The David Lean Collection - 9 Disc Box Set

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Customer reviews

review by: railbirdbc date: 2008-09-13 rating:
Excellent value, wonderful films!!!!
We bought this collection, not just because of the excellent price, but because most of these films are unavailable in Canada, especially "This Happy Breed". What a pleasant surprize we got when we discovered this boxed set with all these excellent David Lean films -- some of them our personal favourites. "Oliver Twist", "Great Expectations", "Brief Encounter", and the list goes on!!!!!

What we DID discover is that the British cuts of films are different than those shown in North America. They are longer and more complete. The censors over here cut "inappropriate" material, making the films seem incomplete, which is, of course, what they are.

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review by: date: 2008-04-16 rating:
I purchased this collection for "Passionate Friends".
I purchased this collection of nine early David Lean films for two little known offerings:

PASSIONATE FRIENDS - 1949 - a far more complex and mature reworking of "Brief Encounter" which does not date like its classic sibling, (and Brief Encounter is one of my all time greats.)

Mary (Ann Todd) tells the only man she will ever really love Stephen (Trevor Howard) that she cannot marry him because "I want to belong to myself" to which he replies "your life will be a failure". But is it? She marries rich banker Howard Justin (Claude Raines) also needing a relationship of "freedom, loyalty and deep affection".

After nine years without seeing each other Ann and Stephen suddenly meet, and the questioning begins again.

Although constantly reminiscent of "Brief Encounter" this is a far deeper, more intriguing, involving and timeless film.

Fine acting, (particularly Claude Rains) and great film score from Richard Addinsell, make this a must see film.

MADELEINE - 1950 - Ann Todd had appeared in theatrical productions of Madeleine and persuaded her new husband to direct her in a film version. Based on an actual trial in 1857 when after her secret lover was poisoned Madeleine was tried for his murder.

Ann Todd is the only actor that develops any depth to their roles; the others are to a greater or lesser extent stereotypes, not helped by the routine dialogue.

CONCLUSION - the remaining seven films are so well known no comment is necessary, and at a good budget price the Collection is a fine purchase, particularly as it includes the very rare and excellent "Passionate Friends".

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review by: BikerBob date: 2008-04-13 rating:
The very best of David Lean
I bought this box set, like other reviewers, on the strength of "This Happy Breed" not being readily available. But what a bargain. "Hobson's Choice" is probably one of the greatest British films ever made. Everything about it smacks of excellence, the photography, the direction, the acting, and what a superb script. Charles Laughton's finest performance? I've only got through "Hobsons Choice" "This Happy Breed" and "Oliver Twist" and can't wait to see the rest. Fantastic value. A must for any British Cinema fan. Buy it.


review by: date: 2008-01-02 rating:
9 wonderful films!!!!!!
Firstly, I bought this boxset solely for a copy of the wonderful 'This Happy Breed' which in my opinion is one of the best British films ever made let alone David Leans. Beautifully shot, Lean captures the essence of between the wars perfectly. The house and street shots are incredibly english and heartwarming and will make anyone nostalgic for those days. I would particularly recommend this boxset as to my knowledge This Happy Breed is otherwise unavailable. On top of that, you get 8 other classic Lean films that are I'm still working my way through. I can't recommend this enough, buy it!!!!!!

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