Criterion Collection: The Life Aquatic [Blu-ray] [2004] [US Import]

I have to say i'm bemused as to why people would label a film such as this as 'pretentious' because it clearly doesn't take itself seriously at all; it doesn't purport to be anything it isn't, this film will bring a laugh and a smile and warm your heart like many of Wes Anderson's films. I mean, come on; Bill Murray and his haphazard crew of weirdos armed to the teeth storming that island? This is a fun film and people who dismiss it as pretentious obviously don't really know the true meaning of the word. This movie details the adventures of fallen from grace eccentric oceanographer and documentarian Steve Zissou (Bill Murray). While working on his previous documentary, his best friend Esteban du Plantier (Seymour Cassel) was eaten by an animal Zissou describes as a "Jaguar shark". For his next project, Zissou is determined to document the destruction of the creature. Zissou's crew aboard his research vessel Belafonte includes Pelé dos Santos (Seu Jorge), a safety expert and Brazilian musician who sings David Bowie songs in Portuguese; Klaus Daimler (Willem Dafoe), a lovable German second-in-command who views Zissou and Esteban as father figures and feels threatened by Zissou's possible son, Ned Plimpton (Owen Wilson). Zizzou is world famous and used to be an icon to kids who joined his fan club and followed his adventures in his documentaries. He is facing the prospect of being washed up, past his best and no longer relevant; finding the jaguar shark gives him a new sense of purpose, it is the only way he can validate his life, be remembered and show that his life still has meaning. The performances, particularly from Murray and Wilson, are wonderful and they are supported by a fantastic cast making up Zizzou's bizzare crew. Watch out for a delightful role for Jeff Goldblum as Zizzou's rival! Here we follow Zizzou's bizzare quest to wreak revenge on the giant shark that killed his friend- the plot moves in squiggly lines and toys with the surreal but it's funny and often touching; I enjoyed it very much.

You either like or dislike Wes Anderson films and you either like or dislike Bill Murray's quirky acting style. For me, I love both. I love the very stylised, eccentric worlds that Wes Anderson creates, with vivid colours, great camera angles and sharp scripts. I love Bill Murray's quick humour, his little asides, his mannerisms and his characters offbeat personalities. All that aside, this is a film with love at its heart, for the subject they honour in Jacques Cousteau. If you enjoy all of the above in a film, or you're just keen to try something different, hit the play button on this. In my humble view, it's one of the best films of the century so far.

A spotter, less coherent experience than Tenenbaums or any of Anderson's later works, but definitely not terrible either. I particularly enjoyed Willem Dafoe's character and the wonderful performances of Portuguese musician Seu Jorge (a full set of recordings of him covering Bowie songs is featured in the extras). The Criterion Bluray features a crystal sharp image, rich colours, and a detailed and clear soundtrack. You also get a slew of extras including documentaries, cast and crew interviews, and storyboards and photos.

I don't buy many DVD's at all but since seeing Grand Budapest Hotel ( bought CD on the strength of hearing the score through snippets on Classic FM then the DVD as a consequence) where I found the dry sense of humour absolutely delightful so I bought some more of Wes Anderson's work ..to watch on holiday including this one and I wasn't disappointed.. in fact I have just ordered the rest of them!! ( they will pass some time in a positive way as I broke my ankle on that holiday!!) these are very "different".. quirky, intelligent deadpan humour - will watch over probably several times( something I rarely do) to relive the delicious "jokes" and enjoy those I probably missed! I would recommend starting with Grand Budapest Hotel if you have never seen any of his work.. the best way to see if his earlier work will be for you.

Entertaining and visually lovely

I don't normally review DVDs, but having read the other reviews I feel very strongly that I must stand up for this lovely film. Like Wes Anderson's other masterpiece "The Royal Tennenbaums", this film defies categorisation: if you are looking for a straigtforward action, drama, comedy or romance, you will probably be disappointed, yet this film contains all of those elements and a great deal more, and who wants straightforward anyway? I found the film beautiful, touching, lyrical, astute and very, very funny. If you can appreciate it's unique visual language and subtle humour, you will be richly rewarded.

Wes Anderson's movies are always eccentric, so you have to buy into that to appreciate the off beat humor. The cut out almost dollhouse look at the worn out beat up looking ship is very clever. Lots of stuff to pick up in the background or observe, like the flight bag Owen Wilson is carrying over his shoulder, appearing in his complete pilot uniform. A definite vehicle for Bill Murray who dead pans his way throughout.

Very nice Criterion Collection release. The 1080p HD Blu-ray is brought to you via a newly restored 4K digital transfer. Looks gorgeous. The 5.1 Surround DTS-HD soundtrack does Seu Jorge justice. Technical aside, it's a fantastic movie and there's an excellent quasi-video diary by Matthew Gray Gubler of Criminal Minds fame who was also part of the cast.

Le film est très bien. Seulement ce blu-ray n'est pas lisible en Europe (zone A) donc pourquoi le vendre sur Amazon.be ?

Film - Genug gesagt - alle Meinungen schon dabei....ich bin großer Fan von Wes Andersen... Eine Szene die die Tiefseetaucher - Welt verändert. Schlüsselszene? Zissou kommt auf seine "Insel" und trifft auf seine Frau. Sie sagt zur Begrüßung: "deine Katze ist tot." Was im ersten Moment als sehr plumpe Szene daher kommt. Entscheidet für den Zuschauer die Art wie man bereit ist den Film zu schauen. In diesem Moment schlüpft man in die Rolle eines der Zuschauer die der Premiere des Filmes am Ende beiwohnen. Eine im Film abgesprochene Szene ohne den Zuschauer zu informieren? Der Dialog ist offensichtlich von Zissou vorher mit seiner Frau abgesprochen worden. Seine Frau ist extrem gelangweilt weil sie meiner Meinung nach kein Bock hat bei dieser Farce mitzuspielen. Er kritisiert dies mit dem Kommentar, Sie hätte das doch gefühlvoller sagen sollen. (Was er sich für den Film gewünscht hätte). Sein Sohn ist nicht eingeweiht. Weswegen er später nach dem Namen der Katze fragt worauf Zissou so etwas wie "Sch... auf die Katze" antwortet. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt ist der Film beim erneuten schauen, auf mehrere ebenen zu beurteilen. Sehe ich gerade den Ablauf der Geschichte, oder das gespielte im Film, für den Film, im Film. Und das sind wesentlich mehr Szene als einem beim ersten/zweiten oder dritten Mal auffällen. Diese Spielerei mit dem Zuschauer ist das was mir an dem Film so Spaß macht. Neben Darstellern / Ausstattung / Liebe zu Detail und natürlich Dafoe. Aber ich kann wirklich gut verstehen dass man den Film auch echt Sch.... finden kann. Mich jedoch bringen die Filme von Wes Anderson immer wieder zum Staunen. Super!! Ach ja...und die tolle Musik nicht zu vergessen!!

Excelente edição, conta com extras nunca lançados na edição simples em DVD no Brasil. E toda a arte da edição é maravilhosa, como de costume com os títulos da Criterion

Magistrale Bill Murray a metà tra Jacques Cousteau, Peter dei Ghostbuster e Brancaleone che vive quello che rimane di un passato glorioso. Tutto girato sulle coste italiane, la regia di Wes Anderson e la bellezza del paesaggio si valorizzano a vicenda.

Entrega rápida y en perfecto estado, viene en español, inglés y francés, muy contenta con la compra