Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2534 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-05-29
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Hebrew, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish
• Dubbed in: Czech, German
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 173 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention.

Brad Pitt plays Death with a capital D, enjoying some time on Earth by inhabiting the body of a young man who'd been killed in a shockingly sudden pedestrian-auto impact. Before long, Death has ingratiated himself with a wealthy industrialist (Anthony Hopkins) and pursues romance with the man's beautiful daughter (newcomer Claire Forlani), whom he'd briefly encountered while still an earthbound human. Under the assumed identity of "Joe Black", he samples all the pleasures that corporeal life has to offer--power, romance, sex and such enticing pleasures as peanut butter by the spoonful.

But Death has a job to do, and Meet Joe Black addresses the heart-wrenching dilemma that arises when either father or daughter (the plot keeps us guessing) must confront his or her inevitable demise. The film takes its own sweet time to establish this emotional crisis and the love that binds Hopkins's semi-dysfunctional family so closely together. But if you've stuck with the story this far, you may find yourself surprisingly affected. And if Meet Joe Black has really won you over, you'll more than appreciate the care and affection that gives the film a depth and richness that so many critics chose to ignore. --Jeff Shannon

Video Description
DVD Special Features

Spotlight On Location
Production Notes
Cast And Filmmakers' Notes
Theatrical Trailer

Synopsis
This modern fantasy stars Anthony Hopkins as William Parrish, a wealthy New York City media mogul who suffers a heart attack on the eve of his 65th birthday; although he survives, he senses that his own death is near. On the same day, Parrish's younger daughter Susan (Claire Forlani) meets a handsome young stranger (Brad Pitt) at a neighboring coffee shop and is instantly smitten. As they part, the young stranger is killed and his body is instantly occupied by Death, who is coming to Earth to warn Parrish that his death is, indeed, imminent. Death enters the Parrish household disguised as Joe Black, the handsome stranger, and although Parrish realizes Death's intentions he lets the family believe that Joe Black is a young business associate. Susan is shocked to find the familiar young man at her family dinner that evening and is instantly overwhelmed with desire. As she begins a passionate love affair with the debonaire stranger, she has no idea that she is no longer falling for the young stranger from the coffee shop but for Death himself. In an effort to prolong his life and his daughter's happiness, William agrees to take Joe on a tour of human life that includes board meetings, family parties, and, ultimately, romance. As long as Joe falls in love, Parrish remains alive. This version was inspired by the Alberto Casella play DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY and the subsequent 1934 film.

Customer Reviews

Wow! This one blew me away!
Here's another cliche: breathtaking! I fell in love with this film and its characters. The central love story between Pitt & Forlani is just about the most moving I've seen. Joe's innocence as a fledgeling human being, and the effect he has on those around him, is incredibly touching and profound. And as for Anthony Hopkins! He gives such an intimate performance, you can almost read the characters thoughts. In an age with few healthy role models in the media, the characters in this movie, with their quiet dignity and their struggles towards integrity, provide so much to aspire to. I laughed, and cried and was touched many times by the wisdom in this film, but also by the quality of the performances. The scenes in which Joe converses in Pidgin-english with the old lady from "the islands" are stunning. Watch it if you are not a die-hard cynic - and don't forget your hankie!

Words cannot explain how moving this film is
I won't go into the details of what this film is about - its been summarised perfectly by the other reviews. I saw this at the cinema when it was first released, and found myself surrounded by people fidgeting, talking, and walking out. Granted, if you're not interested in something, then three hours is going to seem like an eternity, but I couldn't for the life of me understand why people were getting so bored. Watching this film, the time just flew by for me. I didn't once find myself looking at my watch - it was that engrossing.

The acting in this film is superb - especially by Hopkins. The soundtrack is also beautiful, and if you love the film I strongly urge you to buy that too, as it also plays a large part in the film's success.

This is one of my top 10 films, and in terms of its impact, its up there with the likes of Good Will Hunting and Brief Encounter.

Amazing, a must see for all
I love this movie, it makes me feel warm, happy and most of all it makes me want to fall in love. I always feel a strange comfort when i watch this film and i think Brad pitt has once again shown that he is not just a pretty face but a professional actor too. The leading girl was fantastic and beautiful.

I love this film, the story and its feel.