Based on the diary writings of English widow Anna Leonowens, who journeyed to Siam in 1862 to tutor the children of King Mongkut, this is a grand, epic motion picture that recalls the Hollywood days of yore (see 1946's ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM and 1956's THE KING AND I for earlier screen adaptations). Chow Yun Fat delivers a heartwarming performance that should finally earn him star status in America, and Jodie Foster is, as always, a magnetic screen presence. Their relationship, which is sparked by a just-beneath-the-surface romantic undercurrent, propels the story forward and provides it with its emotional core. As the film builds to its exciting climax, the relationship between the two is tested even further.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Single Side - Dual Layer
Special Edition
Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
Letterbox - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Digital Surround - English, French
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary: Andy Tennant - Director
Deleted Scenes With Optional Director's Commentary
Music Video: Joy Enriquez - "How Can I Not Love You"
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Featurette:
1. "Anna and the King: A Modern Epic"
2. Advanced Combo
3. Production Design
4. Featurette
5. Costumes
6. Elephants
Interactive Features:
Scene Selection
Interactive Menus
Director of Photography
Caleb Deschanel: Director/Director of Photography
Production Designer
Luciana Arrighi:
Source Writer
Anna Leonowens: Writer
Costume Designer
Jenny Beavan: Costume Designer
Review 1:
"...Chow and Foster are perfect casting -- stars whose command of their craft and the camera remain all but unmatched anywhere in the world..."
Source: Box Office
p.59 02/01/2000
Review 2:
"...Luxuriant....Pleasant..."
Source: USA Today
p.9E 12/17/1999
Review 3:
"...Undeniably gratifying....Foster moves gracefully in period costumes and commands the screen charismatically..."
Source: Variety
p.83-4
Review 4:
"...[Chow Yung-Fat] is a class act - courtly and charming..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.63-4 01/20/2000