East of Eden [4K Ultra HD] [1955] [Blu-ray] [2023] [Region Free]

An old film not seen for many years.Very much enjoyed would like to see more from the 195/6 period

Great movie

This is a dvd of dubious origin. The back case cover states 'For rental or resale', so it looks that it has been round the houses. When I placed the dvd in my player I was promoted to choose a language and the only thing I recognised was 'Australia' so I used that. The next scene warned of the penalties of pirating dvds. Then followed an 'overture' with views of Monterey Bay.At last the film. The sound and picture quality were really great. I'd say the film was quaint in that it depicted everything you would expect in 1952, America. It contains a star studded cast who together with the film gained much aclaim. The location is set between the Salinas Valley and Monterey that are both used in many of Steinbeck's novels. Steinbeck was born in the Salinas Valley and many of his book character are based on people that he knew.The film only covers a small section of the book, namely the friction of Adam Trash and his two sons. It was no accident that Stainbeck choose the names Aron and Caleb (Cal in the film). They were draw as parallels to Cain and Abel in the Bible, Chapter 4 of the book of Genisus. In fact in the film the Sheriff tells Cal, after Cal had assaulted Aron, that he should be banished to 'the Land of Nod'. i.e. East of Eden? Very doubtful but a very well debated point for discussion groups. As is the Hebrew word 'timshel' a theme that runs throughout the book that Steinbeck interpreted as 'thou shalst'. Probably a wrong interpretation but that's another matter.I did find the film very interesting and it was certainly worth a view especially if you have read the book. The second dvd is a bonus and covers vintage documentaries, added scenes etc. The dvds are retailed at a very realistic price.

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Bought as a presentWell recieved from a film buff

a must see film

…..renowned in film history.A purchase for a first time watch to learn why a film classic.

East of Eden is one of these films that has been unfairly lost in the space of time, with the myth of one of the stars being bigger than the film. This therefore means that many people have missed out on actually sitting down and witnessing some of the best acting from the 50s 'golden era'. James Dean gives one of the most striking performances I have ever seen-truly inspiring. The story centres around Cal, played by Dean, who is forever in his brother's shadow, and who desperately wants the approval of his father. When he finds out he has been lied to all his life, and that his mother isn't dead but in fact runs a brothel in a nearby town, he causes havoc for the whole family. His intriguing relationship with his brother's girlfriend (played by Julie Harris) is sensitive and innocent, and both actors portray this excellently. All the supporting characters give great performances, all bouncing off each other, and it is in scenes between cal and his brother, and cal and his mother that this is clear. The most striking piece of acting is when (not to give too much of the plot away) Cal finds out that something he had been working on for a long time as a gift for his father was not wanted and his father once again shuns him. Dean crumbles visibly in front of the audiences eyes and clings to his father in a desperate plea to be loved. It is marvellous, and literally had me crying hysterically. The film can be a bit slow moving at times (as to be expected when a lot of the film centres around the farming profession) but Kazan directs his cast brilliantly, making for some stunning scenes, visually.I urge you to see this film, but try to put to the back of your mind Dean's fate and the myth that surrounds him-it is enjoyable as a piece of A-star quality acting that could teach actors around today a lot.