Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6256 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-07-23
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish
• Dubbed in: French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Richard Benjamin's off-beat 1990 comedy Mermaids found Cher at the peak of her big-screen form. She plays Mrs Flax to the manner born. The eccentric mother feeds her two daughters on hors d'oeuvres and sticks a pin in the map to decide the family's next destination when her love affairs have run their course. When they reach New England, however, events--and an unlikely but amiable suitor (Bob Hoskins)--interrupt her self-centred progress and bring the facts of life home to roost with a vengeance. It's a well-made comedy with good performances from Cher and Hoskins, although neither of them is particularly stretched. There is also enough tension in the relationship between Mrs Flax and her eldest child to make it poignant as well as funny. As the Flax daughters, Winona Ryder (neurotic, unworldly Charlotte) and Christina Ricci (swimming-mad "fishhead") show plenty of the promise which has since made them two of America's most appealing film actresses. Stuffed with authentic 1960s detail, Mermaids is actually a modern "woman's picture" which affirms the often precarious bonds of family relationships.

On the DVD: Presented in widescreen format, optimised for high-resolution television sets, Mermaids is a vibrant visual treat for anybody with an affection for 1960s kitsch and fashion. The picture quality is superb and the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack sharp; some cracking dialogue has to share the sound waves with thumping hits of the day and, over the final credits, Cher's global smash hit rendering of "It's in His Kiss". But apart from a multilingual choice of soundtracks and subtitles and the original theatrical trailer, there are no extras. --Piers Ford

Special Features
1.85 Wide Screen
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 9
French\German\Italian\Spanish
English\German
English
Region 2
Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Menu Screens
Chapter Selections
Danish\Dutch\English\French\German\Italian\Norwegian\Spanish\Swedish

Synopsis
MERMAIDS is the story of the turbulent relationship between a flamboyant, outrageous mom (Cher) and her two daughters (Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci) who just want a normal, stable life. Socially rebellious and provocative, the mother is reluctant to settle down, even at the request of her two daughters (one of whom, despite being Jewish, longs to enter a convent). The unusual family has moved 18 times in the last 15 years, usually whenever Mrs. Flax senses she might have to commit to a relationship. But this time the girls hope the family will stay put, and their conflicting desires lead to a final, near-tragic result. The film is based on the novel by Patty Dann.

Customer Reviews

Mermaids is an unknown masterpiece!
Such a good film! Winona Ryder is excellent and I didnt believe that cher could act that good. It is one of those movies you can watch over and over again and not get bored of it. If you dont end up falling in love with little christina Ricci then may god have mercy on your soul!!!

These Mermaids Splash with Zest for Life
Actor turned director Benjamin's heartfelt, nostalgic rendering of Patty Dann's cult-novel dealing with the trials and tribulations of restless mother Cher, who changes towns as often as her current boyfriend doesn't live up to her expectations, and precocious, god-fearing daughter Ryder, who falls hard for the local caretaker man of Eastport, Boston, in the 60's. When salesman Hoskins lays eyes on Cher and she is smitten with Ryder's hunk, things get really complicated... Clever dialogue, peppered with now famous oneliners ('Charlotte you drive like old people make love'), a great 60's soundtrack (that's Betty Everett singing the original version of the Shoop Shoop Song 17 mins into the film), and top notch performances all around - with Ryder as a standout - make this one a treat. Though film takes you to familiar places - hey, we all have been 15 once, let alone madly in love for the first time - it rings true every second, and it helps you recalling those moments with a tear to shed and a smile on your face. What joy! What fun!

Sentimental but who cares? It's fun!
Mermaids is one of my favourite movies ever! It features Winona Ryder in one of her best roles. It's a touching movie but also really funny. If you like Winona and Cher, then you cannot go wrong. Buy it. You'll love it. I do