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| Meet Joe Black (Ultimate Edition) | 
 enlarge | Directors: Mitchell Leisen, Martin Brest
Actors: Fredric March, Evelyn Venable, Guy Standing, Katharine Alexander, Gail Patrick
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $12.98
Buy New: $7.95
You Save: $5.03 (39%)
New (9) Used (10) Collectible (4) from $5.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  449 reviews
Sales Rank: 9953
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dts Surround Sound, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: Unrated
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 260
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: D21276D
ISBN: 0783258372
UPC: 025192127625
EAN: 9780783258379
ASIN: B00005JCAA
Theatrical Release Date: November 13, 1998
Release Date: July 17, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com essential video
Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention. Brad Pitt plays Death with a capital D, enjoying some time on Earth by inhabiting the body of a young man who'd been killed in a shockingly sudden pedestrian-auto impact. Before long, Death has ingratiated himself with a wealthy industrialist (Anthony Hopkins) and pursues romance with the man's beautiful daughter (newcomer Claire Forlani), whom he'd briefly encountered while still an earthbound human. Under the assumed identity of "Joe Black," he samples all the pleasures that corporeal life has to offer--power, romance, sex, and such enticing pleasures as peanut butter by the spoonful. But Death has a job to do, and Meet Joe Black addresses the heart-wrenching dilemma that arises when either father or daughter (the plot keeps us guessing) must confront his or her inevitable demise. The film takes its own sweet time to establish this emotional crisis and the love that binds Hopkins's semidysfunctional family so closely together. But if you've stuck with the story this far, you may find yourself surprisingly affected. And if Meet Joe Black has really won you over, you'll more than appreciate the care and affection that gives the film a depth and richness that so many critics chose to ignore. --Jeff Shannon
Amazon.com
Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention. Brad Pitt plays Death with a capital D, enjoying some time on Earth by inhabiting the body of a young man who'd been killed in a shockingly sudden pedestrian-auto impact. Before long, Death has ingratiated himself with a wealthy industrialist (Anthony Hopkins) and pursues romance with the man's beautiful daughter (newcomer Claire Forlani), whom he'd briefly encountered while still an earthbound human. Under the assumed identity of "Joe Black," he samples all the pleasures that corporeal life has to offer--power, romance, sex, and such enticing pleasures as peanut butter by the spoonful. But Death has a job to do, and Meet Joe Black addresses the heart-wrenching dilemma that arises when either father or daughter (the plot keeps us guessing) must confront his or her inevitable demise. The film takes its own sweet time to establish this emotional crisis and the love that binds Hopkins's semidysfunctional family so closely together. But if you've stuck with the story this far, you may find yourself surprisingly affected. And if Meet Joe Black has really won you over, you'll more than appreciate the care and affection that gives the film a depth and richness that so many critics chose to ignore. --Jeff Shannon
Description
Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) has it all - success, wealth and power. Days before his 65th birthday, he receives a visit from a mysterious stranger, Joe Black (Brad Pitt), who soon reveals himself as Death. In exchange for extra time, Bill agrees to serve as Joe's earthly guide. But will he regret his choice when Joe unexpectedly falls in love with Bill's beautiful daughter Susan (Claire Forlani).
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| Customer Reviews: Read 444 more reviews...
 Tragically overlooked - masterful performances!! November 17, 2008
I'm a huge movie buff and find myself partial to dramatic, personal performances. MJB wasn't the blockbuster event when released and I believe, as many of you, this film has been tragically overlooked. Luckily, it seems to have resurfaced and grown some new legs.
The dialogue is mysterious, cryptic and haunting to say the least. Your heart will tear and heal several times. The storyline paces you through the dynamic, father/daughter relationship, our own inevitable mortality, and several, classic displays of integrity.
Anyone who has a strong sense of self and a sincere hope that good things come to deserved people will enjoy where this journey takes you. So many life lessons are front and center through out.
Do yourself a favor if you've not taken this one in yet- rent it, buy it. Invest a couple hours with Tony and Co. Soak up the conversations, the scenery and watch the magic unfold. Unlike so much of the superficial, over commercialized excuses for movies we subject ourselves to - this one is a treat. If you do it right - the message will resonate for a long, long time.
Captivating commentary on love, life and death November 4, 2008
Released in November 1998, "Meet Joe Black" is a re-imagining of the 1934 film "Death Takes a Holiday" (which I've never seen).
THE STORY: The Grim Reaper (or Angel of Death) comes to take billionaire industrialist Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) but instead decides to take a holiday in the corporeal universe by possessing the body of a young man who just recently died (Brad Pitt). Death's deal with Parrish is that, as long as he's entertained, he'll delay Bill's death. Mr. Death emerges as a mysterious stranger (known as 'Joe Black') with child-like qualities. Death's holiday is complicated when he falls in love with Parrish's daughter (Claire Forlani).
This film is 3 hours long but is so captivating that it feels shorter than most 90-minute mindless action flicks. The plot is reminiscent of other good "fish out of water" stories like Spock in Star Trek, etc. Yes, it's outlandish but the film expertly presents the bizarre situation in a totally believable manner. In other words, this is indeed a serious drama, which nicely balances out the heavy moments with lighter (humorous) touches. I would compare it to "The Green Mile" which was another long drama with supernatural touches and wholly captivating.
Despite its outlandish premise, "Meet Joe Black" consistently offers profound insights to the most vital topics of the human experience -- love, life, death and numerous others (e.g. betrayal, hostility, comeuppance and the mysterious beyond).
One good example is when Parrish's son-in-law offers a definition of love to Joe Black (aka Mr. Death): To know the worst thing about someone and it's okay.
This is just one example; the film is filled with such insights.
"Meet Joe Black" cost $90 million to make and only made half of it back at the USA box office. Fortunately its gone on to garner an enthusiastic following over the past decade and rightly so 'cause this is a masterpiece of film-making. I consider myself a fairly manly man, but tears flowed through appoximately half of the 3 hour runtime. This is a sign of a potent and moving picture.
I can't explain why "Meet Joe Black" initially (marginally) failed at the box office; perhaps it was the strange, nondescript title. All I know is that it's a travesty that silly drek like "Pirates of the Caribbean" makes gazillions of dollars and ultra-contrived films like "Crash" are hailed as masterpieces while true gems like "Joe Black" are basically passed over. The good thing is that time was on Joe Black's side. The word got out.
"Meet Joe Black" is the definition of why films are made.
Personal Rating: A
Death and taxes. September 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Well, if you aren't touched at least 65 minutes into the film (the hospital scene), I don't know when it'll hit you. Wow. Great performances by Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish and Brad Pitt, as Joe (Death) Black. Claire Forlani couldn't have been better cast for her part as Susan (Bill's daughter); a doctor in the hospital in which Joe makes an unscheduled visit. There's also a very touching scene between Bill (speaking of his late wife) and Joe, over a cold lamb sandwich.
Jeffrey Tambor as Quince, and Marcia Gay Harden as Allison ("throwing the Birthday Party of the Century" - for her Dad, Bill) lend great support to this story of a man's soon-to-be demise from the world. And Jake Weber as Drew, the long-suffering boyfriend of Susan (and also the back-stabbing business partner of Bill), who really takes a mental pounding from Joe; which at times is hilarious. The second dinner scene with a slight confrontation between Drew and Joe may leave you in stitches.
Thought-provoking lessons in living one's life to the fullest, by not taking for granted the little things we ignore while trying to go about "making a living" instead of "living life." Okay, that was corny, but I had to say it. And don't forget your appreciation of peanut butter(?). Of course, you'll have to get used to "Death" kissing Susan. "Thank You" - "You're Welcome."
Love, friendship, family, trust, relations, allegiances. We should all go out in style, like Bill. And Mr. Joe Black was really an agent from the IRS. What a great movie. What an ending. "No Regrets"
Great job! September 6, 2008
The dealer sent it to me before they said it would and I love the movie.
I simply adore this movie!!! August 29, 2008
What a movie! What dialogue! What superb writing and execution of a lovely story.
Truly a movie of just magic. Brad Pitt is so convincing and seriously one of his best roles ever.
Anthony Hopkins and the actress who plays Susan... remarkable to say the least.
The most beautiful movie in the world...
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