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Possession [DVD]

Isabelle Adjani (Actor), Sam Neill (Actor), Andrzej Zulawski (Director, Writer) Rated:
Unrated
Format: DVD
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 847 ratings
IMDb7.3/10.0
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May 9, 2000 		—
1
—
— —
DVD
January 6, 2009
Director's Cut
1
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— —
Watch Instantly with Rent Buy
Possession — —
Format DVD, Widescreen, NTSC, Color
Contributor Isabelle Adjani, Gerd Neubert, Johanna Hofer, Heinz Bennent, Margit Carstensen, Andrzej Zulawski, Maximilian Rthlein, Carl Duering, Sam Neill, Shaun Lawton, Michael Hogben, Thomas Frey, Frederic Tuten, Leslie Malton See more
Language English
Runtime 2 hours and 3 minutes
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Product details

  • Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.66:1
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ Unrated (Not Rated)
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches; 3.2 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Andrzej Zulawski
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ DVD, Widescreen, NTSC, Color
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 2 hours and 3 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ May 9, 2000
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill, Margit Carstensen, Heinz Bennent, Johanna Hofer
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ Anchor Bay/Starz
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 6305839980
  • Writers ‏ : ‎ Andrzej Zulawski, Frederic Tuten
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 847 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
847 global ratings
Great Movie, Great Packaging
5 Stars
Great Movie, Great Packaging
This is one the best movies ever made. Not for everyone, very David Lynch-esque. Wants you to figure out what’s happening as opposed to telling you. The packaging of this is awesome. Respect to Mondo vision for the beautiful and sturdy box. Also respect a company that ships the item in good packaging, instead of throwing it an envelope and calling it good enough. The movie arrived in perfect condition.
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Top reviews from the United States

Gunnar Friden
5.0 out of 5 stars Zulawski's psychotronic masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
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Isabelle Adjani gives birth to the apocalypse. Absolutely unique family drama horror fantasy shot in Berlin. The greyish sinister Wall never looked more "alluring" due to the cinematography of Bruno Nuytten and the amazing soundtrack by Andrzej Korzynski. Both Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill were fantastic.
The Umbrella 4K UHD edition looked great and had lots of interesting extras.
This may be the best, or at least the most unusual, film i've ever seen
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Allen Garfield's #1 fan.
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, it's mine! Mondo Vision Blu-ray. Awful liner notes, however.
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
Really, really awful. More on that later.

The film, of course is amazing. I can finally toss my VHS tape.

Picture/audio/extras exceeded all expectations. And the packaging? Wow, I've never owned a movie in such a beautiful case. Fantastic.

Okay, there's an essay by a Daniel Bird. It reads like an old National Lampoon parody of a guy that stupid people find smart. Or is English not his first language? Bad translation from foreign text? Is he unaware that Great Directors (Kubrick, Polanski, Hitchcock,Philip Kaufman, Paul Schrader, and DePalma come to mind) have made Horror movies?

Samples:

"Traditional theology holds that God is both in and transcends the visible world."

"The identification of an adulteress chimes with a trend in Contemporary French philosophy [...]"

And other pearly gobs of wisdom.

It goes on like this. Ugh, what's with the college freshman gibberish?

This guy over-uses quotations (all cliches) big time. Whether to cite another's work or ironically (i.e., "fellow travelers" and "sacred and profane.")

Who knows, maybe this fella uses quotes with all his dreary cliches. Man, if I read this dreck whilst being unfamiliar with this movie... I'd stay away.

For the life of me, I don't know why the liner notes bugged me so much - they're actually kinda funny...

If only "someone" with that "colloquial touch" could've "penned" a "readable" yet "informative." A "stylist" or even a "Fan" capable of "holding a pen."

I mean, not a peep about French Sex Bomb, Isabelle Adjani? Possibly the most astonishing beauty to appear in the movies? He also might've mentioned that this is Sam Neill's finest performance - I guess he thinks this sorta thing is beneath him.

I need a Xanax, I guess... can't let the film nerds get you down. Refer to the late Rick Sullivan, writing in The Gore Gazette (mid-80s) for a more appropriate review.

My take, for what it's worth...

Andrzej Zulawski's 1981 masterpiece opens with the messy separation of a middle-class couple (Sam Neill, Isabelle Adjani), then goes on to imagine various catastrophic breakdowns—of interpersonal relationships, social order, and ultimately narrative logic itself. The film can be hilarious one moment and terrifying the next, and Zulawski's roving camera only heightens the sense of unpredictability. Few movies convey so viscerally what it's like to go mad: when this takes an unexpected turn into supernatural horror, the development feels inevitable, as though the characters had been bracing themselves for it all along. Adjani won the best actress prize at Cannes for her dual performance (as an unfaithful wife and her angelic doppelganger), but the whole cast is astonishing, exorcising painful feelings with an intensity that rivals that of the filmmaking. Performed in English and shot in Berlin by an international crew, this also conveys a sense of displacement that's always been crucial to Zulawski's work. A true masterpiece - horror or otherwise.
60 people found this helpful
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Lt. Frank Bullitt
5.0 out of 5 stars I didn't fully appreciate this for years, but I'm a fan now
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
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The Mondo-Vision release of Possession is frankly amazing! Given that this was filmed in 1981 with a shoestring budget, it's amazing that the Blu-Ray looks this good. They did a spectacular job restoring it. The packaging is also some of the best I've seen. The case is beautiful and just feels better than most other cases.

The supplemental extras are also phenomenal. I haven't watched it will the full-length commentary yet, but the interviews with Zulawsk greatly expand my understanding of the film. There are many extras that rival any Criterion or Arrow special edition.

While not a perfect film, I appreciated it so much more when I watched it this time. It's hard to classify, but it was probably a mistake to release it as a horror film, though you could draw some parallels to something like Kubrick's version of The Shining. The performances of the lead actors are phenomenal. While never happy, their descent into madness is palpable.

This is an underappreciated film (even by me), that finally received its due. At $40 it's not inexpensive, but I definitely feel it was worth it.
5 people found this helpful
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jared heald
5.0 out of 5 stars Great DVD with awesome packaging
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
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DVD works as it should, cool box art and protective sheath. Weird movie but I knew that beforehand. I think everyone should at least see it once. Creepy, cool, classic - although bizarre.
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Belt_Sander_82
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Movie
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2023
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I purchased the director's cut of this movie, and I think this is a good thriller, suspense, mystery, science fiction movie. The racy parts of this film are tastefully done, so I don't understand why this movie is so controversial. Compared to other racy monster movies from the early 1980's, this move is pretty tame. It is interesting to see this movie's film locations in East Berlin during the Berlin Wall era. Good acting. Isabelle Adjani does a good job portraying Anna who is the wife with two affairs. I wish this movie's creators had let Isabelle portray Anna in a less emotional manner. Sam Neil portrays Mark who is Anna's husband. In my opinion, Sam Neil usually portrays confident characters, so I thought it unusual to see him portray a vulnerable character. Heinz Bennet does a good job portraying Heinrich who is a man Anna is conducting one of her affairs with. In my opinion, the arguments between Mark and Anna are more intense and scarier than the monster scenes. This movie has lots of details, so I watched it three times. I really had to pay attention to the dialogue to understand the details, especially the details around the origin of the monster. I give this movie 4 starts because I think some of the scenes made it difficult to hear the dialogue because there was a lot of other stuff going on. Hence, watching this movie 3 times. Good movie, though. I will keep this DVD in my collection.
4 people found this helpful
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Andrew Greaves
5.0 out of 5 stars Great blu ray release
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
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The package was delivered quickly and wrapped in bubble wrap. This Mondo Vision release comes in a thick shell inside of a sleeve. It has a 24 page booklet and tons of special features. If you like this movie or are looking to see it for the first time, I recommend this one. Worth the money for a dvd that is sometimes hard to find.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Grundler Fred
5.0 out of 5 stars Adjani prix d'interprétation à Cannes :
Reviewed in France on July 23, 2023
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Possession, le choc de Cannes 1981, avec une prestation d' Adjani au top !
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Roxane
5.0 out of 5 stars Hypnotisches Beziehungsdrama, beklemmender Paranoia-Thriller...
Reviewed in Germany on March 16, 2023
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Regisseur Andrzej Zulawski verarbeitete mit „Possession“ aus dem Jahr 1981 nicht nur seine eigene zerbrochene Ehe mit der Schauspielerin Malgorzata Braunek, sondern auch die Vertreibung aus seinem Heimatland. Nachdem die polnische Regierung seinen Science-Fiction-Film „Der silberne Planet“ wegen politisch subversiver Botschaften stoppte, verließ er Polen, um ohne Einschränkungen arbeiten zu können. So bekommen auch die Grenzposten an der Berliner Mauer eine besonders bedrohliche Dimension, wenn sie mit ihren Ferngläsern in Marks Wohnung blicken.

Als Mark (Sam Neill) nach einer Geschäftsreise zu seiner Frau Anna (Isabelle Adjani) und seinem Sohn Bob (Michael Hogben) nach West-Berlin zurückkehrt, merkt er schnell, dass etwas nicht stimmt. Anna gesteht ihre außereheliche Affäre. Er wirft sie hinaus und macht sich auf die Suche nach Heinrich (Heinz Bennent), ihrem angeblichen Geliebten. Doch auch Heinrich hat Veränderungen an Anna bemerkt – sie sei schon lange nicht mehr bei ihm gewesen. Daraufhin beauftragt Mark einen Detektiv, um den neuen Liebhaber zu finden. Bald macht er eine monströse Entdeckung...

In der ersten Hälfte des Films gibt es keine Zeit für eine Atempause. Unaufhörlich dreht sich die Kamera um die beiden Protagonisten. Eine Gewitterwolke aus Wahnsinn, Eifersucht und Depression entlädt sich in aller Heftigkeit. Anna scheint wie auf Drogen, kann ohne ihren neuen Liebhaber nicht mehr leben. Mark ist rasend vor Wut, will die Tatsache nicht wahrhaben, dass Anna ihn für einen anderen verlassen hat. Es wird geflucht, gebrüllt und geschlagen. Ein elektrisches Brotmesser wird sogar zur Selbstverstümmelung genutzt. Es herrscht ständige Unruhe. Ein Gefühl der Ohnmacht macht sich breit.

Anna und Mark werden durch ein fast menschenleeres Berlin der 80er-Jahre gehetzt. Die kargen, verrotteten Bauten, die verwahrlosten Altbauwohnungen mit zerrissenen Tapeten – alles Anzeichen darauf, dass auch ihre Gefühle füreinander emotional erkaltet sind. Schließlich endet der Sturm in einer quälend langen Sequenz, in der Anna in einer Unterführung wie von einem Dämon besessen scheint. Dann ist erstmal Ruhe, zumindest kurzzeitig.

Die Phasen der Erkenntnis über das Ende der Beziehung von Anna und Mark sind noch einigermaßen nachzuvollziehen. Doch wenn zu Beginn noch grob ein narrativer Faden zu entdecken ist, wird die zweite Hälfte zunehmend abstrus, aber faszinierend zugleich. Bobs Lehrerin entpuppt sich bis auf die grünen Augen als Doppelgängerin von Anna – und dann wäre da noch der neue Mann in ihrem Leben, über den man nicht zu viel verraten sollte. Nur so viel: Neben Adjanis „Besessenheitsszene“ wird der Zuschauer auch eine außergewöhnliche Liebesszene nicht mehr aus dem Kopf bekommen.

Isabell Adjani und Sam Neill gehen mit ihren Darstellungen wahrlich an die Grenzen des Zumutbaren. Die damals 26-jährige Französin sagte in einem Interview, sie habe zwei Jahre gebraucht, um sich von der Rolle zu erholen.

Ingesamt ist „Possession“ eine bizarre Mischung aus Psychodrama und Arthaus-Kino in unterkühlten Bilder, angefüllt mit vielen Allegorien und manischen Exzessen, nicht leicht zu verstehen, aber auf seine Weise durchweg faszinierend.
Es ist tatsächlich so, wie es auf dem Cover steht: Man kann ihn nicht beschreiben. Man muss ihn erleben...
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Luis S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Es edición australiana, no USA.
Reviewed in Spain on October 23, 2022
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Edición de Umbrella Entertainment. Al ser australiana es zona B y reproducible en modelos europeos. Muchísimo mejor que la desastrosa edición con BR-R cutre que se distribuye en España.
2 people found this helpful
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The Deep
5.0 out of 5 stars good product for a good price
Reviewed in Canada on November 24, 2019
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got around to see it ...happy i made the purchase . but keep in mind this movie suffers a bit from its poor video definition (its a bit grainy) but for the price worth it .
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Andrei s
5.0 out of 5 stars RE-Possession order.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2019
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POSSESSION (dir Andrzej Zulawski,1981-'Second Sight' 2013release). "Nic Roeg doesn't make perfect films..they are better than that"(Danny Boyle)
Well this wasn't made by Roeg but the same critical logic can be applied...it's not perfect- it's pretentious, it's ridiculous,(over)acted in no set styles, it has 'no logic',it's ugly,it's hysterical,it doesn't belong in any genre but I love this film , an Allegorical story about the struggle of a couple collapsing literally on the edge(the Berlin Wall during the 'cold war'),of everything & where all they & we knew could swiftly change while 'doubles' & a monstrous created entity are 'life improvements' . I won't try to convince you any further regarding the merits of this ,I CAN understand why some don't & wont like this ,but....the director Andrej Zulawski doesn't care what i or you think of it.
If you don't know anything about this film...It had the rare 'honour' of being on the D.P.P banned list (aka a 'video nasty'), winning a bafta award & was also being nominated at the Cannes film festival-with lead actress Isabelle Adjani winning 'best actress'.
After its eventual 'legal release' & various edits & minimal visibility It had a small but appreciative audience ,happy with a VHS copy & even happier with having it on a (film makers approved uncut )DVD release ...
With the bluray release Second Sight have done a great job with the film & its selection of extras...
...That are-a 51min 'making of' that covers much ground & a selection of those attached to the project at various times & is very entertaining..(this also has varied footage including scenes from the directors 'Devil'& '3rd part of the night')
A 36min interview with the director who gives his side of being 'out of favour' with his Polish controllers (who pulled the plug on his 'Silver Globe' film)& blacklisted him, resulting in him looking to work abroad- These 2 features are on 2nd sights DVD release.
The Bluray 'special features' are 'Repossesed' -about the US cut(& cut it was -40mins worth!),trying to make it look like some alien/Amityville/Exorcist hybrid, hoping to sell it to exploitation/B Movie/2nd run cinemas?(12mins).
A 19min feature with composer A.Korzynski, whose score is vital to the atmosphere of the film . 'Divided City' a then & now look at the 'real life' Berlin locations(7mins)..
'Our friend in the West'(6mins) is a short interview with Christian Ferry, the very helpful French producer who gave Zulawski a chance to direct abroad
'Basha'- a well deserved feature dedicated to Barbara Baranowska,celebrated poster designer & creater of the striking image used on its poster & the discs cover(6)mins..+ A trailer..
& 2 commentaries : one with co-writer Fredric Tuten,the other with Zulawski (both 'moderated' by a Daniel Bird)..Commentaries with directors or those involved with a film in question are often dull & often without add little -these are NOT..being full of insights & stories that are sometimes barely believable, funny, ridiculous but surprisingly seemingly mostly objective. Tutens is more relaxed & 'considered' while Zulawski is not interested in putting on a 'promotional stance' or concerned with who he may offend when stating what he does or doesn't like- he is generous with his compliments to many that worked on the different levels of this film though..
The film in 1:66-1 ratio is in print quality & colour range very good('1080p 23.98fps'). The sound 'original mono' is fine. 124mins.
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Andrei s
5.0 out of 5 stars RE-Possession order.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2019
POSSESSION (dir Andrzej Zulawski,1981-'Second Sight' 2013release). "Nic Roeg doesn't make perfect films..they are better than that"(Danny Boyle)
Well this wasn't made by Roeg but the same critical logic can be applied...it's not perfect- it's pretentious, it's ridiculous,(over)acted in no set styles, it has 'no logic',it's ugly,it's hysterical,it doesn't belong in any genre but I love this film , an Allegorical story about the struggle of a couple collapsing literally on the edge(the Berlin Wall during the 'cold war'),of everything & where all they & we knew could swiftly change while 'doubles' & a monstrous created entity are 'life improvements' . I won't try to convince you any further regarding the merits of this ,I CAN understand why some don't & wont like this ,but....the director Andrej Zulawski doesn't care what i or you think of it.
If you don't know anything about this film...It had the rare 'honour' of being on the D.P.P banned list (aka a 'video nasty'), winning a bafta award & was also being nominated at the Cannes film festival-with lead actress Isabelle Adjani winning 'best actress'.
After its eventual 'legal release' & various edits & minimal visibility It had a small but appreciative audience ,happy with a VHS copy & even happier with having it on a (film makers approved uncut )DVD release ...
With the bluray release Second Sight have done a great job with the film & its selection of extras...
...That are-a 51min 'making of' that covers much ground & a selection of those attached to the project at various times & is very entertaining..(this also has varied footage including scenes from the directors 'Devil'& '3rd part of the night')
A 36min interview with the director who gives his side of being 'out of favour' with his Polish controllers (who pulled the plug on his 'Silver Globe' film)& blacklisted him, resulting in him looking to work abroad- These 2 features are on 2nd sights DVD release.
The Bluray 'special features' are 'Repossesed' -about the US cut(& cut it was -40mins worth!),trying to make it look like some alien/Amityville/Exorcist hybrid, hoping to sell it to exploitation/B Movie/2nd run cinemas?(12mins).
A 19min feature with composer A.Korzynski, whose score is vital to the atmosphere of the film . 'Divided City' a then & now look at the 'real life' Berlin locations(7mins)..
'Our friend in the West'(6mins) is a short interview with Christian Ferry, the very helpful French producer who gave Zulawski a chance to direct abroad
'Basha'- a well deserved feature dedicated to Barbara Baranowska,celebrated poster designer & creater of the striking image used on its poster & the discs cover(6)mins..+ A trailer..
& 2 commentaries : one with co-writer Fredric Tuten,the other with Zulawski (both 'moderated' by a Daniel Bird)..Commentaries with directors or those involved with a film in question are often dull & often without add little -these are NOT..being full of insights & stories that are sometimes barely believable, funny, ridiculous but surprisingly seemingly mostly objective. Tutens is more relaxed & 'considered' while Zulawski is not interested in putting on a 'promotional stance' or concerned with who he may offend when stating what he does or doesn't like- he is generous with his compliments to many that worked on the different levels of this film though..
The film in 1:66-1 ratio is in print quality & colour range very good('1080p 23.98fps'). The sound 'original mono' is fine. 124mins.
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