Barry Lyndon (1975)

Time to correct and enhance the DVD

It would be nice if someone could reissue the DVD with enhanced, repaired color and grain. Kubrick wanted Barry Lyndon to have a 'washed out' look but the DVD displays the clearly visible degradation of the original film negative.The same could be said for the 2001 DVD. Perhaps HD versions are already on their way! July 20, 2008

MASTERPIECE

YES ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS EVER. AFTER ALL ITS KUBRICK. THE ONLY FLAW EVIDENT IS THAT ITS NOT IN BLU-RAY...YET. July 3, 2008

I saw BL twice(!) the month it came out - in 1975...

I was already a devoted Kubrick fan - after all, "Dr Strangelove", "2001" and "Clockwork Orange" all debuted within the previous 10 years (my teens). In the months preceeding the release of Barry Lyndon I read about several aspects of the filmmaking that piqued my anticipation - and ultimately contributed to my lifelong appreciation for this film: 1. The fact that Kubrick assisted in the development of lenses of heretofore unequaled sensitivity in order to film numerous interior scenes by natural or candlelight; 2. That he chose as subject matter a novel (by Thackery), that the author himself had so disliked that he discouraged its publication during his lifetime; and 3. I read that Kubrick had listened to "every" extant period composition for quartet to choose the accompanying soundtrack. Sure, I was as skeptical as anyone as to how Ryan O'neill - Mr "Love Story" - could possibly have the gravitas for a Kubrickian character, and I knew going in that it was 3+ hours long... but I was hypnotized from the opening frame. The pacing, the sardonic narration, the breathtaking cinematography, the unerring score. Certainly my affinities for photography and art history were thoroughly rewarded, but I also found the storytelling strangely compelling as well. Which is why I sat through the film twice, on the BIG screen, within the first few weeks that it opened. As an insight into my cinematic preferences, the only other film that I recall seeing twice within the first few weeks of release, was "Natural Born Killers"... The soundtrack to BL is also highly recommended. May 23, 2008

definitely top ten movie of all time

excellent just excellent. This is a long movie- 3:04. But really just goes by so fast. I've seen a few people say that this is in their opinion the greatest movie of all time, I think I'm starting to agree. May 22, 2008

One of the finest films that I have ever seen!

I had known about BARRY LYNDON for a while, and it was one of those films that I always wanted to see, yet wanted to wait for the right time to watch it. Well, I just watched it today, and I have to say that I loved it! I would consider it one of Kubrick's best films. However, it seems to be slightly underrated. I have no idea why...the film is perfect in every way, from the direction, the acting, the score, and the lighting (yes, the lighting). It's one of the most beautiful films that you will ever see.

Ryan O'Neill is wonderful as Redmond Barry, an Irishman who falls into high society during his life, which ultimately spirals out of control near the end. This film has the feel of a great novel. At three hours, the pacing is brilliant, and you will find that it flies by in no time at all. The story is so engrossing and the characters so well drawn, that I can't imagine anyone having a hard time sitting through it in it's entirety. Most of the criticisms for this film were mostly related to the pacing. This, I do not understand. A film like this needs to be told in three hours. If you are impatient when it comes to films such as this, which are epic in nature, I would still encourage you to give it a try.

I simply cannot tell you enough: see it! You will not regret it. It is definitely a film that you will never forget. May 14, 2008

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