From what I remember, Philadelphia was the first 'serious' film I'd seen in a theatre. Up until that point as a young teen it was all Batman Returns and Naked Gun. I didn't go to see the film because of the subject matter; I went because the word was that it was a great performance by Tom Hanks ... Read review
Philadelphiawasn't the first movie about AIDS (it followed such worthy independent films ... more
asParting GlancesandLongtime Companion), but it was the first Hollywood studio picture to take AIDS as its primary subject. In that sense,Philadelphiais a historic...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Philadelphiawasn't the first movie about AIDS (it followed such worthy independent films ... more
asParting GlancesandLongtime Companion), but it was the first Hollywood studio picture to take AIDS as its primary subject. In that sense,Philadelphiais a historic...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a promising young lawyer, finds his career cut short when he ... more
is fired from the prestigious law firm he works for. They say he has not got what it takes. Andrew knows it's because he's got AIDS. Determined to defend his digni...
Up-and-coming young lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) has just been fired by his ... more
prestigious law firm. They say he hasn't got what it takes. Andrew knows it's because he's got AIDS. Determined to defend his professional reputation Andrew hires fierc...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Production Year: 1999 - Drama - Director: Dick Maas - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: William Hurt, Jennifer Tilly, Denis Leary, Michael Chiklis, Francesca Brown
Production Year: 1945 - Drama - Director: David Lean - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Strong Drama, Good Performances, Great overall package Disadvantages: Nothing
From what I remember, Philadelphia was the first 'serious' film I'd seen in a theatre. Up until that point as a young teen it was all Batman Returns and Naked Gun. I didn't go to see the film because of the subject matter; I went because the word was that it was a great performance by Tom Hanks who at the time was known for light-hearted romps. Needless to say, Hanks performance was excellent, the film drove a strong message home to those uneducated ... ...his career.
Philadelphia is still an interesting film. At the time, Aids was still a disease that carried a lot of stigma in society. This made the film relevant, of course people now have a better understanding but it shows the level of ignorance back in the early nineties.
As a drama it still holds up. You can't help but be affected by Hanks performance, it's incredibly moving and quite rightly won an academy award. ... more
From what I remember, Philadelphia was the first 'serious' film I'd seen in a theatre. Up until that point as a young teen it was all Batman Returns and Naked Gun. I didn't go to see the film because of the subject matter; I went because the word was that it was a great performance by Tom Hanks who at the time was known for light-hearted romps. Needless to say, Hanks performance was excellent, the film drove a strong message home to those uneducated about Aids and after thirteen years it still remains a great film.
Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a young up and coming lawyer. In a male dominated law firm, Andrew keeps his sexuality secret in fear that it might damage his career. Sadly it does as he is fired for supposedly botching a big account. But in fact he was fired for having Aids. With his health deteriorating, Beckett enlists the help of another lawyer to fight his case. Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) is not the most gay friendly of people, which causes tension between the two but slowly he begins to understand and undertake the biggest case of his career.
Philadelphia is still an interesting film. At the time, Aids was still a disease that carried a lot of stigma in society. This made the film relevant, of course people now have a better understanding but it shows the level of ignorance back in the early nineties.
As a drama it still holds up. You can't help but be affected by Hanks performance, it's incredibly moving and quite rightly won an academy award. Director Jonathan Demme gives the film a lot of subtlety and doesn't ram a message down your throat. The supporting performances are all great and who can resist the bleak sorrow of that Bruce Springsteen song.
The movie was one of Columbia's original dvd releases, back in the days when scene selection was classed as an extra. It provided a nice widescreen transfer, a trailer and some production notes.
Thankfully the film has now been revisited for a special edition release and it's well worth the money.
The film is beautifully presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. Naturally it's anamorphic for those with widescreen televisions. The transfer is pretty good with a lot of detail in the image and very little in the way of blemishes.
The Dolby Digital 5.0 soundtrack also provides a solid audio experience. This is a film with talking and not a great else to serve the surround sound. There is the odd crowd scene that makes good use of the rears but overall it's just as expected.
This edition takes up two discs, usually when a studio reissues a title they throw on some filler to make a little bit more cash and don't give you anything really worthwhile. Thankfully in the case of this release you get some very good extras.
The first disc comes with an audio commentary featuring Demme and writer Ron Nyswaner. The track is a good listen and recounts many stories on the making of the film. They also share that some of the people involved in the film has since passed away as a result of Aids.
The second disc contains the bulk of the extra content.
The deleted scenes section runs for about fifteen minutes. There's nothing special in these scenes, they're merely cuts that didn't hold as much weight in the grand scheme of things.
'People Like Us' is a making of documentary that runs for just under an hour. It's a great look at how the film came about from the origins of the story and the whole concept of Aids back when the idea came to fruition. There is comment from a lot of the major players involved with the film and they talk about how the film affected them. There's also tribute to some of those in the film that died from Aids. Kudos to Columbia for not fobbing people off with a standard fluff piece.
'One Foot On A Banana Peel, The Other Foot In The Grave' is worth buying the dvd for. It's a 65-minute documentary that captures the thoughts and feelings of some people going through the latter stages of the disease. It's a stark look at the effects of the disease and a good insight into the spirit of those facing death. For some it may be a though watch but it is worth it. If anyone wants to show others the effects of Aids then this is something to offer up.
Next up is a six-minute piece that basically extends the Courthouse protest scene. Perhaps this should have been in the deleted scenes section as it's nothing great on it's own.
Also included is the original promo featurette and that stark and simple music video for 'Streets of Philadelphia' by Bruce Springsteen.
Finally there is the advert from the film where Joe Miller peddles his ambulance chasing style of law. You also get the trailer for the film.
This is a great film backed up by an excellent array of extras that can actually be deemed 'special'. If you've never seen the film then I would recommend it, I've never heard anyone say they don't like it. For under £6 online I would say it's a bargain.
Advantages: Gives a message to us all Disadvantages: Tissues at the ready ladys
...The closed society of Philadelphia law turns its back on him, and in desperation he goes to a fiercely heterosexual black lawyer whose advert he has seen on tv while sat in a hospital emergancy waiting room played by Denzel Washington "Joe Miller " who makes a point of standing up for the oppressed. He is essentially homophobic but he is also against persecution and after initial reluctance, takes on the case.
Why do Beckett's bosses sack him and ... ...More importantly, most of the 'big' emotional scenes we'd expect to see are omitted. Thus, we never feel we're being manipulated into shedding easy tears. The movie is defined by a tone of quiet restraint. Safe and apolitical it may be, but Philadelphia succeeds as a deeply affecting humanist drama. ...
mummy25bear 13.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Philadelphia (Collector's Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: powerful, worthy piece Disadvantages: Heavy subject
...becoming a partner in a Philadelphia law firm. He is then dismissed over some papers that go missing. Beckett turns up in the office of lawyer Joe Miller (Washington). Miller specializes in Justice for the small guy, but when Beckett tells him he has Aids, his homophobic instincts take over and he shuns the case. Eventually miller has a change of heart and the battle is on between the big shot law firm and the small time man of the people.
As for ... ...Despite the obvious tragedy, Philadelphia is heart warming and very emotional. The final scene really playing the emotions as we see camcorder of a young Andrew Beckett, reinforcing the fact that he is some mothers child. Courtroom dramas can often be a bit dry. But you wil either love or loathe the characters in this one. Technical Bits
Certificate: 12
Running Time: 120 mins
Studio: Sony Pictures
Cast
Andrew Beckett Tom Hanks Joe Miller Denzel ...
hotspur_blue 25.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Philadelphia (Collector's Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: An amazing and moving film Disadvantages: None.
This is one of the best films I have ever seen, and the first film ever to make me cry. Tom Hanks plays a top lawyer, fired when his employers realise he has AIDS. Denzel Washington is the lawyer Hanks hires to defend him in court against his former employers. Washington is initially reluctant to take the case as he is prejudiced against homosexuals and does not understand about AIDS, but eventually his pursuit and passion for justice leads him to ... ...himself as he gets more involved in the case, in the fight against ignorance and intolerance. This is a beautiful and moving movie, with spectacular performances from Hanks and Washington as well as an excellent supporting cast (including Antonio Banderos as Hanks' boyfriend). A great soundtrack, with Springsteen's 'Streets of Philadelphia', as the main track. A must see. ...
freyag 02.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Philadelphia (Collector's Edition) (DVD)
Tom Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a hotshot Philadelphia lawyer who has been keeping his homosexuality, and his AIDS, hidden from his conservative bosses. When he's suddenly and inexplicably fired, Andrew suspects AIDS is the reason, and is determined to fight in court, even as he is losing his other battle, against the disease. Beckett hires attorney Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) to represent him, but the lawyer must first overcome his own homophobia and fears. Director Jonathan Demme filmed this after winning the Oscar for Silence Of The Lambs. Bruce Springsteen's haunting song 'Streets of Philadelphia' plays over the memorable opening credits. A sensitive and moody this film touches on a vast array of subjects surrounding sexuality, family, and death.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Filmmakers Commentary, 6 Deleted Scenes, Documentary, Filmographies, Interview, Original Making Of Featurette, TV Spot, Trailer, Music Video Streets Of Philadelphia With Bruce Springsteen
Aspect Ratio
1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.0, Dolby Digital Sourround
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.0 English Dolby Digital Sourround French German Italian Spanish
Award information
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 2004 (Tom Hanks)
Professional reviews
Review
"...As a piece of moviemaking PHILADELPHIA often works wonderfully well..." (Entertainment Weekly, pp.54-5, 17/06/1994)
"...A moving experience....PHILADELPHIA is successful because it is intelligent, sensitive and committed..." (Sight and Sound, p.45-6, 01/03/1994)
DVD Description
After a solid track record and a much-deserved promotion, Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a handsome, upwardly mobile Philadelphia lawyer, loses his high-paying corporate job when he starts developing full-blown AIDS. Though Andrew's firm attributes his dismissal to his supposedly poor performance, he knows otherwise, and he won't accept the firm's discrimination lying down. Andrew will do whatever is necessary to prosecute. But when nine other lawyers refuse to help him, Andrew reluctantly hires Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a showy, homophobic, ambulance-chasing lawyer whose first reaction to the news that Andrew has AIDS is to rush to the doctor and have himself checked. Despite Joe's fear and dislike of gays, he and Andrew discover they've got quite a bit in common, and they decide they're going to fight to the finish. The result is an emotionally potent drama that doesn't flinch from exposing the long-term effects of the disease on Beckett and his friends and family. Jonathan Demme directs and Bruce Springstein sings the title song, "Streets of Philadelphia," part of an Academy Award-winning score.
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