Product Details

• Actors: Gerard Depardieu, Armand Assante, Sigourney Weaver, Angela Molina, Fernando Rey
• Directors: Ridley Scott
• Format: NTSC, Import, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: Portuguese
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Spectra Nova, Brazil
• Run Time: 148 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000J0UD94
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,392 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

This is a Region 0(All) DVD and it will play on any DVD players sold in the US or Canada. It will play also on any DVD players worldwide that plays NTSC format.

Audio in English. Optional subtitles in Portuguese.

Big budget account of Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas. Released in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery. Shows the disastrous effects the Europeans had on the original inhabitants, and Columbus' struggle to civilize the New World.

This, the second of 1992's 500th anniversary Christopher Columbus films (the first being Warner Bros. Christopher Columbus: The Discovery), adheres to the historical facts of Columbus's (Gerard Depardieu) possessed quest to discover the New World, and his solicitation of Queen Isabella (Sigourney Weaver) to gain the necessary funding. Despite travelogue-quality footage replete with beautiful scenery of Caribbean islands and a massive cast, this film tends to plod along with too predictable a plot and a mis-cast Columbus. Depardieu -- a very capable French actor speaking English and playing an Italian -- becomes perhaps the movie's bright spot (even if at his own expense) as he laughably struggles with line after line. Michael Wincott puts forth a worthy performance as a nasty Spanish nobleman whose mistreatment of the natives results in an open rebellion.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 66 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A haunting and brilliant portrayal of Columbus October 27, 2006

By D. Mark

Format:DVD

Director Ridley Scott brings Columbus to life in this impressive film which, when released in 1992, coincided with the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of new lands surrounding two unknown continents. For this reason alone, the film deserves to be treasured by viewers all over the world. The subject of Conquest Of Paradise, of course is Christopher Columbus, played wonderfully by French actor Gerard Depardieu (Green Card, Cyrano De Bergerac). Depardieu brings a lot to the role, and creates a realistic portrayal of Columbus. I can't see how any other actor, could bring more to the role, than Depardieu did. In terms of casting, Depardieu's a perfect fit for this role, he resembles Columbus, has a nice smile and sort of a middle age appearance to him, with his long shaggy hair. The rest of the cast shines, and engages the audience. Armand Assante, Sigourney Weaver and Michael Wincott are among some of the film's cast members, and the performances they give are solid. The film succeeds on four of its noteworthy merits. The first one would be Scott's directing, and his reputation for incorporating vivid & gorgeous images into all his films, the second one would be its historical accuracy, the third one would be its score, composed by Vangelis, who can create gorgeous paintings like Scott can, but only to the music he makes. Finally the fourth one would be the casting of Depardieu, who can add spice to basically any film that he stars in.

When this film was released most critics were too analytical about it, and the film didn't draw in big crowds. Now, how films like this get lost amongst the trees, is really mysterious. I think this film's a classic, and maybe others will once this film gets its deserved exposure.... The film is full of defining Columbus scenes, it's like traveling back in time, if you haven't seen this film, please do so.

This is the 1492 Definitive Edition release out of Brazil. It is region 0 (ALL). It is the first widescreen release available in the U.S. The quality is very good and it worth to pay a little more because it is widescreen. Read more ›

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Really great film deserves better DVD treatment than this! July 18, 2003

By A Customer

Format:DVD

I actually own this unofficial DVD release of Ridley Scott's historical masterpiece, 1492: Conquest Of Paradise. The movie itself is a great film, with all you could ask for from any above average historical movie. Depardieu is very convincing as Columbus if you can get by him being French and all. He does a beautiful job with the part, bringing Columbus to life and it totally makes for an excellent character study, his character fascinates the viewer. The score by Vangelis is top notch, and it fits in well with the film. The music actually enhances many of the films key scenes effectiveness. It makes those scenes seem more meaningful because of Vangelis score. Now onto Ridley Scott, this is some of his best work. Now let me discuss this DVD, which was originally on the market overseas (in Korea or Hong Kong). This DVD is bad, the picture quality, why bearable to a degree, is awful and is below the quality of even laserdisc. The transfer is not nearly as bad as the audio presentation. The audio is horrible, and sounds muffled at times. If you can't wait for a possible SE release soon by Paramount, don't go with this, just wait for them to release it. Yes, this DVD is that bad. Buy the Widescreen VHS version instead.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning film, historically accurate July 24, 2000

By A Customer

Format:VHS Tape

This is a must-see cinematic landmark of the 90's. There will NEVER be another Columbus movie to top this one. Gerard Depardieu is perfect as Columbus, his French accent helps illustrate the man's foreigner-out-of-placeness in mediaeval Spain. Depardieu's portrayal is very deep and thought-provoking, his eyes say it all. Every word is full of meaning, there is a sad sincerity to Columbus' character here; his intentions in the New World were beautiful, however, due to peer-pressure in the Spanish courts, he is too weak to stop the Conquistadors from marauding this fragile Paradise. Depardieu's character really shows how much Columbus was more of an explorer than a governor, but never got around to fulfilling his dreams due to his short-sightedness and stubborn disposition in relation to the Spanish nobles and those in power. The film is extraordinarily accurate in historical details, from the setting in the time of the harsh Inquisition, the costumes, and the characters in the film. Sanchez (Armand Assante), to history known as Gabriel Sanchez, grand treasurer of the crown of Aragon, was instrumental in convincing Queen Isabella (Sigourney Weaver) to finance the quest. Columbus actually sent him the very first account of his First Voyage to the West Indies on the way back home. Pinzon (Tcheky Karyo) was also the captain of the Pinta, as depicted in the film, and his ties to Santangel in the film are accurate (due to a debt he owed to the Crown through which Santangel was the financial mediator). The role of Adrian de Moxica (portrayed by Michael Wincott in grand form), Columbus' political nemesis during most of the movie on the island of Hispaniola, was also accurate.... This movie's cinematography and the wonderful soundtrack by Vangelis are gorgeous and haunting, frightening at times. This is a great film, and ranks with "Blade Runner", "Alien", "Thelma&Louise", and "Gladiator" as Ridley Scott's best. Go to your local video shop and rent it right now. Read more ›

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Film Overlooked August 10, 2003

By Shaun Williams

Format:VHS Tape

The greatest mistake that could be made in 1492 was avoided. Columbus is not portrayed as a simple, lovable hero on a heroic quest in the land of the heathens. This alone makes for an interesting movie, but it is a masterfully crafted journey populated with well-developed characters.

The screenwriter has the intelligence to stage a large part of the movie in Spain so the viewer can see the European civilization that Columbus brings with him. He comes to the New World from a land of Byzantine beauracracies, heretic burnings, constant war, and overpopulation.

Columbus (despite a French accent) plays his role brilliantly. He is an educated, naturally curious man, who is charismatic and politically adept. But he is also impulsive and has a quick temper. Though he thinks differently than most Europeans, he is still a person of his times.

This film has sunk into obscurity because of its lack of a simplified happy ending but it is still one of Ridley Scott's best. The cinematography, Vangelis' music, and the plot are all wonderful. I hope that one day this film will be resurrected.