Customer Reviews

Pinocchio [VHS]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

My wife and I were travelling in Italy last year when this latest version of Pinocchio came into the theatres.

The country went insane over it! They had a poll of school children on who they liked more:
Pinocchio or Roberto Benigni?
It was close, but Roberto came out on top.

If you watch this movie, you'll understand why.
Roberto Benigni is an adult who hasn't forgot what it is like to be a kid. He is constantly smiling, playing and has boundless amounts of infectous energy. The role of Pinocchio is perfect for him.

We saw the movie, and even though we understood a little more than half of the dialogue, we were caught up in the story and completely understood what was going on on screen. We bought into it fully.

When we came back to the states, we saw that the movie was coming out again in the theatres! And then we saw the trailers... This wasn't the movie that we saw.
What's with the crappy overdub!? The voices were completely wrong!
The characters went from being three-dimensional beings with substance and depth to nothing more than a parody of their original selves.
That's why it bombed over here. The whole meaning was lost in translation.

The movie is absolutely gorgeous! The costumes and sets are elaborate and stunning. It's like they were pulled directly from a popup storybook land of princes,princesses, giants and fairies.

Take some time to rent or buy this one on DVD.
Watch it in Italian, and get pulled along into a faraway fantasy land.

When this film came out, U.S. audiences were 'treated' to the horribly dubbed version. Despite celebrity voices (Glenn Close, John Cleese, Cheech Marin, others), Benigni's film was doomed from the start. Also, Benigni's 'Pinocchio' was nothing like the Disney animated classic. Benigni's version is closer to the actual book, which can get very dark. When Pinocchio was hanging by the neck from a tree branch in this film, this came as quite a shock to family audiences. While Disney's classic remains the best version, it is only loosely based on the book (as most of Disney's animated story-telling is). Benigni's imaginative tale cost $45 million (the most expensive Italian film ever made). The money went into the marvelous sets, the costume designs, and the creation of the giant whale. The supporting cast is good. The main theme is never lost. Benigni does a good job at handling the complicated series of Pinocchio's adventures. In Benigni's film, characters are key. The Blue Fairy, the Cricket. You like these characters. Benigni's script has something to say, no matter how subtle. It is clear a lot went into the planning of this film. But the major drawback in the film was the casting of Roberto Benigni as Pinocchio. He simply looks too old for the role. Another problem is Benigni's tendency to get rather long-winded. Without coming up for air, his dialogue can get tedious. I found myself exhausted watching him, and hoping the Blue Fairy would slap some sense into him. This 'style' of performance exhausts the audience, and steals away some of the magic. Furthermore, Pinocchio should have resembled a puppet more. Benigni wears a clown-like costume and a pointed hat. This is OK, but considering the money thrown into this fairy tale, maybe a little more should have been paid to make him look less human. Still, Benigni's 'Pinocchio' is not the failure that critics will have you believe. I give Benigni high marks for imagination. The film may drag at times, but Benigni doesn't try to be too showy, and the film is superior to today's mindless summer fare. But be warned: Stay away from the dubbed version. Stick to the original Italian. Be sure to keep an open mind and you won't be disappointed.

This is a very well crafted and entertaining movie, but of course must be watched in Italian, with the subtitles. If you like Benigni you will certainly enjoy this film--as usual he shines with comedic brilliance. The movie is absolutely hilarious in some parts, and very touching in others. Benigni's acting is great, but there are also great performances by the supporting cast members. This movie is beautifully photographed and cleverly written and it's a shame it was released in 'dubbed' form in the U.S. Dubbed movies are always bad, but the actor who did the voice for Benigni's Pinocchio was just not a good choice at all!

I had my worries before I saw this film, as I do before I see any adaptation of a favorite piece of literature, but I can happily say that I was not the least bit disappointed in this beautiful film. Visually stunning from get-go, the film never seems to let up on its attraction to the eye. But even more to its credit, the film is extraordinary in its fidelity to the spirit of the Collodi original, which made it such a treat. I was afraid that most American moviegoers and critics, used to the Disney version, might find the differances in the story-line and characters unsettling enough to leave a bad taste in their mouths, and, while this was not entirely the case, its poor critical reception seems to be partially due to this. Not that I'm not knocking the Disney film, it is a masterpiece in its own right with some of the most magnificent animation ever produced for the silver screen, but its highly Americanized and slightly emasculated interpretation of the original book has always left me preferring the original.
But some warning, this is not a movie for children. Most children who have seen the Disney film and then gone on to read the book have been disappointed, due to the episodic and didactic nature of Collodi's tale, and I think most (American) children will probably not enjoy this new version for those reasons. Also, the casting is less-than-ideal, and I think this is another reason for its strong critical failure in this country (and the reason I've given it four stars rather than five). Benigni is obviously too old for the part (although I'd rather see him than some annoying, precocious child actor)and his wife is unsuitable for the Fairy with the Blue Hair (far too glamerous, I think). Also the English sountrack is incredably annoying, I am greatly looking forward to viewing the film in its original Italian. But on the whole, to those who fancy fairy tales, and especially those who are familiar with the original story, it is highly recommended.

I don't see what all of the criticism is about. Just because a film doesn't fit into the Americanized-Hollywood mold is no reason to toss it out. It's clear from reading these reviews that some of us have lost our ability to see life through the simplicity of a child's eyes.

I found this film delivers on it's goal: to be entertaining and enjoyable to watch. The directing of this movie was above creative standards and it really showed in the photography and editing. I would highly recommend the original Italian version to others without reservation.

As for the English-overdubbed version... well, it's overdubbed... what else can you say? If you watch it, you'll receive a mixed performance because you're watching Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde play the same character. I wouldn't even consider it.

Ok, I was expecting this film to be bad based on all the bad (press) reviews but it actually isn't bad at all. As a Benigni fan I had to buy it and it's very much worth seeing, and I'm sure many other adult Benigni fans will agree. Much beautiful scenery and I laughed aloud through many scenes, such as the lollipop scene and a scene with Pinocchio along with the puppets and Fireeater... Benigni's facial expressions make it all worthwhile. Ok, so Benigni seems a little "out of place" playing a young boy, but it's fun and different. One thing though, best seen in the Italian with English subtitle version... Haven't even bothered to watch the English dubbed version. In my opinion, dubbed movies lose much and arent worth watching.
*Note* This movie is not based on the Disney version so things can be unexpected unless youve read other versions.
...Oh and why don't my copies come with an insert? That part disappointed me, not the movie.

Without regurgitating what seemingly every reviewer of this film felt HAD to be said, I will say that this is certainly the most interesting of ALL Pincchio movies/adaptations in history!

For one, and this MUST be said again, to watch a 50 year old man play the part of a little wooden puppet is a exercise in sheer open-mindedness and tolerance!

In fact, watching the entitre film (ORIGINAL VERSION ONLY PLEASE) one get's the impression that Benigni favors adults over children, even in a childrens' story, as ALL characters are played by grossly overaged/sized adult actors.

The movies is funny though...in a strange way.
The biggest drawback aside from his age, is Benigni's un-naturally high pitched voice and penchant for rambling dialogue.
As a student of the Italian language, it can be hard to follow his incessant jumble of non-sensical jibberish.
At the same token, it is Benigni's annoying acting style that makes this film fun to watch.

What makes this film even quirkier is the relationship between a very grown Pinocchio and a rather attractive Blue Haired Fairy. There were times when I thought Pinocchio would just grab his beloved fairy and use his long nose to work his own brand of magic on HER. Sounds bad I know, but if you've seen this film you'll have no choice but to agree that there is waaayyy more physical chemistry between Pinocchio and the Fairy than ANY childrens story ought to have.

I can see why the critics AND the vast majority of viewers hated this one. It really isn't a GOOD film in a traditional sense.
Where this film shines is with those of us who have an appreciation for the off-beat and downright different.
This movie is both, which is why I bought it in the first place.

Will I recommend this to all you dear morally upright, purist partents out there for your kids to watch? Certainly not!
This is a non-sexual, but yet very adult oriented movie. Especially for dumbed down Disney raised US viewers.

Is this really a 45 million dollar flop? Absolutely!
Do I enjoy this film whenever I watch it? I most certainly do.

It's hard to find a review with information about the dvd and what is included.So I decided to right one myself.

This dvd includes 2 full length films
-The original italian verson
-English dubbed version
special features
-The windows of Pinocchio:FAO Schwarz holiday windows in New York
-The voices of Pinocchio:creating the english dubbed version
-English language track
-English subtitles
-French language track

Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound
widescreen

It's a great film( one of my favourites), but don't even bother with the dubbed version.

This film was absolutely wonderful. I have no idea why it would get bad reviews. I am in my 20's and enjoyed it thoroughly. Being a huge fan of Benigni and Braschi helps. But I am going to say DO NOT watch the english version it's not good. I have no idea why they dubbed such a beautiful film with someone's voice that does severe injustice to Roberto's exuberant voice. But the Italian version is beautiful. Roberto is NOT to old as Pinocchio he is Pinocchio. In all of his films you see a touch of Pinocchio in his performances. Nicoletta Braschi as the blue fairy was so beautiful. I think it's her best acting yet. She was just amazing. I would recommend the Italian version to everyone. Really visually beautiful and it's a beautiful story. Don't listen to the bad reviews this is a beautiful film.

This is a most excellent example of wondrous film making and excellent acting. Roberto Benigni's Pinocchio accurately portrays the 19th century story by Carlo Collodi. The book is a literary masterpiece. Collodi chose a child of the poor as his protagonist. Through Pinocchio, who learns important lessons during his adventures, the writer reveals a political and social consciousness that is timeless.

The magnificence of this film is many faceted. There is color and magic of the presentation, extraordinary acting, and the true spirit of Carlo Collodi within. Please watch this in Italian. The subtitles are done well. You will miss much of the magic with the dubbed version.