Bicentennial Man

( 16 )

Overview

A sweet, but superficial film with a straightforwardly superficial release, Bicentennial Man offers DVD viewers little in the way of interest, with its only extras being its trailer and promotional featurette (the latter essentially consisting of the trailer cut around very brief cast interview snippets) and a trailer for Music Of The Heart. The trailers are drawn from good masters, and the featurette looks good but offers nothing. The video on the main feature is good, with no sign of compression artifacts, ...
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DVD (Wide Screen / Dolby 5.1)
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More About This Product

Overview

A sweet, but superficial film with a straightforwardly superficial release, Bicentennial Man offers DVD viewers little in the way of interest, with its only extras being its trailer and promotional featurette (the latter essentially consisting of the trailer cut around very brief cast interview snippets) and a trailer for Music Of The Heart. The trailers are drawn from good masters, and the featurette looks good but offers nothing. The video on the main feature is good, with no sign of compression artifacts, bleed, or shimmer, and the anamorphic image (letterboxed at 1.85:1) is reasonably sharp and clear, with accurate colors, though the overall feature seems somewhat on the muted side after the very colorful (and clever) main titles. The general image quality is high enough, however, that the larger part of the CGI visual effects, which occur as background elements throughout, are quite striking and blend well. As a curiosity, the single-sided, dual-layer disc includes a complete French-language version of the film, complete with main and end titles in French. This transfer is darker and more muted than the English edition, and displays a number of scratches and blemishes. The English Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is fairly clear, though extremely muted, with some odd level changes throughout that required constant adjustments to gain. Separation is good, but the surrounds are rarely given anything other than a little ambience, and the bass channel rarely is called upon. James Horner's score is blended effectively enough to be barely noticeable, aside from the main title music, which has a jarring resemblance to the work of Philip Glass, and thus rather stands out. The French Dolby 2.0 track has a good voice cast, but also suffers with the music being at a much higher level in the mix.
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Special Features

Production featurette; Theatrical trailer; French-language track; 5.1 Surround; Widescreen [1.85:1] enhanced for 16x9 televisions
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Pete Segall
Chris Columbus harnessed Robin Williams's manic energy and channeled it into his gender-twisting performance in Mrs. Doubtfire. The duo reteams for Bicentennial Man, this time turning Williams into a robot rather than an elderly woman. Based on a short story by Isaac Asimov, the film follows Andrew Williams, a 200-year-old "domestic android" think of him as a RoboMaid who, to the surprise of his owners, begins emoting and thinking for himself. When Williams falls in love with Portia Embeth Davitz, a technician Oliver Platt helps him begin the delicate process of looking -- and perhaps becoming -- human. Williams is typically hyperactive, almost bursting out of the screen with his trademark zaniness, but he also reins in his energy at times, displaying his ability to balance laugh-out-loud humor with startling pathos. But maybe the true star of Bicentennial Man is Greg Cannom: He received a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for the stunning makeup work that made Williams's transformation from robot to man believable.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 6/13/2000
  • UPC: 717951004888
  • Original Release: 1999

    • Rating:

  • Source: Walt Disney Video
  • Region Code: 1
  • Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
  • Presentation: Wide Screen / Dolby 5.1
  • Sound: Dolby Digital
  • Language: Français, English
  • Time: 2:11:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 4,304

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Robin Williams Andrew
Sam Neill Sir
Wendy Crewson Ma'am
Embeth Davidtz Little Miss / Portia
Oliver Platt Rupert Burns
Hallie Kate Eisenberg Little Miss, age 7
Stephen Root Dennis Mansky
Lynne Thigpen Female President
Bradley Whitford Lloyd
Kiersten Warren Galatea
John Michael Higgins Bill Feingold
George D. Wallace Male President
Technical Credits
Chris Columbus Director, Producer
Joseph G. Aulisi Costumes/Costume Designer
Michael Barnathan Producer
Greg Cannom Makeup Special Effects
William Hiney Art Director
Janet Hirshenson Casting
James Horner Score Composer
Geoff Hubbard Set Decoration/Design
Dream Quest Images Special Effects
Jane Jenkins Casting
Steve Johnson Special Effects
Bruton Jones Art Director
Gail Katz Producer
Nicholas Kazan Screenwriter
Dan Kolsrud Executive Producer
Anne Kuljian Set Decoration/Design
Mark Mansbridge Art Director
Laurence Mark Producer
Phil Meheux Cinematographer
Neal Miller Producer
Paula DuPre Pesman Associate Producer
Wolfgang Petersen Producer
Mark A. Radcliffe Producer
Norman Reynolds Production Designer
David Sardi Asst. Director
Robert Shoup Sound Editor
Isaac Asimov Source Author
Nelson Stoll Sound/Sound Designer
Bill Taliaferro Set Decoration/Design
Randy Thom Sound/Sound Designer
James Tocci Set Decoration/Design
Neil Travis Editor
Keith Vanderlaan Makeup Special Effects
Darrell L. Wight Set Decoration/Design
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Scene Index

Side #1 --
0. Chapter Selection
1. Opening Credits/A Surprise [:12]
2. The Three Laws of Robotics [:22]
3. A Leap of Faith [3:10]
4. One Little Horse [3:10]
5. Hints of Something Special [1:40]
6. A Visit to NorthAm Robotics [:34]
7. The Facts of Life [:34]
8. A Duet in Time [4:13]
9. Financial Considerations [:11]
10. A Complicated Proposal [1:43]
11. Little Miss's Wedding Day [:12]
12. Talk of Freedom [:09]
13. "One" No More [3:00]
14. Saying Goodbye to Sir [4:09]
15. Andrew's Journey [2:47]
16. Rupert Burns Enterprises [5:20]
17. The Makeover [:57]
18. Andrew Returns Home [5:04]
19. Someone to Talk With [3:03]
20. Yet Another Goodbye [3:17]
21. A Profound Transition [6:24]
22. A Very Special Evening [4:51]
23. A Human Conversation [:16]
24. Doing the Wrong Thing [:16]
25. The World Congress (Intolerance of Immortality) [:41]
26. An Order to Things [3:04]
27. Welcome to the Human Condition [2:42]
28. The World Congress (In Search of Dignity) [:29]
29. A Destiny Fulfilled [:29]
30. Closing Credits [3:55]
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Menu

Side #1 --
   Set Up
      Spoken Languages
         English
         French
      Captions
         English for the Hearing Impaired
         Captions: None
   Bonus Materials
      Theatrical Trailer
      Production Featurette
   Preview Trailer
   Play
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 16 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(8)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

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Sort by: Showing all of 16 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    i've read the book and seen the movie

    Well first of all i have to say that this movie is not for young ones or people with short attention spans. This movie is about a robots search for humanity he wants to be human. This was originally a book by one of the two best sci-fi writes of all times. take the time to see this movie you will enjoy it

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Enjoyable and Thoughtful

    I found this an interesting, thought provoking film. This is what I expect from Robin WIlliams' films. It has a whimsical character with a serious message. It is not a movie for the kids. Rather it is a film for the movie goer who wants a challenge. Special effects are excellent. Robin and the other actors bring depth and passion to their roles. If you enjoy Robin Williams, this is a must see. If you enjoy real adult sci-fi, this is a movie worth viewing.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    The Birdcage

    Great

    Simply great.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    BEST FAMILY MOVIE!!

    Bicentennial Man is a fun and sad story about a robot. When I saw this movie I was really amazed how great of a movie Robin Williams did. I think this movie got like 4 thumbs up!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    It's The Greatist movie

    I really like this movie.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    In search of Humanity

    I was surprised that this was billed as a comedy, instead of a drama. I would also think that most children watching this film will be bored and confused with the subject matter. Although it is a clean family movie, the topics covered (i.e. euthanasia, discrimination, immortality, etc.) are most definitely adult. I very much enjoyed the human story about a robot's search for meaning and humanity. This is a thought provoking and touching drama which contemplates very complex issues in a highly entertaining manner. It is not a real comedy nor is it for the very young. This is a good film and I recommend it.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Absolutely Human

    A very human film. Lest we forget the importance of life, this film reminds us. The beautifully portrayed relationships delve deep into what makes humans human. Enjoy.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Movie

    I thought this movie was very well put together. Although probably not a good small children's movie due to the complex plot and language, I'd say adolescents on up should enjoy it. Of all of Robin William's performances this has to be one of the his best, if not the best. I think you'll enjoy watching this time and again. I'd recommend it for your video library.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Confusing movie. Not for little children.

    If you are looking for a good childen film, don't look at this one. It will leave them in the dust. It skips generations in seconds and kid will not understand this movie. If you think you could understand it give it a shot but it's not very easy. I recomend renting it before buying it. Don't waste your money.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    For Once they did not Butcher a book

    As with most book to movie deal's they ruin and change the original intent and plot of the book. But in this instance, from what I can remember of the book they did a very good job of following the novel. It was a very moving movie and even brought a few tears to my eyes, and it had just the right amount of humor. I also think this is one of Robin William's better performances. Try to find the book and read it also, you will enjoy them both.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 9, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 15, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 23, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 15, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 30, 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 7, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 16 Customer Reviews