The Crucible
List Price:
Our Price: $4.50
You Save: $5.44 (55%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $4.05 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bruce Davison, Daniel Day-Lewis, Joan Allen, Paul Scofield, Winona RyderBrand: Fox
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 124 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-06-01
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product features:
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Color; DVD; Widescreen; NTSC
Movie Reviews of The Crucible
Movie Review: "Because it's my name and I cannot have another . . ."
Summary: 5 Stars
If you can watch this film and not go through every emotion you own, then you need to check yourself for a pulse.
Of course, I'm being a bit silly with my opening to this review, but the reality is that this is a film that will touch you on every imaginable level if you can get past the era in which the story takes place and the hysteria of that time period. Rehashing the plot is a waste at this point as almost every student in America has read this play in their 11th grade English class, but this story is as relevant today as the day it was written and the time in which the story takes place.
Arthur Miller wrote this story as an indictment against McCarthism and although that time has past we still have similar witch hunts today and, sadly, always will. 1970's had us pointing fingers, thanks to Anita Bryant, anyone we thought might be a closet homosexual. The 1980's had us pointing fingers at anyone who had more wealth than we did (much like in "The Crucible"). The 1990's had us pointing fingers at family members based on so-called "recovered memories" of sexual abuse (later proven to psychological hogwash, but a clever way to get back at and smear the name of a family member we didn't like). And this century has us pointing fingers at anyone Middle Eastern as a terrorist. I recall immediately after 9/11 our leading law enforcement official, John Ashcroft, going on national television and warning us to be on the look out for "those that don't belong." To me, that was government sanctioned racism at its worst. I was hurt by 9/11, but I was hurt even more by that reaction to it. This cuts to the heart of Miller's story wherein anyone can point a finger at anyone and destroy a life, a family, a community for personal gain and that gain can be financial, emotional, political, or whatever. As long as we have people that are motivated by hate, fear, and power, this story will remain timeless and will never be irrelevant.
As far as the performances go, I can't think of finer acting off the top of my head than those in this film and most especially by Daniel Day-Lewis whose final lines will stir your very soul and Joan Allen who can play some one so cold with such depth of feeling. Like Lewis, her final scenes are unforgettable. You simply can't walk away from this film the same person you were before you saw it. It is truly that moving. All the supporting cast members are familiar faces and all do an outstanding job, especially Winona Ryder in what is probably the best performance of her young career.
her character's obsessive and selfish desire to have the one man she can't sets the ball in motion in this story and she, sadly, has no real regrets. She is conflicted in knowing that her actions are basically wrong, but that they are still somehow justifiable. Ryder truly captures the soul, or lack thereof, of this character. She is extraordinary here.
The screenplay is adapted by Miller who wrote the play itself and makes the shift from play to screen seamlessly. The direction is confident and appropriately claustrophobic. He allows his actors do their thing without heavy handed influence. The score is terrific and stirring, and the cinematography has almost a documentary feel to it.
Rent or buy this modern masterpiece; it is worthy of your attention.
One last note. So many know this story, but, surprisingly, few seem to adequately understand it's title. I thought the below might be helpful:
The American Heritage Dictionary defines "crucible" as:
1. A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.
2. A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces.
Summary of The Crucible
CRUCIBLE - DVD MovieSimilar DVD Movies
The Crucible (Cliffs Notes)by Jennifer L. Scheidt, Denis M. Calandra
Cliffs Notes; Published: 2000-06-05; Paperback; Book
Best price: $2.50
Price in other shops:
William Shakespeare's Romeo + JulietFOX; Release date: 2003-01-14; DVD
Best price: $6.79
Price in other shops:
The Crucible (Library Edition Audio CDs)by Arthur Miller
L.A. Theatre Works; Published: 2001-10-01; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $15.55
Price in other shops:
The Scarlet LetterWgbh Wholesale; Release date: 2003-03-04; DVD
Best price: $13.49
Price in other shops:
The Crucibleby Arthur Miller
Penguin Classics; Published: 2003-03-25; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.50
Price in other shops:
The Great GatsbyREDFORD,ROBERT; Release date: 2003-12-02; DVD
Best price: $12.91
Price in other shops:
The Great GatsbyA and E Home Video; Release date: 2001-01-30; DVD
Best price: $8.97
Price in other shops:
The Scarlet LetterBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2002-06-04; DVD
Best price: $3.90
Price in other shops:
Salem Witch Trials featuring Kirstie AlleyEcho; Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $2.00
Price in other shops:
Artist Not Provided - Salem Witch Trials (History Channel)A and E Home Video; Release date: 2005-04-26; DVD
Best price: $11.71
Price in other shops: