Product Details

• Actors: Timothy Hutton, Kelly McGillis, Maureen Stapleton, Ann Wedgeworth, James Gammon
• Directors: Alan Rudolph
• Writers: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon
• Producers: Bruce A. Evans, David Blocker, Raynold Gideon, Stuart M. Besser
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: September 14, 1998
• Run Time: 103 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (104 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305133964
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,046 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In Made in Heaven, Timothy Hutton plays a young guy in 1946 who's just been dumped by his girl and decides to go to California. On his way, he rescues a family from a car that's driven into a lake--and drowns in the process. Of course, he finds himself in Heaven, and there he meets Kelly McGillis, a soul who's never been born on Earth. The two fall in love. Just as they're about to get married--just for the fun of it, since by the rules of Heaven they're already married--McGillis gets sent to Earth to be born. Hutton pleads with Emmett, a figure who may or may not be God, who finally agrees to give Hutton 30 years on Earth to find her and continue their love. This 1987 Alan Rudolph film teeters on the edge of absolute cheesiness and steps over that edge at moments, but mostly it miraculously maintains a delicate, sweet, and affecting tone. McGillis is good, but Hutton is superb, demonstrating an honest charisma that makes him engaging even when he's being a jerk. The depiction of Heaven avoids the patronizing, overdone joyfulness that too many movies fall into. Though the idea sounds like pure saccharine, Made in Heaven consistently sidesteps the obvious and comes up with something genuine. Rudolph is a prolific but erratic director (his stronger movies include Choose Me, Trouble in Mind, The Moderns, and Afterglow), but this is one of the ones worth seeing. Made in Heaven features Debra Winger and an uncredited Ellen Barkin, as well as cameos by rock stars Neil Young, Ric Ocasek, and Tom Petty. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heavenly Description of After-Life Accomodations and Romance, February 11, 2001

By 

Frater V "The Truth is Absolutely Not Absolut... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Made in Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This Compelling movie brings much Understanding to the concept of "Life After Death" and gives us a few clues about how to get-around when we do not have bodies, anymore! This movie also shows that you do not just Quit doing all of the things you love...you simply have a Lot More Time to do them! If you have ever questioned dogmatic beliefs or had "Lucid" dreams that foretold an After-Life that contradicts what you have been led to believe...this movie is for you. If you are a person who seeks Knowledge about Spirituality, this movie is a great addition to your personal collection of images, data and theories. Or....if you are just a Romantic person, who enjoys a Great Love Story! Get your box of tissues ready and delve into this Highly Under-rated film. I would give it 5 stars, if it were a little faster-paced...but, that's just my Opinion. Most women Love this film (and guys should give it a try)! "Made in Heaven" is difficult to find, where I live, so I wonder how many people know about this Great Movie. There are many surprising scenes in this film and I believe it should be considered a Classic.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "There's more to the picture than meets the eye!", April 28, 2001

By 

John Bird (Wharton, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Made in Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I saw this movie for the first time on TV by 'accident' and was quite intrigued by the whole thing. But, like most naive viewers, only saw what appeared on the surface. Being a life-long Neil Young fan, I was very interested in his part in it, but at that time had no idea the title song "We've Never Danced" was one of his. The second time I saw it on TV I taped it, commercials and all, and it began to grow on me. Shortly after, I had a terrible tragedy in my own life and the 'Heaven' aspect took deeper roots. A few years later at my daughter's wedding, I was completely surprised when she chose "We've Never Danced" for the father/daughter dance selection. It was on that 'ballroom floor' that the whole meaning began to sink in. Through my tears I realized that there were no 'accidents' and what was 'made in Heaven' was not the love story, it was the song. From the first note played upon the arrival in Heaven to the final composition when the band is formed, it is the song that slowly takes center stage, enters your heart, and leaves you forever enchanted. This movie is a must-see for all those who desire learning to read between the lines, only to find out that things are not always what they appear to be. "If you don't really know where you want to go, it makes no difference which road you choose." Thank-you Alan Rudolph, and thanks again Neil. Buy it now...it could change your whole outlook!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great film got lost, June 4, 2006

By 

musicfan "musicfan" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Made in Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)

As it happens with some wonderful films, this one got lost in the crowd. Reviews were not favourable and not much noise was made over it. For me, enough to see it! The story line is basic, but beautifully carried. A must see film! On DVD would be better (hint!)

A little tid bit: For those who have seen it and wondered who played the androgynous character of Emmet, it is actually actress Debra Winger (then married to Hutton) who did a cameo and is (purposely) not billed. Look closely and you will see her!

Also, for the Amazon customer who wondered if there was a soundtrack: there was. In the US it was out on LP and Cassette. You may find it abroad on CD. The main theme song "We Never Danced," interpreted by The Motels' Martha Davis, is found on The Motels CD - Anthologyland. Amazon has it.