Customer Reviews

All the Rivers Run [VHS]

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I watched the original broadcast on HBO years ago, and recorded it for my own personal use. Unfortunately, over time, my tape has deteriorated such that it isn't very watchable any more. I've been waiting for it to come out on tape or DVD and was very excited to finally find it. I watched it the moment I received it and discovered, to my dismay, that it had been cut beyond belief. Entire scenes had been removed as well as small portions. Even the wonderful soundtrack was deleted from the ending credits! The original production was ~ 375 minutes in length. This tape is 274 minutes. Over 100 minutes removed! If you are familiar with the mini-series, parts I'm talking about are when Delie goes back to the farm to ask her Uncle to give her away at her wedding. That entire scene was deleted. You never understand why Ben comes to join them on the Philidelphia because you never see the rundown farmhouse. Also, when Ah-lee, the cook, shoots the deck-hand and runs off into the wasteland, the crew looking for him and his return, all cut out! It's so bad that one minute the deck-hand was slugged by Brenton, then the next scene he is being thrown off the boat, with his head bandaged, never to be explained. It's absolutely despicable. Quite a few other scenes were removed as well, this just gives you a sampling.

I returned the video, completely disgusted and hoping that, someday they will release the ENTIRE production to be enjoyed by all.

I fell in love with this miniseries while playing on HBO back in 1980-something and even though it doesn't fall in to the "my kind of movie" category, I would have to say that it is one of the best epics I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying... A few years ago I saw this miniseries for sale and jumped at the chance of owning it and being able to see it whenever I wanted instead of waiting for it to be on tv. Unfortunately, to my surprise and dissapointment, it was the long awaited epic movie alright, except, OH NO! WHERE IS THE REST OF THE MOVIE???
An important piece of almost every sceen had been....DELETED? I was so dissapionted that I almost sent it back, but for fear that it would be the only chance of owning it I kept it. I give the original version of this movie 5 stars. This one I would have to give a -0. If the original version of this movie is ever released, then, and only then will this great story be worth getting!

"All the Rivers Run" is a beautifully done mini series. I give it five stars because I have seen the COMPLETE version on HBO TV. However, I later made the mistake of purchasing this VHS version. For no logical reason I can think of, a HUGE chunk of All the Rivers Run has been deleted in this VHS! I returned it for a refund afterward. I don't understand why the editors were stupid enough to edit over 100 or so minutes from this wonderful movie. Sigrid Thornton and John Waters are excellent, and the story truly unique and terrific to watch.
There are two things which are truly sad here: 1) The video version has been edited so much its pathetic and 2) The HBO (or whoever) studio won't release the COMPLETE, UNEDITED version of this lovely miniseries on DVD.

I rate All the Rivers Run with 5 stars. Yet I purchased the DVD version that is available from Australia, and just like the VHS version, THIS DVD HAS LOTS OF SCENES DELETED OUT OF IT TOO! For example, the scene where Deli visits her uncle Charles to ask him to give her away at her wedding is deleted, along with many other scenes. Why is this? When I saw ATRR on HBO cable, it was complete. So looks like this DVD version is just as crummy (because of the ediing) as it's VHS counterpart. The only thing that makes this DVD better than the VHS are the behind the scenes looks, and interviews with Sigrid Thornton and John Waters.

'All the Rivers Run' is one of my favorite Aussie mini-series. It's right up there with 'A Town Like Alice.' Since it appears you can only get this in VHS format in the US, you should know that one can purchase this mini-series on DVD online from Australia. It is available in Region 0 format, which will play worldwide. However, even that version is edited down to 293 minutes in length from the original.

Fans of the original series will miss the fire and passion of Sigrid Thornton in the role of Philadelphia. Nikki Coghill's portrayal is softer and less feisty, which I found disappointing. In many ways the production did succeed in carrying over the feel, look and sound of the original series, including the same musical themes. The drama in the second half was less contrived, with a little better character development, although I found the ending weaker and less satisfying than the original. I will admit that I have watched the original series many times and as often happens, sequels have trouble living up to our desire for the stories we love to carry on seamlessly. Without that strong attachment and bias, newcomers to the series may find it more enjoyable than I did.

There seems to be a 2-disc edition on DVD in Australia;the cover states that it contains all 6 episodes,and interviews with Sigrid Thornton and John Waters.The included information states that it is for zones 1,2,3,4,5&6.I found it on EZYDVD.COM.AU,and have placed an order,although it is marked as "currently out of stock".
Anyway,good luck to you all.
exbaxoz

I saw All The Rivers Run as an HBO mini-series in the 80's and loved it. It was the type of movie that you couldn't wait to see the next installment. A very well made and acted movie with a great story. It's made like movies should be made. One of my all-time-favorites!

I really enjoyed this original mini-series, but I am waiting for it to become available to own on DVD! So far it only seems to be on VHS format.

A wonderful movie chopped to pieces. I remember the original when it was shown on HBO and it was in four two hour parts, if I recall correctly. Get that if you can and not this. Gave this one star because zero stars isn't an option.