scenes documentary that Cary Elwes (Westley) videotaped, and the interviews with the actors, while somewhat repetitive, was great to see. And watching Billy Crystal transform into Miracle Max was very interesting to see. And there's also a trivia quiz, among other things.

So to end this review, I'll say this to any fan of "The Princess Bride"- this Special Edition is WORTH getting. Just don't be confused by the "Dread Pirate Roberts" Version and the "Princess Buttercup" Version- they have the SAME EXTRAS!Read full review...

A delightful & amusing fairytale!

The Princess Bride is a star packed fairytale that the whole family can enjoy! It's tame enough for the kids & features enough action & tongue in cheek humor to keep adults amused & interested!
>This is the take of a young maiden named Buttercup who loses, finds, loses again & finds again her true love a farm boy named Westley! In reality though, this is the story of a young boy stuck at home sick who is, most unwelcomely, visited by his grandfather. His grandfather begins to read him a story, that he is none too fond of at 1st, but grows to be intrigued by as it moves along. Anyway, after Buttercup's love is lost at sea, the victim of the Dread Pirate Roberts, she consents to wed the son of the king, Prince Humperdink. While out for a ride, she is kidnapped & later rescued. She finds her true love again only to have him stolen from her again in a nefarious plot. Throughout, Buttercup is swept up in many adventures on the high seas with the screaming Eels, in the legendary fire swamp & for that matter back at the castle! Will Buttercup & Westley ever get married? Will the boy Realize his grandfather is not a dottering old fool & learn to appreciate him? You'll have to watch & see!

I mentioned star power & this film is loaded! Fred Savage is the boy & Peter Falk is his grandfather. A pretty good start eh? Robin Wright (before she became Wright-Penn) is Buttercup, Cary Elwes is Westley & Chris Sarandon is Prince Humperdink. Even better, but we're far from done! Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin & legendary wrestler Andre The Giant are the kidnappers & Christopher Guest is the infamous Count Rugen. That might be good enough, but there is icing on the cake in Carol Kane & Billy Crystal! This is a big & talented cast of stars! This "Dread Pirate" edition features a decent amount of extras for a movie as old as this one & has been remastered for superior quality.

This is a wonderful tale with a little something for everybody! The visual & special effects are excellent, the story is 1st rate, there are numerous beautiful scenic vistas & plenty of action, thrills & chills! Plus a load of humor to keep it light & amusing!Read full review...

One of the greatest movies of all time!

This movie has really set the bar for me with family comedies. It dabbles in all genres without taking itself too seriously, but at the same time without sacrificing story or quality. The cast is fantastic, the dialog is perfect, and the action is stellar! I daresay no filmed sword fight has yet come close to the battle between the Dread Pirate Roberts and Inigo Montoya... In any case, if you haven't seen this yet, you owe it to yourself! Guaranteed many laughs. This editions has a clever mockumentary but the feature is the same.

Also, I'd recommend picking up the book! As good or better than the movie! :-)Read full review...

The Princess Bride has a wonderful mix of characters, with a great story line and comedy this movie will keep you entertained for hours.

The movie is funny and keeps me entertained. It was delivered in perfect condition and in a very timely manner. I could not be more pleased.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: bobsvintage20

amazing

Love it. So much better than the version I have, Thank you!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: manythings99

As You Wish

I absolutely love this movie. The Princess Bride has everything. Sword fights, giants, magicians, royalty , pirates, romance, adventure! I have to say the this movie is my favorite movie of all time. Nothing beats it! It is a timless classic that is great for the whole family.Read full review...

Princess Bride

Awesome and quick shipping thank you

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Inconceivable

Not as funny as I remembered it to be.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: 48n123w

The Princess Bride, A Contemporary Classic

We suggest this film to be a part of anyone's library. The acting is supberb, as is the directing. A wonderful tell that teaters the boundary of farce and seriousness well.