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Terms Of Endearment [1983]
from Paramount Home Entertainment
starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels
directed by James L. Brooks

Features:

• Anamorphic
• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

When Terms of Endearment was released in 1983, director and writer James L Brooks was lauded for his depiction of a complex mother/daughter relationship. For his leading ladies he chose actresses with two of the strongest personalities in Hollywood, but armed with an exceptionally witty script and endless patience he eventually drew magnificent performances from Shirley Maclaine as Aurora and Debra Winger as her daugher Emma, assisted considerably by Jack Nicholson's considerate professionalism. As the philandering retired astronaut who beds Maclaine and then provides her with surprising support in the film's dark later moments, Nicholson shines with comic brilliance which earned him an Oscar.

It was no secret that Maclaine and Winger could barely contain a mutual antipathy on set. Yet they strike sparks off each other on screen. When comedy turns to tragedy with the development of Emma's cancer, the laughs continue even while the tear ducts are being given a good work out. In the glory days of Hollywood, this would have been acknowledged a great "women's picture" and its weepy credentials are impeccable. It stands out as a warm, accessible work that admirably rejects sugary sentiment in favour of the realistic rough edges that characterise most human relationships.

On the DVD: Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, this DVD is ideal for home cinema viewing. The picture and sound quality are fine, benefiting Michael Gore's gentle, memorable music and bringing the best out of Andrzej Bartkowiak's luminous photography. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, the major extra is the director's commentary in which James L Brooks reminisces with coproducer Penney Finkelman and production designer Polly Platt. They look back at their impressive work with a touching degree of wonder and apprentice directors should take note when Brooks recalls his steep learning curve in managing his leading ladies. --Piers Ford

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• Nothing Special
  This movie is not a bad movie. It has good performances, especially from Jack Nicholson, and a good story line. But this is one of the most over-rated movies I have ever seen.
  The direction is similar to that of a TV movie, very basic and plain, and is what one would expect of any run-of-the-mill director for a major film.
  The main problem I have with the movie though is that it does nothing for me- it's not particularly interesting, funny, thoughtful, or novel. The majorty of the film is a series of... more info

• Big Boys Don't Cry
  I am about to replace my VHS copy of this film with the DVD. I was spellbound by the performances given by Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicolson and Jeff Daniels.

  No doubt written off by many as nothing more than a 'chick flick', this fascinating tale of the complex love/hate mother/daughter relationship is so beautifully written and performed, that it has to be regarded as a classic.

  I watched this film with my eldest son back in 1996. He was 23 at the time, and in the Royal Navy. A true... more info

• 20 years on and it still shines through as a true classic!
  The eighties were know as a decade of misfires for the academy awards. They were under constant scrutiny for apparently awarding lesser, or as Tarantino put it, "coffee table fun" films and blatantly ignoring the more radical, art-house genre. Terms of Endearment was one of those such film criticised. Sure, it is a quirky, shifty, funny/serious kind of film. There pre and post this film there have been many others of similar genre. But Terms of Endearment is different, special in a way. It can really grow... more info

• An all time classic comedy, drama , tear jerker.
  I first watched this movie when i was 15 and although i did not understand all of the tribulations I still felt part of the story. The actors and actresss blend well together and all give this movie the acting it deserves. A definate classic that i will enjoy again and again.

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