Fall TV Central
Free Premieres, HD and More: Check out the Amazon Video On Demand Fall TV Central, where you'll find new shows, free shows and bonus content -- ready to watch now (without commercials) and in high-definition.

Amazon Video On Demand Special Offer
Buy an HDTV, Get $100 in Movies and TV Shows: Purchase an eligible Panasonic HDTV and receive a $100 credit with Amazon Video On Demand or in the Amazon.com Blu-ray store. Offer expires November 22, 2009. See details.


Connect with Amazon Video On Demand: Get the latest word on deals, new releases and more: Follow us on Twitter (amazonvideo) and become a Facebook fan of Amazon Video On Demand.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Sliding Doors

Sliding Doors

Video On Demand ~ Gwyneth Paltrow
4.3 out of 5 stars (259)  $2.99
Stealing Beauty

Stealing Beauty

Video On Demand ~ Carlo Cecchi
4.0 out of 5 stars (107)  $2.99
Reality Bites

Reality Bites

Video On Demand ~ Winona Ryder
3.7 out of 5 stars (77)  $8.49
Hush

Hush

Video On Demand ~ Jessica Lange
3.2 out of 5 stars (54)  $9.99
The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Video On Demand ~ Matt Damon
3.6 out of 5 stars (384)  $2.99
› Explore similar items
Product Details
Synopsis: Loosely based on the classic Charles Dickens novel of the same name, GREAT EXPECTATIONS is the sensual tale of a young man's passage into manhood and of the three individuals who change the course of his life forever.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow
Supporting actors: Hank Azaria, Chris Cooper, Anne Bancroft, Robert De Niro, Josh Mostel, Kim Dickens, Nell Campbell, Gabriel Mann, Jeremy James Kissner, Raquel Beaudene, Stephen Spinella, Marla Sucharetza, Isabelle Anderson, Peter Jacobson, Drena De Niro, Lance Reddick, Craig Braun, Kim Snyder, Nicholas Wolfert, Gerry Bamman
Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
Genre: Drama, Romance
Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release year: 1998
Studio: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language and some sexuality.
ASIN: B000SW4DHG (Rental) and B000SW2ESG (Purchase)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,039 in Amazon Video On Demand (See Bestsellers in Amazon Video On Demand)
Rights & Requirements
Rental rights: 24 hour viewing period, play online or download to one location. Details
Purchase rights: No time limits. Play online and download to 2 locations. Details
Compatible with: Mac and PC online viewing, Windows PC download, TiVo DVRs, Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link, Roku player, compatible portable video devices. System requirements
Format: Amazon Video on Demand (streaming online video and digital download)
Also available on DVD
Theatrical Release Information
Video Format Details

Online Viewing

PC Download

TiVo box

Portable device
View instantly from any PC or Mac with a broadband connection
Ready to watch in about 45 minutes*
Ready to watch in about 50 minutes*
Ready to transfer in about 50 minutes*
* Your download times may vary--estimates shown are for a typical DSL connection (1.5 Mbits/sec). Rental videos cannot be transferred to a portable device.

Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed

Hush

Hush

Video On Demand ~ Jessica Lange
3.2 out of 5 stars (54)  $9.99
Great Expectations (1974)

Great Expectations (1974)

Video On Demand ~ Joseph Hardy
3.2 out of 5 stars (4)  $2.99
Sliding Doors

Sliding Doors

Video On Demand ~ Gwyneth Paltrow
4.3 out of 5 stars (259)  $2.99
Stealing Beauty

Stealing Beauty

Video On Demand ~ Carlo Cecchi
4.0 out of 5 stars (107)  $2.99
The Good Night

The Good Night

Video On Demand ~ Pen?lope Cruz
3.0 out of 5 stars (10)  $9.99
› Explore similar items
 

Customer Reviews

170 Reviews
5 star:
 (91)
4 star:
 (38)
3 star:
 (16)
2 star:
 (8)
1 star:
 (17)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.0 out of 5 stars (170 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Misunderstood Film, December 6, 2005
This review is from: Great Expectations (1998) [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Upon theatrical release this film received many bad reviews, mostly by people who thought they were protecting the reputations of the novel and the 1946 cinematic version. Unfortunately, these reviews unfairly criticized what is a fine film and one that faithfully recreates the central themes of the book. Let's face it, in many ways, Great Expectations can be a dreary book. The many plot twists and turns, while typical of Dickens, merely provide a framework for the core concerns of the book: class inequities, the allure and dangers of retribution, the pain of unrequited love, the human heart's capacity to harden itself, the conflict between the environment and the innate, society's willingness to sacrifice its children, and the power of loyalty and forgiveness, to name a few. This adaptation deals directly with these issues and forsakes unnecessary plot devices. Remember, Dickens published his novel serially for a public who anxiously awaited new installments and wanted many of them. A modern film audience has no interest in such prolonged dramas. This movie wisely does away with what it does not need. And yet, many of the criticisms point to these omissions as evidence of a failed narrative. What these criticisms reveal is their critics' misinterpretation of the novel's strengths and misunderstanding of modern cinema.
This is a fine film, and it is well worth watching for reasons outlined in other positive reviews: the performances, the cinematography, the soundtrack, and the emotional impact.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic. lush, and intoxicating, February 27, 2000
By Steven G. Harms (Austin, Tejas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Great Expectations (1998) (DVD)
Those who say that this movie is an insult to the spirit of the book by Dickens are completely missing the point. Textuality dictates that reciting the same story that was amazing in print will turn out contrived and vacuous in celluloid. It shows the spirit of Dickens' work - completely loss in spite of danger, the loss of heart and being. It's a story that hinges on that great tragic moment in love which Romeo and Juliet made so clear to us all (esp. in Shakespeare in Love).

The movie is rich in narration and exploits a directorial narrative. The ebb and flow of visions, places, people, and unrelated occurrences turn into a melange which has all the warped lucidity of one's best and most painful memories.

The direction is fantastic as is the cinematography. The greatest genius of this movie is the use of the hauntingly frozen Life in Mono by Mono. Regrettably, this portishead-ish band's other songs didn't have quite the presence of this song that gave the movie its icy ambience.

Especially loved the Dinsmore character. Much more batty and manipulative than the simply grotesque and warped Havisham of the book.

Additionally, the recounting of Gwyneth (Estella) may seem flat and one-dimensional; however, isn't that the way one remembers the players in one's memories - as automata which reacted to us singularly in the stage of life?

It's an amazing film.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Expect Great Expectations to be Pretty Good, January 19, 2000
By Corinne M Glynn (Des Moines, IA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Great Expectations (1998) (DVD)
This movie was a work of art in itself with a gorgeous sountrack, breathtaking cinematography, beautiful artwork, and perfect timing. However, if you are looking for a movie that stays true to the original novel or deep character development, look elsewhere. Great Expectations the movie is simply a very slicked over and glossed up layman's version of Dicken's masterpiece. In any case, I enjoyed it very much and think it is worth purchasing.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 		 Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great expectations
the dvd i received was in excellent condition! arrived in timely fashion and i was very happy with this purchase!
Published 18 days ago by Christa Coulter

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this movie
Arrived quickly and in good condition. As for the movie, I love it that's why I ordered it :)
Published 3 months ago by Tracy in PA

1.0 out of 5 stars a cheap soft porn masquerading as art
I was expecting to watch a visual artistic interpretation of one of Dickens's greatest works, but there was none of that. Read more
Published 5 months ago by A Former Lexar Customer

3.0 out of 5 stars VERY GOOD.... but not great
This movie had some really great things going for it. The leading actors were at their best even as children they had great chemistry going on between them. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Bookish

5.0 out of 5 stars UPDATING A CLASSIC
If your literary sensibilities are easily offended by setting changes ( say from London to perhaps Miami, or New York... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Geary A., Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars See This
Oh my gosh! What a wonderful entertaining film. It has all the elements I love which are, music, art, romance, sophistication and a great story. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Oceansong

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gifts QUICK!
Shipping was spot on and older Movies are harder and harder to find locally. I found this cheap, new and quick. I will use Amazon again soon!
Published 10 months ago by Christopher W. Coules

5.0 out of 5 stars Aan Unexpectedly Great Makover of the 1946 Movie
This is a great makeover (not a remake) of the English 1946 black and white film which was much closer to the Dickens original both in time and setting when it begins: South... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Paul Papadopoulos

2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty but dull
I remember enjoying this film as a teenager, before I had read the book. I found Miss Havisham glamorous and eerie and Estella and Pip's watery kiss's enticing. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Libby

3.0 out of 5 stars Sensual but confusing.
Great Expectations starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow is a sexy film but the fault doesn't lie with the actors but rather with story. Read more
Published 19 months ago by ADRIENNE MILLER

Only search this product's reviews


Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Agree with these tags?

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

So You'd Like to...


Create a guide
Get photos, fun facts, and filmographies for Great Expectations from The Internet Movie Database, the biggest and best movie and TV site on the planet.
Subscribe to Screening Room to get the latest on Amazon Video On Demand delivered to your e-mail inbox weekly. Sign Up
By placing your order, you agree to our Terms of Use.  Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.  Additional taxes may apply.
 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Amazon Video On Demand Privacy Statement Amazon Video On Demand Shipping Information Amazon Video On Demand Returns & Exchanges

Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.