The Canterville Ghost [1996] [DVD] [2007]

Stewart is always excellent value for money whether performing cinematographically or televisually because in addition to intelligence he has that other essential quality actors must have,which is passion and passion compels in fiction as in real life from which actors derive it...Heroic spirits become the best actors in peacetime and the parts are there for them as in this Wilde piece often presented as a juvenile fable rather than as a ghost story...Stewart plus Wilde make it worthwhile for me although I did think the setting somewhat oddly anachronistic although this was probably a concession to the US target audience and I thought the scene in Hell was a trifle cheap given there wasn't much of one-It's a good version with English stalwart actress Lunghi and some other old English character actors like the excellent Joan Sims of Carry On fame with perhaps Campbell a little bland but if you like the tale and Wilde generally and are not a stickler for chronic accuracy,it'd not bad at all-No extras at all but after all,a bargain for this writer and these fine actors performances.

There have been several filmed adaptations of this classic ghost story. For me, the gentle humour of the version starring Sir John Geilgud was the best, but that has never been released on DVD. This version, however, is both different and is extrenely good. It is also faithful to the story and although the ending is slightly fudged because you never see the salvation of the ghost when he faces up to his inquistors in the realm of Death, everything else works extremely well.The scene in the chapel in this version of the story, plus the 'Hamlet' scene in which Sir Simon appears as a ghost (!!), are both new to this filmed version of the story and, in my opinion, add a great deal. Both scenes are well conceived, brilliantly acted and make this version really different. The love story between Virginia and Francis is also well done and actually makes the story even more believable and intense.Although the wonderful humour of Sir Simon's tricks upon the Umney's at the start of the Sir John Gielgud version is a really sad loss, this newer version of the story is well worth watching.

An understated modern classic. American family in Britain rent a wee castle from an aristocratic owner (Leslie Phillips). Castle comes complete with a Mr and Mrs serving couple, and a ghost ...The ghost, having murdered his wife in Elizabethan times is condemned to the castle until he can find someone to speak on his behalf, not easy because being an antisocial sort he's too busy chasing visitors away—but he's never before come across anyone quite like these modern Americans. It's a good tale and well told, almost (but not quite) a bit corny in places but enjoyable.

Okay I did end up wondering what happened to Neve Campbell during this film. But it is a classic book but not so classic film. It's okay for a grey afternoon and kids. Story is easy enough to follow. I am not going to go into it needless to say yes there is a ghost. And you do see some British actors acting... some moments of drama but nothing to scary really.Hmm is okay... present wise... maybe if you are a bit stuck. I mean certainly stocking filler style. Family viewing during a holiday certainly...

this is an brilliant film about at young american girl who befriends an old ghost sir simon de canterville, the girls father is an scientist who does not believe in the paranormal, she helps sir simon put right the wrongs that he did some 3/4 hundred years ago and also helps her father to believe in the spirit world.A great film for all the family young and old alike

This was a replacement for a VHS copy. It is one of my favourite stories. I prefer it to the Ian Richardson version which is a bit'over the top' in some respects but I've got that one as well and enjoy them both. I think Oscar Wilde was a very gifted and versatile writer.

I have seen this several times on the television... but I still wanted the dvd. Delivered quickly. Yes, one can pick a few holes in it... but it is a charming tale and I thought the acting by Patrick Stewart and Neve Campbell particularly moving. A good family film.

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