The Others (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

The Others is probably the best ghost story I have seen on film. I know there are many contenders out there, and I own most of them, but there's just something about the way this all comes together, subtly and seamlessly, that puts is a cut above most of the so-called "Horror" genre. It is on a par with the timeless classics like The Haunting, The Innocents, and other films that get under your skin and haunt without a lot of physical effects. The characters pull us into their world and we are haunted with them. Of course it is the acting that closes the deal, and makes the excellent direction work. Nicole Kidman has never turned in a bad or even so-so performance that I know of, and she is absolutely riveting here. The ensemble of excellent character actors couldn't be more spot on, and the children seal the deal. The excellent blu-ray restoration and the rest of the Criterion package are well worth the cost. I already had this on dvd, but the difference is stunning. An easy 5 stars from me.

This is a rivetting movie with twists to capture our imagination.

For a LONG time, this movie was hard to find without resorting to slightly-less-than-legal means. I really wanted to upgrade my DVD to blu ray or at least stream it in HD, but it was really hard to come across. Not only is it back in print and on Streaming (Finally), but the folks at Criterion did a wonderful job restoring it. Pepsi challenge the old DVD if you have a copy. The difference is astounding. As for the movie itself, I consider it very underrated. It was a big deal in 2001 when it was released, and has kind of fallen by the wayside in terms of popularity. I'm a huge horror fan, and absolutely love the gothic atmosphere. And while it is filled to the brim with spookiness and suspence, there's no gore and not a ton of jumpscares (Be warned, the movie starts with a jumpscare). So if you're squeamish, this might be a safer option for you. Amazing performance by Nichole Kidman, with great cinematography. If you're familiar with "Turn of the Screw" and movies that adapted it like "The Innocents" from 1960, it's a lot like those in terms of story and tone. Check it out if you like supernatural horror and you missed this one. It's great.

Beautiful movie A lot of behind the scenes extras Awesome Highly recommend!

I am happy to have purcahsed Criterion's edition of "The Others," though I wish they had offered a less expensive DVD version. (The film is shot in such a muted palette, swirling in mist and fog, that Blu-Ray is, in my opinion, unnecessary for visual fidelity.) Watching it twenty-three years after seeing it in a theater, I found that the movie still holds up. Writer-director Alejandro Amenábar credits "The Innocents" (1961) and "The Changeling" (1980) as his direct inspirations. One can see the influence of those two fine movies on this one—especially the central role played by children in all three. Other reviews will outline plot details: perhaps too many, which spoil surprises. Let's leave it at this: "The Others" creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, in which a very high-strung mother feels she must protect her two young children in an isolated manor near the end of World War II. She's right about their need for protection, though for reasons she does not comprehend. If you are looking for sudden shocks with crafty camera placement or gore from the makeup masters, this is not your movie. This is a much subtler, better film. Although she receives excellent support from other actors, particularly Fionnula Flangan, as well as Alikanna Mann and James Bentley—two young children whose performances are so convincing that I feared for their psychological well-being—Nicole Kidman carries this movie on her capable shoulders. Truth to tell, I was a bit worried about Ms. Kidman's mental health: although every movie is make-believe, she had to spend so many months playing a tightly wound watch that I wondered how she kept her balance when the cameras weren't turning. Good news all around: she's a pro, and Mr. Amenábar took the kids to amusement parks for giddy play, while their parents were on the set to assure they were fine. The movie's ending shouldn't have gobsmacked me but did all the same. The full Criterion treatment is unrolled here, with audio commentaries and a supplemental disc brimming with extended interviews and related topics. Included is a rather unsetttling segment about a plot point in the movie: early twentieth-century photographs of the dead, laid out before burial. "The Others" may not be the best supernatural story committed to film, but I'd place it among my top twelve. If you want only the movie without all the production's bells and whistles, a less expensive DVD version may be the way to go.

Once again, Criterion delivers the goods with a wonderfully rich 4k edition of this ghostly tale. I expect nothing less than the best from these folks and they are thankfully still going strong. This movie is atmospheric and a great slow burn. Kidman is electric at the strict yet caring mother. And even the kids deliver grounded performances. The pros who play the help also are class at their roles. Just chillin from start to finish. The bizarre reviews below..all I can say is, can folks just take the time to proofread and maybe select the stars properly? I do miss the comment sections for reviews. So many biased and inaccuracies hurt the ratings on here for no good reason. Sigh Anyways, worth the purchase

Spookyness with a twist

This film, superbly restored by the Criterion Collection, keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. The performances and chemistry between lead Nicole Kidman and supporting actress Fionnula Flanagan are truly impressive. Highly recommended.

La edición fue restaurada en 4K, con aprobación del director Alejandro Amenábar, a partir del negativo original. El formato es 4K UHD (2160p) y también incluye Blu-Ray estándar, lo que permite comparar calidad si ya tienes otra copia. Los extras son generosos: escenas eliminadas, making-of, entrevistas con el director y actores, comentarios, etc. Para quienes disfrutan del contexto detrás de cámaras, es un gran agregado. A pesar de lo magnífica que es la restauración visual y sonora, no incluye subtítulos ni doblaje al español, lo cual limita bastante para quienes prefieren o necesitan ver la película en ese idioma. Nicole Kidman entrega una actuación cargada de emoción, miedo y vulnerabilidad. Su papel como madre enclaustrada y protectora de sus hijos sensibles a la luz da el peso psicológico al filme. El ritmo y los giros de la trama mantienen la intriga, incluso cuando sabes por dónde va. Es una de esas películas que funcionan bien tanto como terror psicológico como cuento gótico. Si te gusta el cine de suspenso/terror psicológico, The Others en esta edición Criterion 4K UHD es de lo mejor que puedes ver en calidad técnica, atmósfera y extras. Vale mucho la pena si disfrutas ver películas con demanda visual y sonora. Tuve un problema con la entrega al llegar él estuche roto por dentro, pero Amazon lo soluciono de inmediato

la descrizione dice che non è leggibile nei lettori USA, in realta' è il contrario. Lo devo restituire...nel frattempo è comparsa una versione che costa la meta' (non restaurata), mi accontentero' di quella!

Le film lui-même reste un classique indispensable - et cette version est totalement à la hauteur de ce que j'attends de Criterion : image et son magnifiques, bonus pléthoriques, présentation impeccable.

You can hear the house making noises, the voices and Victor walking around the second floor that Lidia was getting blamed for! Excellent sound on the overhead speakers specially on 7.2.4 system with a power amplifier for higher resolution. ATMOS 10/10 Movie 8/10

No hace falta hablar de la trama: esta versión restaurada con extras nuevos es definitivamente la mejor versión disponible de la mejor película de Amenábar (y una de las 5 mejores interpretaciones de la Kidman).