... We had a little browse through our ever-growing DVD collection and then decided to watch the newest addition to it, which just happened to be Pretty Woman. I hadn't seen it for a few years and fancied something a bit soppy and sweet, so we settled down for a few hours of brilliant entertainment.
Pretty ... Read review
This 15th Anniversary celebration of PRETTY WOMAN is even more irresistible than ever with ... more
all-new, never-before-seen special features you'll love at first sight. Academy Award winner Julia Roberts (Best Actress, Erin Brockovich, 2000) is a spirited, s...
She walked off the street into his life and stole his heart. Richard Gere and Best ... more
Actress Oscar Nominee Julia Roberts light up the screen in this classic romantic comedy. When successful corporate mogul Edward Lewis meets independent and carefree...
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Alongside Ghost, another romantic comedy drama, Pretty Woman dominated the box office of ... more
1990. The movie revitalised Richard Gere's career, and made a superstar of Julia Roberts, launching her on a string of hugely successful romantic comedies including My Best Friend's Wedding (1997), Notting Hill (1999), and, reuniting her with Gere and Pretty Woman director, Garry Marshall, The Runaway Bride (1999). Inevitably the movie's theme song is Roy Orbison's "Oh Pretty Woman", sounding fresh as ever. And if that is a typically male view of feminine attractions, Natalie Cole tells the other side of the story with the unrepentant "Wild Women Do". David Bowie provides an update of one of his greatest hits, with "Fame 90" and Robert Palmer describes "Life In Detail". The remainder of the album is a snapshot of up-and-coming acts at the beginning of the 90s, with Go West's massive hit, "King Of Wishful Thinking" and Roxette's chart smash "It Must Have Been Love" setting the agenda for slick, well produced power-pop. As nostalgia for the time just before dance took over the charts, or simply as a highly polished souvenir of one of the most popular movies ever made, Pretty Woman requires, as Peter Cetera appropriately adds, "No Explanation". --Gary S. Dalkin
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Wild Women Do - Natalie Cole Fame- David Bowie King of Wishful Thinking - Go West Tangled ... more
- Jane Wiedlin It Must Have Been Love - Roxette Life in Detail - Robert Palmer No Explanation - Peter Cetera Real Wild Child (Wild One) - Christopher Otcasek Fallen - Lauren Wood Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison Show Me Your Soul - The Red Hot Chili Peppers
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Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Gareth Carrivick - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Kathryn Drysdale, Sheridan Smith, Natalie Casey, Will Mellor, Ralf Little
...which just happened to be Pretty Woman. I hadn't seen it for a few years and fancied something a bit soppy and sweet, so we settled down for a few hours of brilliant entertainment.
Pretty Woman tells us the story of a prostitute, Vivian Ward, who is working on the streets in Hollywood. She happens to be stopped by billionaire Edward Lewis for directions, but ends up getting in his car and accompanying him to his hotel. Edward makes ... ...a hooker?
Pretty Woman is simply one of the classic films of all time - it's popularity will stay on a constant line because it is like a fairytale and just so enjoyable to watch. Although the story is wonderful, for me it is the performances by the two lead actors which make this film the classic that it is. Julia Roberts, in her first major film role, and the one which shot her to the gigantic levels of fame she has since achieved, ... more
Sometimes, my partner and I get a hankering to watch an old film when we're sitting down together in the evening. We had a little browse through our ever-growing DVD collection and then decided to watch the newest addition to it, which just happened to be Pretty Woman. I hadn't seen it for a few years and fancied something a bit soppy and sweet, so we settled down for a few hours of brilliant entertainment.
Pretty Woman tells us the story of a prostitute, Vivian Ward, who is working on the streets in Hollywood. She happens to be stopped by billionaire Edward Lewis for directions, but ends up getting in his car and accompanying him to his hotel. Edward makes it clear he isn't after her for sex, and the two strike up a week-long business deal. Vivian starts to like the billionaire lifestyle and the friendship between the pair blossoms. But will the differences in their lifestyles keep them apart? And can Edward's friends get past the fact Vivian is a hooker?
Pretty Woman is simply one of the classic films of all time - it's popularity will stay on a constant line because it is like a fairytale and just so enjoyable to watch. Although the story is wonderful, for me it is the performances by the two lead actors which make this film the classic that it is. Julia Roberts, in her first major film role, and the one which shot her to the gigantic levels of fame she has since achieved, takes on the role of Vivian. She plays her with her a real honesty and charm, you are instantly endeared to her. Roberts plays the street-wise hooker so well, you just want Vivian to make it work with Edward to make the happy ending!
For me, her stand-out scenes took place on Rodeo Drive, in the snobby shops there. She first enters dressed in her street clothes - thigh boots, a mini skirt and revealing top, only to be cast from the shop by the snooty assistants before she has a chance to tell them she has a lot of money to spend. Instead of verbally abusing them, she gets her revenge when she strolls in later dressed like a perfect lady and asks if they work on commission. When they say yes, she utters two words which are just perfect, and Roberts carries this off with utter charm and finesse.
The male lead of Edward is played by Richard Gere, who shot to fame with his role in the famous romance movie An Officer and A Gentleman. He plays the cool, calm and collected billionaire Property Mogul who stumbles upon Vivian when he asks her for directions. Gere plays to the opposite of Roberts here, she is street-smart, witty and quite loud woman, whereas Edward is quite a quiet man, not keen to flash his cash too much. He really plays the role well, you instantly warm to him also but you can see his naivety towards women in Vivian's line of work, he at first doesn't seem to know how to talk to Vivian and is quite awkward. But Vivian helps him to open up and I think by the end of the film, quite a transformation has occured!
As well as the two main leads, there are some other fantastic performances in this film as well. One of those for me was that of the hotel manager Barney Thompson played by Hector Elizondo. He adapts his character perfectly, he is quite condescending to Vivian at first, yet his attitude has a complete u-turn when speaking with Edward. However he carries this off with a real humour, and is a great performance. Vivian's friend and fellow prostitute Kit is played brilliantly by Laura San Giacomo, a woman with a real attitude and a loyal friend to Viv. And finally, Edward's lawyer Philip Stuckey is played by Jason Alexander and is probably the least likeable of all the characters for his horrible treatment of Vivian!
Another thing which I think helps this films to stand out is the soundtrack. It contains some fantastic songs which just add to the atmosphere of the film. Most obviously featured is the movie's title song 'Pretty Woman' by Roy Orbison was perfectly placed when Vivian is under-going her transformation from prostitute to lady. Other stand out songs for me include "Wild Women Do" by Natalie Cole, and of course, THE love theme of the movie, 'It Must Have Been Love' by Roxette. I adore this song and it is so perfect in this film, it fits in so well with the fairytale plot! Oh, and who could forget Prince's 'Kiss', sung by Vivian in a huge bubble bath!
One thing that stood out to me was the prejudice that prostitutes have to withstand from people. Understandly it is not the best job in the world and not something one would boast about, but nonetheless, the attitudes towards Vivian throughout the film were awful, and actually quite terrible to watch. The way the shopgirls look down their noses at her and speak to her like she is a moron is unacceptable, and it is awful to think people can really speak to fellow human beings in this demeaning way. Also the way the hotel treats Vivian isn't pleasant to watch either, they are so keen on protecting their reputation they are willing to disrespect Vivian is not right but again I expect common-place in such high-brow establishments.
But I think it is the fairytale story which keeps this movie in such high standings and will make it a classic in the years to come. It really is a story of hope - if Vivian can bag the rich billionaire, then so can we! You would never normally associate these two individuals, yet when you look past their jobs and place in society they really are just 2 people who happen to like each other...a lot. The charm of Roberts and the chemistry she has with Gere is wonderful to watch and makes for a superb romance movie. I just adore this film, and think it is still unbeatable as the best romance movie in my books!
You can buy the 15th Anniversary Special Edition DVD on Play.com for the bargain price of £3.99, and at that price you can't go wrong! The film was released in 1990 and runs for 1 hour 59 minutes. It has a certificate of 15 in the UK. The film is written by J. F. Lawton and Directed by Garry Marshall.
The bonus features on the Special Edition are as follows: - A blooper reel which lasts for 2 1/2 minutes, and is quite a funny little addition to the DVD. - There is also a feature entitled "Live From The Wrap Party" and is a featurette of Julia Roberts, Richard Gere and Garry performing "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" in October 1989. It features Gere playing the piano with a live band in a small studio and lasts for 4 minutes. Not the best sort of feature but okay. - Also on the DVD is LA: The Pretty Woman Tour. It's a guide of all of the locations used in LA for the film pretty woman, and is an interactive style part. There is a picture of LA in cartoon-style on the screen, and you can choose which area to visit, or to 'Play All'. If you choose to play all, the feature lasts for nearly 9 minutes, and is well worth a watch, especially if you have an interest in that type of thing! - Another bonus feature is the option to watch the film with an audio commentary throughout by the director Garry Marshall. - There is also a 1990 production featurette, which lasts for nearly 4 minutes, and is a short little video about the film with mini interviews from the director, Gere and Roberts. A nice little feature. - Finally, the last bonus feature is the music video to the song 'Wild Women Do' by Natalie Cole, which was featured in the film.
Main Cast: Richard Gere ... Edward Lewis Julia Roberts ... Vivian Ward Ralph Bellamy ... James Morse Jason Alexander ... Philip Stuckey Laura San Giacomo ... Kit De Luca Alex Hyde-White ... David Morse Hector Elizondo ... Barney Thompson
mummy2harry 18.02.2008 (18.02.2008)
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Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: Great story, feel good film Disadvantages: None
...Wrap Party Live event
The Pretty Woman Tour in Los Angeles
1990 Production Featurettes
Song 'Wild Women Do' Performed by Natalie Cole
Blooper Reel
An All new Audio Commentary with Director Garry Marshall
I would say that if you have an interest in behind the scenes of a film and getting to know why the director did certain things in the way he did then this is edition of the DVD is definitely worth buying. The blooper reel is also quite funny.
... ...Produced by Arnon Milchan and Steven Reuther, it was Directed by Garry Marshall. The film has a running time of 120 minutes which is a great length. There is a 15 certificate on this film which I feel is slightly too strict, yes there is some strong language and some moderate sex references but nothing more than what children can see on the television any time of the day or night in all the soaps which are on. I personally would have given this film ...
sewbizzie 09.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: A brilliant opposites attract rom-com Disadvantages: There aren't any
Pretty Woman is the ultimate chick flick, ask any woman what their favourite girly film is & 9 times out of 10 you'll hear 'Pretty Woman'. It's probably my favourite film of all time! This is the film that really put Julia Roberts on the map, she had starred in a few small fry films previously like Mystic Pizza & Satisfaction, both from 1988 but it was 1990 when she got her big break in this terrific film about a prostitute that falls for a top lawyer. ... ...from her brilliant performance in Pretty Woman & eventually went on to become one of the highest paid actresses ever & was the first actress to ever pick up a $20 million pay check for her role in the brilliant 'Erin Brockovich. Richard Gere plays the Edward, a charming, wealthy & very successful lawyer that has just split from his girlfriend. At the time, Richard Gere was already an established actor who starred in films such as Internal Affairs ...
Great_reviewer07 31.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
Pretty Woman
This is the story of a rich successful business man who hires a hooker to pretend to be his girlfriend for the week, as they endure numerous business dates with clients. Truly professional until they fall for each other..
Edward Lewis (gere) is a top business man, and he has come into the city for a week. On his journey he comes across Vivian, who gives him directions to a hotel. Vivian (Roberts) is a small time hooker, who hooks to ... ...and she made a very pretty hooker. Julia has the most beautiful smile; I think that's what makes her so amazing, her smile.
Her character went through so many different feelings throughout the film, and Julia perceived them so well.
Richard Gere played the top class businessman, he was brilliant, he had the luck, the charm and the acting skills to pull it off, he is a natural. He remained a professional businessman throughout the movie, and you ...
lesleyanne18 20.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: Feel good factor Disadvantages: Its predictable
Pretty Woman is about Vivian Ward a prostitute who during a night at work talks herself into getting picked up by Edward Lewis a rich businessman who is lost and asks her for directions eventually she charges $20 and she gets in the car to show him the way. After showing Edward back to The Beverly Wiltshire Hotel Vivian gets her money and says she will get a taxi back but she actually waits for a bus then Edward asks her into the hotel and asks how ... ...(as written on the case)
The wrap party live event
The pretty woman tour in Los Angeles
1990 production featurette
Song “wild woman do”performed by Natalie Cole
Blooper reel
All new audio commentary with the director Garry Marshall.
This review is also on dooyoo under the same name. ...
Lele76 09.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: fun , intersting story, brilliant acting. Disadvantages: none at all.
I enjoyed this films very much and thought they had cast the exact right people for the roles. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are both very good actors and complimented each other well. The story was interesting and is intriguing to the audience to have an insight into the life of a prostitute and the way she might be treated just because of what she does. It is interesting to compare the lifestyles of these two completely different people and watch ... ...onscreen chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere which makes the story more believabe. There are very few special effects in this film but that is because they aren't necessary so it can't be faulted for that reason. I think it is a lot better than other films I have seen that there are prostitutes in because it isn't seedy or raunchy and sex isn't over-exposed in this film although I wouldn't recommend letting people under the age of about ...
rawwrjem 30.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (DVD)
In the Cinderella story that made Julia Roberts a star, a corporate raider hires a hooker to pose as his girlfriend for a week... and falls in love. Meanwhile, she wonders if the straight life - with him - might be a dream come true.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
Touchstone Home Video; Technicolor Distribution Services
Release date
12/09/2005
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
BUA 0007301
Barcode
8717418063290
Screenwriter
J.F. Lawton
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Original Bloopers, Wild Women Do Performed By Natalie Cole, Live From The Wrap Party, LA The Pretty Woman Tour, All New Audio Commentary By Director Garry Marshall, 1990 Production Featurette
Professional reviews
Review
"...Something special....[Roberts] is so enchantingly beautiful, so funny, so natural and such an absolute delight that it is hard to hold anything against the movie..." (New York Times, p.C20, )
"...Pleasingly performed..." (USA Today, p.4D, )
DVD Description
In the Cinderella story that made Julia Roberts a star, a corporate raider hires a hooker to pose as his girlfriend for a week... and falls in love. Meanwhile, she wonders if the straight life - with him - might be a dream come true. Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress Julia Roberts.
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