Phenomenon |  | Director: Jon Turteltaub
Actors: John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, Jeffrey DeMunn
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.99
Buy New: $4.94
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Rating:  88 reviews
Sales Rank: 3069
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 123 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 717951000095
ISBN: 1558907351
UPC: 717951000095
EAN: 9781558907355
ASIN: 630471193X
Theatrical Release Date: July 3, 1996
Release Date: December 3, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
SOME THINGS IN LIFE JUST CAN'T BE EXPLAINED. GEORGE MALLEY IS STRUCK BY A BLINDING WHILE LIGHT ON HIS 37TH BIRTHDAY. SUDDENLY, HE HAS A NEW-FOUND INTELLIGENCE AND RAPIDLY BECOMING A GENIUS. SCIENTIST WANT TO MEET HIM. THE MILITARY WANTS TO CONTROL HIM. BUT THE PEOPLE IN HIS OWN TOWN TURN THEIR BACKS ON HIM.
Amazon.com
John Travolta's should've-been-nominated-for-an-Oscar performance is the best reason to see this largely moving work, which is a little reminiscent of the novel Flowers for Algernon (basis for the film Charly). Travolta plays a mechanic who sees a bright light in the sky one night and wakes up the next morning a genius, hungry for knowledge and so smart he figures out national defense secrets in his own living room (and gets in hot water for it). The more interesting drama, however, is not with the government but with the character's longtime neighbors and friends, who come to reject him for being different. Robert Duvall gives a stirring performance as a doctor who has known the hero all his life, and Kyra Sedgwick is very good as an ambivalent love interest. If you missed this one in the theaters, then you haven't seen one of Travolta's best performances since his comeback. The DVD release presents a widescreen image, optional French soundtrack, optional Spanish subtitles, and theatrical trailer. --Tom Keogh
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 88
 How to Be Gentle March 28, 2009
David (St. Cloud, FL United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I hadn't seen Phenomenon in several years. I always liked it, but the most recent viewing was the most satisfying. The mental powers thing was what made it interesting the first time I saw it, but now I take that aspect as a device for getting to the central theme (at least for me) of how to be gentle with people even in circumstances where one might become angry, bitter, vindictive, or even "superior".
Too Nice At Times March 27, 2009
John F. Rooney
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
John Travolta as George Malley in "the Phenomenon" plays a very likable average Joe who has a burst of genius and insight which gives him unique powers.
Travolta and the other actors are very effective. Robert Duvall as the town doctor and Forest Whitaker as the buddy are extremely affecting. Travolta's infectious smile makes the movie worth watching. He wins you over with his wonderful smile and bubbly personality. He's a nice guy amid nice people living in a nice town. The movie at times seems to be in danger of collapsing from its huge weight of niceness. It's a flick that some will find insufferable because of its chronic cuteness and terminal niceness. Some may find the movie subversive.
There's a core of simplicity that could have drowned it, but somehow you surrender to its good nature. Toward the end of the movie we realize that George could eventually be in danger from the mob (the public) because he has become a unique individual, hence a freak, someone different who may pose dangers to others. He could become threatening.
A movie worth watching. Inspirational, touching, and enlightening.
Heart rendering January 28, 2009
Egalitarian (California, USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a film which will both melt your heart and stimulate your mind, it is very well acted out, and the plot is rich with thought and provocation, altogether, this film is a Masterpiece. The relationships acted out in the film are beautific and will enthrall the viewer, albeit, one must be prepared for the melancholy and the sanguin, as the film ends with both beauty and sadness.
If you love someone, buy their chairs January 16, 2009
E. Karasik (Washington, DC United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I watched this again for about the fourth time and it always gets me. The plot requires some forceful suspension of disbelief, but the characters, the acting, and the emotional territory explored by the film are believable and affecting. I love the gentleness, humor and forgiveness of human foibles; at times it almost feels informed by the work of Steinbeck. The love story is sweet, but the friendships John Travolta has with Robert Duvall and Forest Whitaker are perfect. Viewing is enhanced by lovely sets, scenery and cinematography and a pleasant soundtrack. Corny for sure, but in this case I don't mind a bit.
 phenominal January 1, 2009
Dawn (not where I want to be)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I really enjoyed the movie even though some of my friends did not. It was very different and enjoyable
Showing reviews 1-5 of 88
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