Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Quantity:
Product Description:

CITIZEN KANE is Orson Welles's greatest achievement--and a landmark of cinema history. The story charts the rise and fall of a newspaper publisher whose wealth and power ultimately isolates him in his castle-like refuge. The film's protagonist, Charles Foster Kane, was based on a composite of Howard Hughes and William Randolph Hearst--so much so that Hearst tried to have the film suppressed. Every aspect of the production marked an advance in film language: the deep focus and deeply shadowed cinematography (from Gregg Toland); the discontinuous narrative, relying heavily on flashbacks and newsreel footage (propelled by a script largely written by Herman L. Mankiewicz); the innovative use of sound and score (sound by Bailey Fesler and James G. Stewart, music composed and conducted by Bernard Herrmann); and the ensemble acting forged in the fires of Welles's Mercury Theatre (featuring the film debuts of, among others, Joseph Cotten, Everett Sloane, and Agnes Moorehead). Every moment of the film, every shot, has been choreographed to perfection. The film is essential viewing, quite possibly the greatest film ever made and, along with THE BIRTH OF A NATION, certainly the most influential.
Product Details
  • AspectRatio: 1.33:1
  • AudienceRating: NR (Not Rated)
  • Binding: DVD
  • Brand: WARNER HOME VIDEO
  • Director: Orson Welles
  • EAN: 9780780635203
  • ISBN: 0780635205
  • Label: Turner Home Ent
  • Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
  • MPN: DT6565D
  • NumberOfItems: 2
  • OriginalReleaseDate: 1941-01-01
  • ProductGroup: DVD
  • ProductTypeName: ABIS_DVD
  • Publisher: Turner Home Ent
  • RegionCode: 1
  • ReleaseDate: 2001-09-25
  • Studio: Turner Home Ent
  • TheatricalReleaseDate: 1941
  • UPC: 053939656527
Browse within this video

Customers who bought this item also bought

Customer Reviews

A Great Classic2009-07-04
I bought this film thinking it was one of those droning classic films that make you wait two hours before realizing what the hell is going on... well, I was wrong! Citizen Kane was a funny satire and I enjoyed watching every second. I never realized how much of a heartthrob Orson Welles was, hubba hubba! It was an interesting film, and I'm sure you'll take a piece with you after it has finished, I'm sure I did.
Welles brilliantly cynical slice of Americana remains ageless...2009-06-27
Welles really pulled off a bravado act of filmmaking with this, his first film, and it's full of humor and sarcasm and, above all, brilliant flourishes of imagery throughout (the gates of Xanadu, News on the March, marriage on the rocks, opera from above, that iconic sled and ceilings). It's one of many studies on the abuse of power and the souring of the American dream, and while it's not even Welles most shattering, it's definitely among the most refreshing; few films since have been able to dramatize events with such intelligence. Subsequent viewings can constantly offer up new riches for movie lovers everywhere. It's one of the few films that potently exemplifies Americana to the world. Intellectual exploitation of the highest order; lasting proof of Welles genius, and an astounding first film by anyone, anywhere, ever!
Boring and aged2009-06-26
This is supposed to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, film ever created. I found it to be incredibly boring. Kane himself is an interesting character, but the story takes too long to develop. It drags out and leaves you wanting much more, much quicker. I'm no film buff, so I'm sure I missed all kinds of symbolism etc, but this movies just didn't do it for me. If your looking for an entertaining classic, I'd try Ben Hur or Cool Hand Luke.
Kane has never made my top 5.2009-06-22
There is a lot to like in Citizen Kane if you are a film student or historian. The plot isn't bad either and Orson Wells broke a few molds getting this film out. If you study film history, this is the one for you. If you are looking for some entrancing entertainment, there are better choices. I've seen the film 5 times and each time I ask myself, so, where's all this best film of all time stuff located. In the beginning? Middle? Ending? Rosebud?

Like all art, film can exist on many levels. Kane is perfect for the classroom but not necessarily your living room. It is a better movie than the Oscar winner for that year, 'How Green was my Valley', but not better than 'The Little Foxes', 'The Maltese Falcon', 'Sullivan's Travels' or 'Sergeant York' all released in the same year.

I might have given Kane 4 or 5 stars but I'm revolting from the politically correct ratings and giving you my honest opinion. All 5 of the other films mentioned in this review will give you more viewing pleasure. I've been collecting and studying film for over 35 years so this review is not from a Star Wars generation type person.
Influential2009-06-04
I saw this movie as a school assignment in college. It is one of the most memorable assignments in may career as a student. This movie is great. It is a classic!
See all 709 customer reviews...