Rough List of Romanovs on DVDs and VHS

[chatelaa]

For those who love Russian history and the Romanovs, run, do not walk, to get a copy of the Russian film (English subtitles) of "Russian Ark"!!!!! I got mine through Borders Bookstore on DVD. I saw the film in an independent theater last June. The movie came out in DVD just last month. You will see the Hermitage through history filled with the people, the events and full of candlelight, music and flowers...even Christmas trees flanking the double doors leading to the Jordan Staircase. The scenes toward the end of Anastasia, Empress Alexandra and Grand Duchess Elizabeth in a hallway and then the Tsar Family taking their tea with family retainers in the room and white tulips on the table an extraordinary eperience is you are a "Romanov buff"!!!! Take this peek into Russian history and you will not be disappointed. The interiors of the Hermitage come alive in an extraordinary way.

I just bought it and viewed it last night.  IT'S FANTASTIC!  And my very favorite Grand Duchess Elizabeth was indeed in it; I thought that tea segment was so touching and show Nicholas teasing little Anastasia.

One of the reasons, also that I bought it was that I've seen so many still photos of various rooms of the Hermitage (19th Century) and wanted to see how they are attached!  I wasn't disappointed, particularly the Ampitheatre.

I'm going to watch it again tonight. What a beautiful, moving film.

---Adele

[Janet Whitcomb]

Olga would have been the daughter least likely to have had romantic interest in a Toblosk guard!  All the same, it would be interesting to see Panfilov's film.

Russian Ark is beautiful.  It's a bit like Hitchcock's film Rope in that it has a long, continuous spool to it.  Recommended for anyone who would like a tour of The Hermitage plus glimpses of some of the famous personages who once walked its halls!

[Janet Whitcomb]

I have no idea why the name of one of the most respected director of films came out that way in my last posting . . . unless I've been censored!!!      

[BobAtchison]

Silja they did a scene with a crowned pavillion right next Uspenski Sobor.  That's all I know I was there with a group of people and we didn't hang around to wait and see what they were going to film.  The Patriarch showed up for some other reason at the same time.  It was interesting to see the cross on the top of his cowl had a hinge on it so that it wouldn't poke the roof of his limo.  It was flipped back up when he got out of the car.  His large entourage and the splendor of his transportation was impressive.

Bob

[Silja]

I wonder what that scene was   Perhaps it was deleted  

[Penny_Wilson]

File under "could be fun":

Our own Grigory E. Rasputin features as the villian in the new Hollywood release "Hellboy."  

http://tinyurl.com/2qcj6

[_Rodger_]

Methinks Penny has way too much time on her hands to dig that up.  . .  

But Selma Blair ( ) makes it all worthwhile.  Thank you.

[Katharina]

I am missing Glenn Close in the casting list for a new, more accurate version of "Nicholas and Alexandra". In my opinion she would fit rather well: the same thin upper lip, similar facial features …

[margo]

Does anyone have a link(s) available where I might order Panfilov's "The Romanovs: The Imperial Family" and "A Slave to Love " on VHS?  I have not had success searching the internet.

Thank you kindly in advance.
margo

[3710]

Dear Janet,
I am pleased you liked  ''the Barber...''. I kept on thinking that lovely Julia Ormond (she did the part of Catherine the Great before, as well) looked just like photoes of young Minnie! Or was it due to period costumes? One petty comment:I would have thought that the Empress would not wear a court dress for Military review.
It was very Russian in lots of linguistic details, emphasis on ''feelings'' other then logic and just plain proud enjoyment of being Russian! People were writting to Michalkov that he reminded them of how great the country was and how it should be.
I forgot to mention that there were (at least) 2 films about Alexander II affair with Dolgorukaia recently in Russia. And scandalous Anastasia Volochkova declared that she desires to do a part of D. in next movie. No doubt she will get sponsors fast. (Actually she does resemble Katherine, can she act is another question)
Galina

[Janet_Ashton]

I forgot to mention that there were (at least) 2 films about Alexander II affair with Dolgorukaia recently in Russia. Galina

I hadn't heard of these. Were they good and can you remember the titles? - They are I guess unlikely to make general distribution over here but I can maybe pick them on DVD...

Janet

[3710]

No, Janet, complete soapy rubbish!
Galina

[David_Newell]

I too like "The assassin of the Tsar". The scene when Af could not remember what the date was really did affect me, it was so well done. A very good film.

David Newell, London

[Reed]

I watched the "Russian Ark" over the weekend.  It contains wonderful indoor shots of the Hermitage and the Winter Palace.  Interesting subject matter and a cast of almost 2000 all in period costumes.  Amazing!

[Louise]

I have just finished watching the Russian Ark. Unfortunatly I could not get it on DVD so I watched it the old fashion way--VHS.

I loved the interior shots of the Winter Palace with all it's treasures, and the scene of the Throne Room with Nicholas I was stunning. What was absolutly breathtaking was the last scene with the dancing and the final scene where everyone is descending down the staircase. The uniforms, the dresses, the costumes were beautiful.

A truly enjoyable evening watching the film.  

Louise