Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3753 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-07-10
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Hungarian, Polish, Dutch, Finnish, Greek
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 109 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Gabriel Byrne plays Father Kiernan, a young Jesuit priest whose degree in chemistry makes him a sort of priest/detective as he investigates weeping Marys and the like around the world. Meanwhile, Frankie (Patricia Arquette), a rave-generation Pittsburgher, is afflicted with the stigmata--holes that appear in her wrists, resembling the wounds of Christ. The young woman's symptoms filter back to the Vatican and Father Kiernan is assigned to the case. The priest is puzzled by Frankie's atheism; usually the stigmata only appear on the devout (hence the age-old controversy of miracles vs. hysteria). Other manifestations appear on Frankie, and the priest's cardinal (Jonathan Pryce) is brought in, leading to political manoeuvring within the Church hierarchy. The film owes a large and obvious debt to The Exorcist (at one point, Frankie's bed scoots across the room and she levitates into a crucifix position) but to term it an Exorcist rip-off would be to short-change Stigmata. The premise and screenplay are more cerebral than in the l973 film, and the source of the phenomenon is coming from a completely different place.

Unfortunately, amid Stigmata's high-octane editing and slick technique, the chills of The Exorcist aren't there, giving the movie a sort of identity crisis: horror movie or intellectual thriller? Several elements of the film challenge basic tenets of the Catholic faith, hence the brief furore that erupted at the time of the film's release; if nothing else, the internal workings of the Church are shown in a very unflattering light indeed. Byrne excels as the sceptical priest, as does Arquette as the tortured young woman. All told, Stigmata is a rather uneven effort but one with a thought-provoking combination of theology and thrills served up in a thoroughly modern, stylish package. Fans of TV's Ally McBeal will recognise Portia De Rossi in a supporting role. --Jerry Renshaw

Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
16:9 Wide Screen
French\German\Spanish
English\German
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English French German Spanish
Dolby Digital 5.1
Alternative Ending
The Story Of Stigmata
5 Deleted Scenes
Music Video
Directors Commentary
8 Page Making Of Booklet
Chapter Selection
Original Theatrical Trailer
Danish\Dutch\English\Finnish\French\German\Greek\Hungarian\Norwegian\Polish\Portuguese\Spanish\Swedish

Synopsis
When a young American woman begins exhibiting the characteristics of Stigmata (spontaneously bleeding from the wrists and forehead, speaking in Aramaic), a Vatican envoy is deployed to investigate whether the afflictions are demonic or divine. The dark, quick-cut cinematography of Jeffrey L. Kimball (JACOB'S LADDER) and a gothic soundscape assembled by Billy Corgan place the devil (of this film) in the details.

Customer Reviews

Time for the Exorcist to step down
Forget comparisons with the Exorcist and the Omen, this is THE best religiously - themed horror film, bar none. While all the other horror films were busy dealing with Satanists and evil, Rupert Wainwright manages to make a top rate horror film out of Christianity.
The film follows Frankie Paige, a hairdresser whoes realtively 'normal' life is shattered when she sufferes the first of the stigmata, the nails through the wrists. She has meetings with a priest to try to understand what is happening to her, and manages to fall for him, despite his vow of celibacy. As the movie progresses, a conspiracy to cover up a hidden gospel is unearthed, and the Vatican is prepared to take extreme measures to silence Frankie. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, because it is excellent, and the fil has an atmosphere unlike any others. True, the scenes where Frankie appears possesed and talks in a strange tongue, and the scene where she floats out of the bed are copied from the exorcist, but so what? They're done far better here, and the films own scenes are terrific. The scenes where Frankie recieves the stigmata are all sudden and shocking, especially the scene on the train, with the light flickering as the train goes through tunnels. If you like religously - themed film such as the Exorcist, the Omen, Rosemary's Baby, Bless The Child, etc. then you'll love this film. If you're new to the horror genre, then this is a great place to start. Top notch acting and visual effects, a great soundtrack and a truly absorbing plot make this one of the best films in my collection.

More please !!!
Man i love this film, i've seen it 4 times, and every time i watch it i spot something new. Every scene in the film is significant, so if you need to leave the room, be sure to pause it, because you will come back confused !! It is very thought provoking, and has managed to stir some religious interest in me. The soundtrack is amazing, and the acting and special effects (especially the scenes when Frankie recieves the Stigmata) are top quality. Love this film, buy it now !!!

Quality film which makes you think
I saw the film in the cinema when it came out and had not read any reviews. I came out thinking it was a thought provoking film nicely dressed in a modern gloss (good visuals, sound etc). The main actors put in good understated performances that simply enhance the story - as it should be. I have read numerous reviews in DVD magazines which have slated the film but everyone I know who has seen it enjoyed it. Personally I found the Exorcist jumbled and disappointing but this film flows well. Its in my DVD library and recommend it heartily. I don't give 5 stars unless the film's astounding but this is certainly 4 (and a bit).