Product Description Feature Length: 90 mins Approx Video aspect ratio: Feature - 16:9 Anamorphic Main Soundtrack: English, Stereo Disc Format: Single sided. Single layer DVD 5> Subtitles: English Hard of hearing ColourSpecial Features Trailer Director's Commentary Audio Description .co.uk Review A classic slow burner of a film, Croupier has risen from a lowly status on release to recognition as one of the best British movies of the 1990s. Certainly, there are few better examples of how to combine a genuinely original premise with an eye for the mainstream market. The film's success stems from three key factors: strong story, star and director. Clive Owen is incredible as Jack Manfred, an aspiring but unsuccessful writer who, having taken a job in a casino, becomes embroiled in a seedy underworld. Director Mike Hodges brings all his experience to bear on the project and there can probably few more qualified to explore London's darker side than the man behind the original Get Carter. The supporting cast too is excellent and although Alex Kingston (in her pre-ER days) will grab most attention, it is the perennially superb Gina McKee who shines as Manfred's exasperated girlfriend Marion. On the DVD: Croupier includes an audio commentary by Mike Hodges, which is a must for all students of cinema and practically amounts to a masterclass in filmmaking. His belief in the movie is obvious, as is his admiration for his cast, particularly Owen. He also provides a step-by-step breakdown on the cinematic process and gives a fascinating insight into the thinking behind his direction. The film looks fantastic on the enhanced format; a breathtaking mix of sumptuous colour and menacing darkness. --Phil Udell
M**Z
Great restoration, something wrong in the specs though
The movie aged really well and the new Dolby Vision picture looks really great, however - it says explicitly on the box there's stereo and DTS HD-MA 5.1 audio - and there isn't! There is only the 2.0 LPCM track + various voiceovers also in stereo. While I don't think this movie would benefit from a 5.1 sound, it's either error on the covers or on the disc and it should be somehow addressed.Anyway - it's a great release and I'm very pleased with it.
J**D
Welcome back Jack. To the house of addiction
Superb film. I believe this film explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, life becoming art and art becoming life. It is about writing or creating anything out of nothing. Jack Manfred is the detatched voyeur, looking down on his subject, the casino. also, he is writing about the gamble of everyday life. But he himself doesn't gamble. He wants to get into people's heads as they read his novel on the tube. an underground man! ha ha. The only problem is, he's becoming his main character as he is writing it. He is becoming Jake. Jake is the protagonist, the zombie and little shi* as Marion, his girlfriend calls him when she reads it. He has also gotten himself entangled in a robbery at the casino where he works. Is it Jack or is it Jake? or both?If you like cynical and comic narration and if you liked American Psycho, then you should love this. Clive Owen and Christian Bale in these films have pulled out performances which may not be matched for the rest of their careers. But for art and becoming art, its worth it, isn't it?What a shame this film was ignored in Britain, it actually did not get a full release at theatres, but i was lucky enough to be living in london near an arthouse cinema. If you love playful, intelligent and complex films and If you've secretly wanted to be a writer, this film is definitely for you. This is cinema at its very best, the best british film in many, many years. Yes there are flaws here and there, but this is the most addictive film i think i've ever watched. REPETITIVE VIEWING IS ESSENTIAL!!! Thankyou Mike Hodges.Its all numbers, the croupier thought...enjoy
A**R
Suave, sexy and emotionally detached.
Was tempted to award this five stars. But films are so hard to accurately quantify. On another day I might have gone the whole way. But, regardless, this is a fine piece of work from Mike Hodges (better known as a writer, and collaborator with Danny Boyle on films like Trainspotting and Shallow Grave). Clive Owen is ideally cast as the emotionally detached croupier, in this charming oddity of a film. A late 90s gem.
M**T
Has its moments
Worth a watch
A**R
Good film. Amusing.
Good story. Entertaining. Watched it once then donated to British Heart Foundation. I am not a collector.
J**M
WRONG DESCRIPTION
This film is billed as having subtitles. But there are NO subtitles. Nor is there anyway to complain to Amazon despite the fact that they are selling it under false pretences. Probably just a mistake but Amazon YOU SHOULD REFUND my purchase and CORRECT your description. I gave up as I could not hear properly.
M**Y
Sound Quality Appalling
Think it is probably a good film but the sound quality was so bad we turned it off mid way. The turning of a page, moving the gaming chips and similar were extremely loud while the dialogue couldn’t be heard.
J**Y
great cast, great story
kept our attention throughout - highly recommended
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