Being There

Starring:Ruth Attaway, Richard Basehart, Fran Brill, Alfredine P. Brown, Oteil Burbridge, David Clennon, Brian Corrigan, Melvyn Douglas, Denise DuBarry, Richard A. Dysart, Arthur Grundy, Donald Jacob, Ravenell Keller III, Shirley MacLaine, Ernest McClure, Kenneth Patterson, Peter Sellers, Richard Venture, Jack Warden
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Thanks to an extraordinary, delicately balanced performance by Peter Sellers, Being There received mixed reviews during its theatrical release in 1979, but has since become a celebrated comedy with a loyal following. It's one of the most unusual black comedies ever made, simply because it stretches a simple premise over 130 minutes of straight-faced, strangely compelling commentary on politics, media, and celebrity in media-savvy America. Adapted by Jerzy Kozinsky from his own novel, the movie's about a simple-minded, middle-aged gardener who, after a lifetime of seclusion and safety in a Washington, D.C. townhouse, gets his first exposure to reality beyond the walls of his sheltered existence. His only reference to the world is through his childlike addiction to television, and when a chance encounter brings him into the inner fold of a dying billionaire (Melvyn Douglas), he suddenly finds himself the toast of Washington's political elite. His simple phrases about gardening are misinterpreted as anything from economic predictions to sage political advice, and under the sharp direction of Hal Ashby, Sellers has the audacity to take this comedic conceit to its logical extreme. Being There is not for all tastes--especially not for those who don't appreciate comedic subtlety. But as a showcase for the daring genius of Peter Sellers, this is a classic movie in a category all its own. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

Peter Sellers triumphs in his Award-winning role as an illiterate gardener hilariously catapulted into the fast lane of political power. Shirley McLaine and Academy Award(R) winner Melvyn Douglas co-star. Year: 1979 Director: Hal Ashby Starring: Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Jack Warden

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Yes, yes, yes..........2007-07-04

I can't believe it but somehow this movie got right by me, and today, 07/04/07 I finally caught the dvd.

A masterpiece, and Sellers at his finest. I wept, I smiled, and I loved...I expect that's what they all had in mind.

The dvd has its choppy, clinky moments but one can overlook them...

A victory for Peter Sellers.......2007-06-20

After learning the Biography of Peter Sellers, I think I understand why he wanted to do this odd ball comedy, that sort of mocked his real life, or how he felt about it. While it was meant to be part of the subtle humor in the end, that Chauncy Gardener (really Chance) was being consider as a presidential candidate, that humor rather became a bad joke which maybe helps explain how a young Bush could get into office.

I loved Sellers as the fumbling chief inspector, who was a genius playing a fool mistaken for a genius, where our commander in chief would be.... Well, I was glad Amazon had this movie. It's meaning is somewhat deeper I think, if you also know more of Sellers' biography, or so that's my take on it, and why I gladly bought it.

brillant writing.......2007-06-15

BRILLIANT writing and food for thought in this crazy mixed up world of ours. Refreshing, fun, hilarious and thought provoking. A must have.

A Masterpiece.......2007-06-13

Jerzy Kozinski's brilliant novel is brought to life in a nearly flawless adaptation. Peter Sellers' finest moment as an actor comes about by his playing a completely blank slate, a man who makes no decisions himself, but rather floats along the river of life, periodically spewing quotes and catchphrases he's gleamed from television, all the while being mistaken for a messianic genius by all who encounter him.

One could argue about what the true meaning of the film is. Is Chance someone to look up to? A sort of idiot-savant guru?
Or is he merely a comic foil used to bring to light the foolishness associated with "cults of personality"? A disgusting byproduct of a media-saturated culture?

Either way, the film is a treasure.

Sweet Satire.......2007-06-07

Peter Sellers stars as Chance, a learning disabled man who is evicted by lawyers from his landlord's estate after his benefactor dies. Simple, yet dignified, his only recourse is to leave with nothing but his umbrella and a suitcase with his sparest belongings. He comes across tough neighborhoods asking people for food and a place to stay with a garden until he has a minor accident where a limousine backs up into his leg. Passenger Eve Rand (Shirley MacLaine) is so taken in by him, she offers to bring him to a hospital. Seeming so innocent, she takes him instead to their estate where her husband tycoon, Ben (Melvyn Douglas) is bedridden with a blood disease often associated with children. Knowing nothing much more than what he sees on television and his own gardening skills, Chance (renamed Chauncey Gardener by his own conversational mishaps) talks about seasons and gardening growth until he meets the President of the United States (Jack Warden) who visits Ben seeking his economic advice. Once able to impress the President, everyone (including a television audience) thinks they're hearing profound financial advice from an inside man. In the meantime, Eve becomes infatuated with someone whom she only half knows to rejuvenate her life from her older, sick husband; while the rest of the world tries to figure out the identity of this new, stellar personality.

`Being There' is so sweet it takes off any of the cynical edge of the satire. Hardly plausible, the actors and script do well enough to suspend our disbelief, nevertheless. The movie is quirky and innovative for its time. Afterall, when the world waits to hear each work (literally) uttered from Chance's mouth, we know that they had first dibs before 'Forrest Gump'. Shirley MacLaine and Peter Sellers show a diversity in their acting range that is genuine and refreshing.

Mr. Bean The Animated Series, Vols. 1 & 2 (It's Not Easy Being Bean / Bean There Done That)

Average customer rating:

Mr. Bean is such a funny actor
All hail KING BEAN!
Falls flat
Disappointing
Just as good as the show!

Mr. Bean The Animated Series, Vols. 1 & 2 (It's Not Easy Being Bean / Bean There Done That)
Starring: Rowan Atkinson , Jon Glover , Enn Reitel , Geraldine McNulty , and Rupert Degas
Director: Alexei Alexeev
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Mr. Bean - The Animated Series, Vols. 3 & 4 (Whatever Will Bean, Will Bean / It's All Bean to Me)
Mr. Bean The Animated Series, Vols. 5 & 6 (Grin and Bean It / The Ends Justify the Beans)
Mr. Bean - The Whole Bean (Complete Set)
Bean: The Movie
Johnny English (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0000AJ1TJ
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Amazon.com

Rowan Atkinson's man-child adapts perfectly to an animated format in this collection's 18 episodes. For the most part, the scripts--written or edited by Robin Driscoll, one of the longtime creators of all things Bean--are indistinguishable from the live-action series. In "In the Wild," the fussy, grunting hero goes on a photo safari in Britain's wilds, only to cause havoc among fellow bird-watchers. "Missing Teddy" continues the animal theme with an instant-classic sequence in which Bean clears a busy veterinarian's waiting room by inadvertently healing some ailing pets. "Roadworks" finds a sleepy Bean at war with a noisy construction crew, and "Nurse" reveals his standing fantasy of being treated like royalty while in hospital. Good stuff both for Bean fanatics and children who never saw the real Atkinson's head stuck in a turkey. The star isn't entirely out of the picture: Atkinson provides priceless vocal performances. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

The funniest man on TV is now better than ever as the cartoon hero of his own animated series. Mr. Bean: The Animated Series brings the genius of Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Blackadder, Four Weddings and a Funeral) to a brand new audience!

Rowan Atkinson dedicated two years to achieving the perfect cartoon adaptation of the Mr. Bean phenomenon. The results are undeniable - this is truly the role he was drawn to play!

Includes:

It's Not Easy Being Bean

Bean There, Done That

System Requirements:
Running Time: 198 Min., Color
Copyright A & E Home Video 2003.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Mr. Bean is such a funny actor.......2006-07-09

To be honest I wasn't sure if I would like seeing him in the form of a cartoon, just cause I was so used to watching his other shows, but he's a really funny guy. I would recommend it, although it would have been nicer if they had included more episodes, cause I felt that it was a little short for the amount I paid.

All hail KING BEAN!.......2004-05-09

I , my son, and my wife have viewed the 4 volumes currently on the market.
We LOVE them all. The simple joys that Bean brings to his live action character translate very well into this nicely done, and artfully drawn, cartoon series. Perfectly enjoyable.

Falls flat.......2004-02-24

Sorry, the animated version of Mr. Bean just doesn't work.

I'll give this series two things in its favor. One is that if you're comparing it to many TV cartoons, it's not too bad - it's competently done, unlike most cartoons on TV today, which are disasters. The other is that, being a cartoon, it avoids the sometimes-risque humor of the real Mr. Bean shows.

But beyond that there's nothing much here. Even my kids just sat and watched without laughing - and after a couple of episodes voted to skip the rest. We're all big Mr. Bean fans, and this just did not fly.

Disappointing.......2004-02-14

These Bean cartoons are to comedy what cardboard is to cookies. The humour found in identifying with the live Mr. Bean is lost in simple crude cartooning and wishy-washy colors. Not even the occasional grunt from Atkinson brings these boring drawings and predictable story-lines to life. Not watchable, even by great fans of Bean or by children.

Just as good as the show!.......2003-12-27

Being a fan of the Mr. Bean britcom I got this for Christmas. I was really impressed at how well they were done. They got down his mannerisms, and he talks just like in the show (mostly noises and little words here and there). There's the mean old landlady downstairs with her mean old one eyed cat. And as usual, Mr. Bean and Teddy are always getting into trouble. My favorite episodes are his day of Spring Cleaning and him going on a Treasure Hunt. If you like watching Mr. Bean you will love these. I'm glad I got them, they are a great addition to the show. Lastly, watching him dance as the credits roll by is a kick too!

Average customer rating:

Fun and Entertaining..but...
Makes you wont to go
WONDERFUL!!!
Being Out There: A Must Have!!!!!!!!
Very pleased and would highly recommend the DVD.

Being Out There
Director: Mitch Traphagen
Manufacturer: Lifecaptions Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Blue Water Odyssey
Get Ready to CRUISE: Lin & Larry Pardey - Offshore Sailing Part 1
Get Ready to CROSS OCEANS: Lin & Larry Pardey - Offshore Sailing Part 2
Cruising with the Shards
Sailing the Dream

ASIN: B000BJNUJI
Release Date: 2005-09-21

Description

Have you ever looked out across the ocean and wondered what lies over the horizon? Have you ever seen a white sail crossing the water and wondered what it would be like to be there?

Being Out There is an odyssey that portrays the beauty and adventure of life at sea. With actual cruising footage and numerous interviews with people who are "out there," this feature-length DVD will delight, inform and entertain both old salts and armchair sailors as well as anyone with dreams of sailing off into the sunset.

Being Out There contains 86 minutes of real-life, beautiful photography, voices of experience and great music from singer, songwriter and full-time cruiser Eileen Quinn. Footage and interviews from sailboat cruisers in Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

From the costs of cruising to storms at sea... From George Town to Havana...

This is Being Out There.

We are certain that you will enjoy Being Out There. If, for any reason, however, you find that it's not for you, simply contact us from the information on your DVD for a full refund - regardless of where you purchased it. As members of the SSCA, we believe in leaving a clean wake - both at sea and on land.

Customer Reviews:

Fun and Entertaining..but..........2006-02-28

if you're looking for a "sailing video" this is not it. It's a fun video without the "nuts & bolts" of sailing/cruising info--lots of clips of scenery and people, with some interviews from other cruisers. Good music, although at times it competed with and distracted from the actual video. The extras with Mitch commenting on the making of the video were fun to watch.

Makes you wont to go.......2006-02-01

After reviewing the movie, all i wanted to do was, pick up and go and purchase the boat the I have been dreulling over and set sail. Hopeful that one day I will.

WONDERFUL!!!.......2006-02-01

If you're planning on Cruising, or just wishful thinking, this is the DVD that will answer some questions, bring up others and make you want to sail off to Margaritaville!

Being Out There: A Must Have!!!!!!!!.......2005-12-10

Wow - never before have I ever come across a video that brings me back to the fond memories I've had of sailing the open water. A unique and captivating movie, this is a must-have for any of the water lovers in your life. I don't have a boat anymore, but I can always play this video when I get homesick for the ocean ('course in Tennessee we don't have a lot of ocean here).

By the way, this video makes a great gift too! A definite can't miss gift you could get for anyone on your list - or keep it for yourself, pour a good drink and enjoy!! ;)

PS The customer service from these folks is AWESOME! Great people to buy from and they are committed to making their customers happy - like me!

Very pleased and would highly recommend the DVD........2005-11-30

The movie reminded me of so many wonderful memories of our cruising years. We lived aboard for 7 years and cruised from Maine to Trinidad plus Mexico and Cuba. Back on land but still longing to be on the water. Some of the scenes and people brought tears to my eyes. Yes, it's impossible to capture on film what it's really like but the DVD does a great job of bringing the realities to life.

Average customer rating:

Yes, yes, yes...
A victory for Peter Sellers
brillant writing
A Masterpiece
Sweet Satire

Being There [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Party
Harold and Maude
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Special Edition)
The Pink Panther Film Collection (The Pink Panther / A Shot in the Dark / Strikes Again / Revenge of / Trail)
Return of the Pink Panther

ASIN: B00007L3T3

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Yes, yes, yes..........2007-07-04

A victory for Peter Sellers.......2007-06-20

brillant writing.......2007-06-15

BRILLIANT writing and food for thought in this crazy mixed up world of ours. Refreshing, fun, hilarious and thought provoking. A must have.

A Masterpiece.......2007-06-13

Sweet Satire.......2007-06-07

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Apollo 10: The Dress Rehearsal

Scooby Doo - Vol. 1

UFO - Vol. 2 - Episodes 5-7 [1970]

DVD: How to Spar

Steve Morse - Cruise Control: Live