Moonstruck (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

"Moonstruck" (1987)… is a family picture, in which virtually everyone is related to everyone else, fights, makes up, then eats together.… is a romance that is truly romantic, neither syrupy nor raunchy.… is a wry comedy that reaches operatic heights.… is a brilliant ensemble picture, flawlessly cast.… gives each of its many characters a defined personalty and a moment to sing.… is a brilliantly constructed piece of stagecraft, transmogrified into a brilliantly directed and edited picture.… offers a musical score that is two parts Dick Hymans, one part Puccini, with a twist of Dean Martin.… is a fairy tale set in Brooklyn Heights, illuminated by the fullest moon that not even Neil Armstrong saw.… is a gently provocative meditation on marriage, death, the humor of life, and the triumph of love.Directed by the astonishingly versatile Norman Jewison, who, like the movie itself, should have won an Academy Award, "Moonstruck" did win Oscars for Cher, Olympia Dukakis, and screenwriter John Patrick Shanley. It may be Nicholas Cage's career-best performance, in a difficult role that also was Oscar-worthy. It is one those very rare films in which every artist—writer, actor, director, cinematographer, editor, wardrobe and music supervisors—seamlessly collaborates to deliver a perfect confection.Criterion's edition is the one to buy. Disc One gives you the pristine remastering, introduced by Cher, over which you may listen to artfully edited commentary by Jewison, Stanley, and Cher. Disc Two overflows with a cornucopia of delights: interviews with Jewison and Shanley, edited clips from rehearsals and onstage takes, conversations with real-life Italian-American married couples, commentary on how "La Boheme" casts its operatic glow across the film, and much more.Predictably, "Moonstruck" was almost never made and, once produced, was nearly buried by MGM. It is Exhibit A of the late William Goldman's famous comment about Hollywood: "Nobody knows anything." Like cream, quality does rise if given the chance."Moonstruck" is a fifty-year update of the kind of movies Leo McCarey made: humorous, but honest and, above all, a film with great heart. In hard, sad, tragic times, it is a healthy, hearty tonic. Don't deprive yourself of it.

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  It’s hard to not feel great after watching this movie. It’s one worth owning as you’ll end up watching over and over to feel good, or to enjoy every single performance by the wonderful cast.The highly intelligent studio bosses actually didn’t want to release the movie. Well, maybe it was just too nice and decent by their sick standards. Another movie (trash) wasn’t ready so the pour souls were forced to put something in the theaters, and with much pain and anguish, after talking to Satan they had no choice but to release something human and decent. Of course it went on to be the most successful movie and award winner that year, and the studio execs are now happy burning in hell. Oh well.Luckily, for all humans, this film, through word of mouth, became a smash hit. Criterion, as with all their releases, treats this film with respect, unlike the studio execs. The Blu-ray is excellent, and looks like I remember it in theaters. The film is older, was shot on film and not 240fps 8k like some reviews here bemoan. It respects it as a “film,” not a PlayStation video game image. It comes with some excellent commentary and features, and a nice booklet with heartwarming pictures. I have really excellent 4K video and audio equipment, so on a top 75” 4K Display, this is like seeing it at the theater. Visually, it is respected as a film, and I appreciate not tweaking it to the android phone viewers.If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a joy. Great director, great story/playwright, and down the line, production fits the story. You are there in the events and places.Watching it again, I can attest to how accurate the film is. My wife and I recently attended the performance of La Boheme at the Met in NYC. This film opens with stage crew getting the Met ready for a performance of La Boheme at the Met, and in a major scene, the main characters go, watch the opera, are in the Metropolitan Opera House, in its lobby and balcony and outside. Filmed there, the stairs, seats, and whole place hasn’t changed since this film was made. I can only say we had somehow the same exact seats as Cher and Cage, and it was like being there. Watching the chandeliers rise up, the costumes, the coat check, the lobby. Filmed with such loving detail, all of the places in the film work and love the gritty and glamorous qualities of NYC. It adds depth and understanding to the characters in the story. It’s filmed on location, and it works perfectly.The story is sweet, funny, inspiring and sentimental. It’s not full of hot starlets (now see, that’s why the studio execs didn’t want to release it — not in Hollywood and no hot stuff to take their toll). It’s full of actors not age 19. They are all ages — mostly older, and what a joy to see age diversity on the screen. Those geezers show what life experience brings. 3-dimensional characters you believe and love, acting at its best. This is a true ensemble film where every actor is important and shown with respect. A family with three generations living in one house. The leads in their 40s. Wow. What? Nobody wants to see that, right? What a sad world Hollywood paints. Not everyone is a teen starlet, you perv studio bosses. And isn’t it totally amazing that this film, absent the Hollywood perv formula, was loved, honored and a tremendous money maker? Figure it out, Hollywood. You have no connection with decency and values.Of course, two characters deserve focus as they are at the center of the story, and two great actors were essential. That’s where this film shines.The two main characters are played by unlikely choices that turned out to be perfect casting. Catching much deserved praise and credit, Cher is stunning as she is not playing Cher — she becomes the character. She is smart, honest, decent and old enough to accept life isn’t always what you hope it will be. After meeting the brother of her compromise of a fiancé, Nicholas Cage, she finally meets the right man to match her hopes and dreams. When I first saw the film, I admit to underestimating Cage, thinking him doing a spin on Brando in Streetcar, but I was wrong. It’s a wonderful portrayal of a hurt, passionate man who meets his ideal woman and embraces love rather than hurt. It’s a fun, standout performance. Cage has the ability to do such great work, and sure, he has played in some silly movies, but when he hits the mark, he’s magic. That’s the case here.Both leads go through a transformation that is understandable and done just right. Cage goes from a hurt, bitter, sarcastic animal to a caring, loving and sensitive person. He becomes his true self once he lets go of hurt. Cher, wow, it’s wonderful to watch her decide to look as beautiful on the outside as she is inside. Getting ready to go to the opera, she gets rid of the gray hair, has it done, and gets sparkly red shoes and evening dress. Watching her the first time with the amazing mass of hair, looking exotic and beautiful is an iconic film moment. It’s a famous image. Seeing her standing, with her amazed as well, you are moved and feel great for her. She, like Cage’s character, transforms to her true self.That is the secret of this story and film. People lost, finding themselves. All the characters in the film go through rough times and let goodness and love guide them. They are all transformed. It’s hard to beat that. In a world beating us down, ones we love and our own need for love has the power to change us for the better.This film and story is an affirmation of love and the human spirit. No matter the age, the hurt, the problems, we are capable of getting hair done, putting on some great clothes and going to the opera. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been to the Met and sat in those same seats with my wife who can stun any crowd with her beauty. I know what it feels like to feel good about yourself, love, and life. Bravo!

Great addition to the Criterion Collection. You don't have to be Italian to enjoy "Moonstruck" with Great performances from Cher,Nicholas Cage,Danny Aiello,Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis and others.

Looked at the Criterion disc on an LG OLED TV. To me, the colors are too saturated, too much grain, and the tint was off. Just popped in my previous Blu-ray, and much prefer to this. Guess will need to wait for an actual UHD disc done by the studio.

the criterion collection blu-ray of moonstruck is cleaner, clearer , and crisper than previous versions. restored in a 4k restoration. it has great interviews and documentaries as extras.

Moonstruck is a movie that my husband and I enjoy watching often when it is on TV, so we decided to purchase the Blu-Ray version. Although the cover of the disc states that a commentary on the Italian family and the music used in the video is included in Special Features, this is not the case. We still enjoyed the movie, but were disappointed that the Special Features were not available.

I've always enjoyed this movie, but until this release there was never a widescreen version. Thanks to Criterion for putting this out.

The movie is a well-known classic, so i will not review it. This Blu-Ray edition produces superb picture quality and excellent sound; clearly worth the upgrade from DVD.

Excelente restauración de la película realizado de origen en 4K. Es una tristeza que solo incluya subtítulos en inglés. Dentro de la caja (misma del formato DVD), presenta un folleto largo con reseña histórica. Destaca la presentación de Cher contanto sus anécdotas sobre su papel en esta comedia que se ha convertido en un clásico de su carrera.

Such a wonderful, charming movie. I lent my DVD of this movie out years ago and never got it back. It was time to add it back into my collection. This edition if great, good quality and some fun (but old) special features. I was excited when I thought there was 3 separate commentary tracks from the director, writer and Cher but it’s just one track with clips from all three. Still worth listening to but I would have loved hearing three full commentary tracks. Oh well. Doesn’t warrant any loss of stars though. Great movie, great edition. Can’t go wrong!

Got this for my partner for Christmas. She loves Moonstruck and introduced me to it and now I love it too. The Criterion version looks gorgeous and was much enjoyed. The case and bonus features have a nice look to them and its all just very wholesome. A great version of a wonderful film.

This happens to be one of my favorite romantic comedies, and Criterion- First Rate & First Class, released a restored version of Moonstruck under the eye of Norman Jewison. Gorgeous copy is all I can say. And loaded, yes loaded with Special Features. Well worth the extra you pay for this copy, but if a fan, well worth it.

Thanks to Criterion Collection, you too can witness “I lost my bride! I lost my hand!” in high definitions. I always worry that I could be receiving a fake product when I order DVDs off Amazon, especially for the price, but this was the real deal! There are also some wonderful add-ons, like a speech from Cher and a delightful little documentary on the making of the film.