Pleasantville

4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (428 customer reviews)
Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon star in this modern day fairy tale where two late 20th Century teenagers accidentally bring living color to a mysterious suburb.
  • Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels
  • Directed by: Gary Ross
  • Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Release year: 1998
  • Studio: New Line
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Product Details
Synopsis: Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon star in this modern day fairy tale where two late 20th Century teenagers accidentally bring living color to a mysterious suburb.
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels
Supporting actors: Joan Allen, William H. Macy, J.t. Walsh, Don Knotts, Reese Witherspoon
Directed by: Gary Ross
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: Details
Release year: 1998
Studio: New Line
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements emphasizing sexuality, and for language
ASIN: B000YMMN04 (Rental) and B000YMHOUS (Purchase)
Rights & Requirements
Rental rights: 48 hour viewing period Details
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

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Theatrical Release Information
  • US Theatrical Release Date: October 23, 1998
  • MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements emphasizing sexuality, and for language
  • Production Company: New Line Cinema, Larger Than Life Productions
  • USA Box Office: $ 40 Million
  • Worldwide Box Office: $ 44 Million
  • Filming Locations: Pasadena, California, USA | Glendale, California, USA | Santa Clarita, California, USA | Blondie Street, Columbia/Warner Bros. Ranch - 411 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, USA | John Burroughs Middle School - 600 S. McCaddon Place, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
(428)
4.2 out of 5 stars
See all 428 customer reviews
“ The colors and black & white sequences look great. ” Steve Kuehl  |  49 reviewers made a similar statement
“ This movie was very good and funny. ” Barbara Bernard  |  47 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
92 of 95 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A true gem October 7, 2003
By Beth Cholette #1 HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE
Format:VHS Tape
Pleasantville may be one of the best, most underrated movies of all time. I admit, when it was first released, the premise seemed a bit goofy: two teenagers (played by then-unknown actors) are suddenly cast into a Leave It To Beaver-like classic TV town called Pleasantville by none other than Don Knotts (reminds you a little of the forgettable "Stay Tuned," doesn't it?). Upon their arrival, however, they discover that Pleasantville isn't everything it's cracked up to be and that being "pleasant" means missing out on some basic, vital parts of life (such as toilets, and of course, sex). What follows is an amazing transformation: of the main characters, the town, and even the movie itself, whose stunning cinematography slowly adds bursts of color to Pleasantville's black and white world while simultaneously providing a metaphor for the race conflicts of the 1950s and 60s. The two unknown actors turn out to be the now-famous Tobey Maguire and Reese Whitherspoon, both of whom shine like the stars they are in one of their first movies. Added to this are excellent supporting performances by some of the best in the business, including William H. Macy, Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, and the late great character actor J.T. Walsh. An absolutely incredible, must-see film.
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Deep DVD For A Deep Movie January 2, 2000
By Chris Wells
Format:DVD
Pleasantville is a fantastic film experience, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. A true, striking, and original masterpiece; Pleasantville is a must for any movie fan. What makes the film such a joy is how it exists on so many levels; almost anyone can find something to like here. It's at times a simple fantasy, others a biting satire, and even others an account of our history and change as people. Pleasantville is purely original and very well-structured. It deals with mature themes and if you're someone who likes to analyze films, then this is a great choice. The DVD warrants a purchase, even if you already own the VHS version (as I do), one of the few DVD's that does. Do yourself a favor and listen to writer-director Gary Ross's commentary-it's dynamite, even if you generally do not like commentaries. It's incredibly enlightening and adds much to the film's depth. Ross cleary illustates all of the overlapping themes and symbolism, and adds a personal touch to the movie's meaning. (The unintended rip-offs of The Shawshank Redemption and Citizen Kane are particularly interesting). The film has a bright, crisp transfer and excellent sound. The only way to enjoy Pleasantville (other than the theater) is on DVD. Newman's music is magical, also. There's a neat (oh, I'm talking like a 50's person now) behind the scenes documentary on the film's jaw-dropping special effects. The included Fiona Apple music video is pretty neat and directed by P.T. Anderson. (Anderson fans take note: watch for Anderson regular John C. Reilly at the video's end.) Overall, a DVD to buy: one of '98's best films with tons of extras to boot. Swell.
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30 of 36 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Acted January 2, 2005
By Kristy Howard
Format:DVD
Pleasantville is like a colorized movie version of Twilight Zone. A modern day boy (Toby McGuire) dreams of going back to the innocent days of the 1950s. When he gets his wish via a magical stranger played by Don Knotts, he and his sister Reese Witherspoon steps into a black and white world of Pleasantville, a town stucked in the 1950s. As the town's innocence is wiped away with the introduction of books and knowledge, color replaces the black and white starkness of the town and its people. Beautifully acted and filmed, this movie has heart and a brain.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel Good movie
I don't just mean feel good and set a tree on fire. This movie inspires us to find the part of ourself where our color is. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Jeannette
4.0 out of 5 stars Great
This is a great movie and I would recommend. Has a lot of good points that are brought up that people can relate too (i.e. racism, community, etc.).
Published 11 days ago by tmom
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Movie!
And this wonderful movie even better in Blu-Ray with the colors and the textures. This movie is a classic for us.
Published 12 days ago by P. Greer
2.0 out of 5 stars Irritating.
I didn't care for the idea behind the movie. Too liberal. The acting was also poor. I didn't care for the plot.
Published 28 days ago by William R Griffith
5.0 out of 5 stars Important subjects tackled in a sweet and funny fable
If anyone remembers the movie Pleasantville, it's worth another viewing. I loved it when it came out, but just watched it again, and it's one of the most thoughtful and poignant... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. Schapiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Had to have it
I had Pleasantville in VHS format and wanted it in the more durable DVD format for my personal film library. I love the time travel genre. It's a classic.
Published 1 month ago by Steve Liddick
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Film
I've watched this film with several people and I have to say, it is not a film to look at simply at face value. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lyn
4.0 out of 5 stars Another movie that makes you think
Makes you wonder what people are like when they tell you they have never been outside the town they live in.
Published 1 month ago by Lee Wenzel
5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite
This is one of my favorite movies. You will not be disappointed if you have a heart. I loaned my first copy to a friend and never got it back. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Sharon Dewees
4.0 out of 5 stars great oldie!
an oldie but a goodie! i liked this movie when i was younger and now i enjoy watching it with people that have never seen it. one of a kind i don't know any other movies like it.
Published 2 months ago by Kate
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