Product Details

• Actors: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani, Jake Weber, Marcia Gay Harden
• Format: Closed-captioned, NTSC, Original recording reissued
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 2
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Run Time: 190 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (497 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000214F3
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,043 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention.

Brad Pitt plays Death with a capital D, enjoying some time on Earth by inhabiting the body of a young man who'd been killed in a shockingly sudden pedestrian-auto impact. Before long, Death has ingratiated himself with a wealthy industrialist (Anthony Hopkins) and pursues romance with the man's beautiful daughter (newcomer Claire Forlani), whom he'd briefly encountered while still an earthbound human. Under the assumed identity of "Joe Black," he samples all the pleasures that corporeal life has to offer--power, romance, sex, and such enticing pleasures as peanut butter by the spoonful.

But Death has a job to do, and Meet Joe Black addresses the heart-wrenching dilemma that arises when either father or daughter (the plot keeps us guessing) must confront his or her inevitable demise. The film takes its own sweet time to establish this emotional crisis and the love that binds Hopkins's semidysfunctional family so closely together. But if you've stuck with the story this far, you may find yourself surprisingly affected. And if Meet Joe Black has really won you over, you'll more than appreciate the care and affection that gives the film a depth and richness that so many critics chose to ignore. --Jeff Shannon

Amazon.com

Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention. Brad Pitt plays Death with a capital D, enjoying some time on Earth by inhabiting the body of a young man who'd been killed in a shockingly sudden pedestrian-auto impact. Before long, Death has ingratiated himself with a wealthy industrialist (Anthony Hopkins) and pursues romance with the man's beautiful daughter (newcomer Claire Forlani), whom he'd briefly encountered while still an earthbound human. Under the assumed identity of "Joe Black," he samples all the pleasures that corporeal life has to offer--power, romance, sex, and such enticing pleasures as peanut butter by the spoonful. But Death has a job to do, and Meet Joe Black addresses the heart-wrenching dilemma that arises when either father or daughter (the plot keeps us guessing) must confront his or her inevitable demise. The film takes its own sweet time to establish this emotional crisis and the love that binds Hopkins's semidysfunctional family so closely together. But if you've stuck with the story this far, you may find yourself surprisingly affected. And if Meet Joe Black has really won you over, you'll more than appreciate the care and affection that gives the film a depth and richness that so many critics chose to ignore. --Jeff Shannon

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Subtle...like a feather from Heaven, April 18, 1999

By 

Janice Sims "a reader & a writer" (Central Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meet Joe Black [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I'm not a Brad Pitt fan. His physical attributes don't astound and thrill me! But, I've got to give it to him: He was convincing in his dual roles as the coffee shop sweetie and Mr. Death. Claire Forlani, whom I've never seen in a film before was simply luminous. She's the perfect Susan in this parable of one man's last days on earth. Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish is remarkable, as always. He truly makes you feel as though he's a man with little time left and has to spend the rest of his alloted time cleaning up his act, making amends with his loved ones, assuring his daughters that he loves them and has always loved them. Also, Marcia Gay Hardin and Jeffrey Tambor are both extremely good as the number two daughter (in her father's heart) and her slightly inept (business wise) husband. They're both touching. I wasn't put off by the length of the film. I think we should take the time to savor some things in life. Slow down, relax and enjoy this beautiful offering from Martin Brest. You did a good job, Marty!

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Classy Film, January 3, 2000

By 

Emily Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meet Joe Black (Special Edition) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This film has something that most flicks today can only dream of: class. It doesn't spoon-feed the plot to you, and it doesn't have useless dialogue crammed into every nook and cranny. Those who say this film drags should stick to children's cartoons. There is so much happening beneath the surface. Some just tune out the gaps in dialogue, and that's a real tragedy, because that's when the most happens, and the film really shines. Pitt, Hopkins, and Forlani are tremendous. Pitt's combination of power and innocence is flawless. This film is the most sophisticated to come out in a while, and the fact that the critics don't like it doesn't phase me one bit, nor does it surprise me. Meet Joe Black is a breath of fresh air: a truly elegant film.

104 of 114 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anthony Hopkin's Oscar worthy performance, December 18, 2003

By 

Reine des Coeurs "reine_des_coeurs" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Meet Joe Black (DVD)

I'll admit that only morbid curiosity led me to watch this movie upon it's initial release. The premise of this remake sounded interesting, but the over the top costs and production problems had been tabloid fodder for months. When it didn't do blockbuster business, not many people were surprised.

It's a shame that this movie didn't do better than mediocre reviews and lukewarm boxoffice receipts. There I sat in the audience marveling at the gorgeous design and antiques, not to mention the exquisite costume design. So many films these days go for established designers, but this movie used a studio designer much like the days of the old Hollywood system. The attention to detail is exquisite.

As for the acting, it all boiled down to one scene for me. Anthony Hopkins describing the first time he'd ever had a lamb sandwich to Brad Pitt. It turns into one of the most beautiful remembrance speeches of a widower for the wife he still grieves. Needless to say even this heartless cynic got a bit misty. To have a man express such love without sounding condescending or corny is quite a feat. It's enough to make you believe in the power of a good actor.

Brad Pitt also deserves kudos for this role. Despite living through a personal hell and sustaining an injury, he does a great job in his double role. I thought the scene in which Death says good bye to Claire Forlani's character was some of his best acting.