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The Count of Monte Cristo | 
 enlarge | Director: Josée Dayan
Actors: Gérard Depardieu, Ornella Muti, Jean Rochefort, Pierre Arditi, Florence Darel
Studio: Koch Lorber Films
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $13.70
You Save: $16.28 (54%)
New (40) Used (9) from $13.70
Rating:  26 reviews
Sales Rank: 20945
Format: Color, Content/copy-protected Cd, Dolby, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Ntsc
Languages: French (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 400 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: KCHDKLF3076D
ISBN: 1417200928
UPC: 741952307693
EAN: 9781417200924
ASIN: B000BFJM26
Theatrical Release Date: June 21, 1999
Release Date: December 6, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Product Description
Studio: Koch International Release Date: 12/06/2005 Run time: 360 minutes
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| Customer Reviews: Read 21 more reviews...
 Excellent French Adaptation January 2, 2009
Andrew Raker (PA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
To begin, I have read Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." The novel is very long, nearly 1,000 pages. It contains an incredibly large number of subplots and characters, which may either add or detract from the reading depending on the preference of the reader.
This film adaptation, nearly 420 minutes, certainly makes an attempt to stay relatively loyal to the novel. There are places where it compresses action, scenes, or subplots so as to prevent a 15 hour very BBC-like miniseries. However, this French film was very interesting to me and loyal enough - it contains most of the Count's revenge scenes (which are often greatly changed by other film companies). [Note: The whole last 0.80 of the James Caviezel 2002 version is drastically changed.]
One of the main drawbacks to this film for me was the French dialogue. While I understand French moderately well, it was still difficult sometimes to follow what each character was saying. The English subtitles were not a large help because every time I wasn't certain what a character was saying, seeing an English translation was only moderately helpful. (It would have been easier for me to have French audio with both French and English subtitle options).
Otherwise, I really do not have any major complaint with the film. I would have liked to see M Noitier de Villefort have a greater role, but I realize that would be difficult since the book "claims" M Noitier communicated by blinking his eyes, which does not seem very practical to show on film. Therefore, while Dumas paints M Noitier as a relatively major character in the novel, I can see why he was given a much smaller role in this film.
I can also say that I greatly enjoyed Gérard Depardieu's acting as Edmond Dantes. (Note: Depardieu plays in "102 Dalmatians" and "Le Placard" as well as many other French films.) In my opinion, Depardieu was a more realistic Dantes than James Caviezel in the 2002 American Buena Vista version. The same I find true with the actors who played the Prosecutor Villefort, Fernand Mondago, and Danglars.
 Wonderful and delightful December 29, 2008
A. Krell
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Wonderful, delightful, and engaging. BUT...why can't they ever follow the book? This is probably the best film adaptation I know of and being in French just adds to the authenticity. But why change the story line? Granted, it is not radically different, but I just wish (unrealistically?) that film makers would trust the story given to them by the brilliant authors.
Best and most authentic adaptation of the book November 13, 2008
Art Vandelay (Arlington, VA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Fantastic mini-series starring Gerard Depardieu. Haunting soundtrack, wonderful settings and in French. If you're buying this then you've probably already seen it so I need go no further. Read the book by Alexandre Dumas. 5-stars.
 Missing a star or two October 6, 2008
J. MOLDOVAN
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Almost everything that needs to be said about this version has already been said by other reviewers. I will only add three things which may explain my painful three stars instead of the five I would desperately like to give.
Firstly, as already mentioned, but needing emphasis in a big way - the physical quality of the two disks I got were atrocious. I had to rip and re-burn them to enable me to watch the whole series without interruption, and even then I had a hard error which I could not recover. Come on!!! This isn't the 1930's and we aren't talking about 45rpm scratchies. Not good enough!
Secondly, as a keen intermediate level student of French, I looked forward to being able to pick up a few gems while enjoying this magnificent story presented by a superb cast. It would have helped if the idiots who created the subtitles actually translated what was being said instead of just making some of it up themselves. (Example: "Donc, tu est sûr de ne pas pouvoir aimer une autre femme que Valentine de Villefort?" translated to "You're sure that Valentine is the one?".) I know, I know. Subtitles are always a problem, but gee, give us a break.
The final problem is the ending. It's ridiculous and has nothing to do with the original story. The ending for Monte Cristo was not some idyllic return to the past with his long lost love, who incidentally also betrayed him, but an attempt by an emotionally and physically exhausted man to find some happiness with a woman, the princess Haydée, who was also betrayed and who also suffered terribly as a result. It must have been created as a feel-good finale with an eye to the American market, or something like that. It does leave a bad taste in the mouth though.
With all this in mind, you should still buy this version. It has lots and lots to offer and you will, as I have, enjoy hours of splendid viewing.
This is the best September 21, 2008
John D. Aldridge (Waimanalo, Hawaii)
This is a most enjoyable and satisfying presentation. Fine acting all around. An erudite and absorbing script. A French production ensuring and delivering authentic settings, costumes, art direction. The seven hour run time allows a viewer to wallow in the story, similar to the enjoyment of getting deep into a long treasured book. This story by Dumas contains all the elements of drama...the basic kernel that draws us into the story. Highly recommended.
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