The retail DVD features some fantastic
extras on a two-disc collector’s DVD set, packed with
unique additional footage. Disc two extras will include A
Story of Survival, a specially created 40 minute documentary
that offers the viewer an in-depth look at the production
of the film as well as an intimate insight into Roman Polanski’s
real-life survival during World War II. Other extras will
be the international theatrical trailer, photo gallery and
filmographies on Roman Polanski, Adrien Brody and Thomas
Kretschmann.
Set in Warsaw, Poland, The Pianist is a testimony to the
power of music, the will to live, and the courage to stand
against evil, and is based on the true account of Polish
Jew Wladyslaw Szpilman’s amazing survival through the
brutal Nazi occupation of his country during World War II.
A brilliant pianist, Szpilman is portrayed by Adrien Brody
(Summer of Sam), whose sensitive and measured performance
earned him the Best Actor gong at this year’s Oscars®.
The supporting cast includes a host of stars – Thomas
Kretschmann (Blade II, U-571), the legendary British actors
Frank Finlay and Maureen Lipman, Emilia Fox, Ed Stoppard,
Julia Rayner and Jessica Kate Meyer.
In addition to the three Oscars® awarded to The Pianist
it also won 2 BAFTAs, the coveted Palme D’or in 2002,
a European Film Award and countless nominations in many more
ceremonies.
A superb and moving tribute to those who lived under the
oppression of the Nazis, The Pianist is not just the story
of one man’s survival but a study of human nature under
immense pressure, a study of loyalty, compassion and betrayal.
We see Wladyslaw Szpilman survive the Warsaw ghetto, the
loss of his friends and family and the eventual liberation
of Warsaw by the Soviets.
Along the way he is aided and betrayed by the most unlikely
people: the startling bond between Szpilman and the German
Captain Wilm Hosenfeld is particularly poignant.
From the legendary and controversial director Roman Polanski
(Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown), The Pianist is his most
personal statement yet. At the age of seven he escaped the
Krakow Ghetto through a hole in a barbed-wire fence. The
Pianist marks the first time the director had made a movie
in Poland in 40 years. “I survived the bombing of Warsaw
and the Krackow Ghetto and I wanted to re-create those childhood
visions,” Polanski notes. “It was also important
for me to stick as close to the truth as possible and avoid
Hollywood style make-believe.”
Out to rent on the 21st July 2003 and to buy on 18th August
2003, The Pianist is without doubt one of the most impressive
and enthralling movies ever made – a must see.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:
A Story of Survival (40 minutes)
International Theatrical Trailer
Filmographies on Roman Polanski, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann
Photo Gallery
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