The Name Of The Rose (DVD 2004)

Sean Connery and Christian Slater play a monk and his novice who arrive at a mysterious Italian Monastery, only to find it gripped in the fear that a murderer lurks within it's walls. Like an olde worlde Sherlock Holmes, Connery must get to the bottom of the mystery, as the death toll rises, before his nemesis (F Murray Abraham) arrives to exact his form 'investigation' with fanatical zeal.

A medieval whodunnit / grand guignol if you will with classy performances all round, especially from the supporting cast - great character actors all.
A forgotten classic then, and one i am glad to see eventually on DVD. I had previously owned this on VHS video, so was pleased to be able to replace it in my collection.

This film has 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound and is presented in 1.85:1 Widescreen. Among its features are a Director commentary, trailer and Documentary.

Like other great movies, TNOTR was despised by its contemporary American reviewers and, in consequence, ignored by American movie-goers. It was forced to find its audience and recognition (and success) elsewhere. Vincent Canby, philistine hack of the The New York Times describes the film as "lightweight"... and the novel as "a joke". Mr Canby much preferred the intellectual rigours of Police Accademy 3, also released in that year, 1986. But these displays of mediocrity and ignorance were emblematic of the times (and The New York Times, natch), when mammon was mainstream and reaganism had reached its high water mark. Ultimately, just as Ronnie was eventually found out, so were the shallow critics of this epic.

There is no need for me to review this movie further because everyone else has already pointed out the spectacular sets and unforgettable performances. I would only add that though the film is subtitled a palimpsest of the novel, it really isn't and follows its structure closely - only trimming down the fat back-end of the book to maintain pace. The games of signs and allusions are retained and the postmodernist uncertainties - the deconstructionism - can yet be perceived. With Umberto Eco as a consultant, the script can be better understood as an author redux rather than a palimpsest. I think its a work of at least equal worth too.

The picture is very good. While the box does not say, it must have been spruced up. The stereo is serviceable - dialogue feels a little soft and the levels are all slightly low. Just turn up the volume a bit but don't forget to turn it down again before ejecting.

There are a couple of extra features programs - an interview with Annaud recalling various stresses and eventual vindications. There is a making-of program that I haven't bothered with. A picture gallery: ditto. A supremely crass american theatrical trailer for which dentures and partial plates should be removed before viewing. Finally a commentary track by Annaud - interesting for those inspired to be directors, I would guess.

Most people will say read the book first. I've never read it, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this on many repeat viewings, it's something I watched on TV as a kid.

It's not too adult, but the overall tone of the movie is very dark.

Fantastic medieval crime story (sort of whodunnit) with Sean Connery and a very young Christian Slater. Based on the book by Umberto Eco this is quite tricky to follow (I used subtitles) but it is reminiscent of a more intellectual Brother Cadfael.

a really good servise well worth a hitttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.
a big thanks.paulthepainter

I saw the film years ago and thought it was exceptional. Was delighted to buy the video to watch it any time.

Sean Connery is one of my treasured actors and I am replacing my video collection with the trustee DVDs as I no longer require video player.