Princess Caraboo [Blu-ray]

For the life of me, I will never know why this movie wasn't a giant hit. It had everything going for it, a superb cast, and truly enchanting story that is right up there with the best. I had never even heard of the film, but only few minutes into it I was totally captivated, and have been ever since, buying several Blu Ray discs to give to my friends.Many years ago when I was still living in NYC, I went into a little gift shop in Manhattan called Blue Tree, and saw Phoebe Cates standing behind the counter. I was startled by the encounter, saying, "you look just like Phoebe Cates in "Princess Caraboo." She answered, "I get that a lot." Later I discovered that she actually owned the place.

I ordered this the minute I saw it announced. It previously existed only in horridly cropped 4:3 DVD releases, which didn’t do it justice. For anyone who enjoyed this film, this new release is definitely something that you will want. It’s great to finally see it again in its 16:9 aspect ratio.It’s filmic in nature, i.e. it won’t look like anything that had been shot digitally, as it does have a _fine_ grain appearance, but that goes with the territory, and it is well resolved, and never interferes with the quality of the presentation (and I should add that I viewed it on a 77”, 4K set, where problems would have been even more exaggerated). Bottom line, don’t hesitate to get this version, if it’s a film that you enjoy.I won’t delve deeply into the film itself. Others have done that, and there is always IMDB, although I must say that the current rating is unfair, as this film is better than that. It’s a fun film, has a great cast, and takes a jab at the British aristocracy, as well as the draconian laws that existed in the time period in which it is set. And, although it isn’t an actual fairy tale, it feels fairy-tale-ish in nature, and I always enjoyed re-watching it, when I caught it on cable or satellite.

I had a bit of a wait to get this on DVD, having once owned it on VHS, but it's all I remembered it to be - a charming Brit Flick with humor and a twist. Phoebe Cates was astounding, as was the entire cast, especially Kevin Kline as a Greek butler. But Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes as the "star-struck" couple of means who take in the "exotic" Cates were splendid for opposite reasons: he, because he changed his mind about her when he though she'd make him rich; she, because she was gracious from the beginning, but later got to be almost subservient when she thought Cates was a "princess." Even Stephen Rhea, who discovers the truth of the story, finds love in the end, and John Lithgow is wonderful as the Oxford professor who can't discover the language Cates is speaking, but is so enchanted (and in love) with her that he offers a hypothesis for her origins to Broadbent, a crooked banker, and his partner, a spice merchant. When the Prince Regent of England gets involved, all manner of mischief is afoot. At one point, in the middle of the film, the "princess" attends a recital of a piece by Schubert that brings tears to her eyes. It's rather moving, especially since she obviously is not acquainted with music of this type, and it piques your curiosity even more about her origins.I don't know how I was introduced to this film in the first place, but I suspect it was on a "Manager's Picks" shelf at a local video store. Very, very worthwhile and engaging film.

This is a very fun and entertaining movie. And I think it’s really cool that it was based on a true story. I highly recommend watching this.

love the movies from the 80's

This was Phoebe Cates last film in which she co-stars with husband Kevin Kline. It has beautiful costumes, great cast and it’s based off a peculiar but real life story.I love Phoebe Cates and recommend everyone take a journey through her filmography.

A completely entertaining movie. Even with a strong supporting cast Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline stand out with excellent portrayals. Highly recommended. In fact, I wish I could see it again. Unfortunately, I can't.My copy was bought used, but in 'good' shape. The case arrived with both top and bottom torn in the top right quarter of the case. OK, it's used. But the DVD wasn't Princess Cariboo. It was a double sided collection of two different tv series! How disappointing. Sometimes a bargain really isn't.

This overlooked gem is a true delight for a range of viewers. You get the feeling it was a labor of love for all involved-- and what a cast. Stephen Rea, Kevin Kline, Wendy Hughes, and many more. Can't remember seeing Phoebe Cates in anything other than FAST TIMES (and many issues of 17 magazine) but she is perfectly cast and convincing here. You can look to the jacket copy for plot, etc.-- but what stands out about this movie is its originality, gentle humor, social/historical message. And while it was most likely conceived as a period comedy aimed at adults, it's that rare movie that entertains children from 9 or 10 through adults. Lovely for girls and boys--

Very hard to find this film. Its a really good film. Phoebe cates is captivating. Its funny and quirky. Well worth watching if u can find the dvd

Fantastic movie - thoroughly enjoyed it!

I purchased this because I have mislaid my VHS version.Contrary to what a German reviewer states, this is a true story. I am proud to claim her an ancestor and she figures in my family tree.As far as I know, her portrait still hangs in Bristol's Guildhall.My problem is that this version is dubbed in Spanish. There are English sub-titles apparently, so I hope for the best.

If you are looking up "Princess Caraboo" on Amazon, you probably know the film. If not, there are already some good descriptions by other reviewers. However, which version should you get? Currently, there are two versions. You can get the German import or the Spanish import. There are pros and cons for both. The good thing about the German version is that you can view it without subtitles. The bad thing is that it is shown in full screen aspect ratio. The good thing about the Spanish version is that it is shown in widescreen aspect ratio. Though it is not the exact aspect ratio as filmed, it is much closer than the German version. The bad thing about the Spanish version is that you can't watch the film in English without Spanish subtitles. So, you can either watch the film with cropped edges (German) or subtitles (Spanish). Gola phene fo.

"Prinzessin Caraboo" ist eine amerikanisch-britische Filmproduktion aus dem Jahre 1994 der, vor dem Hintergrund eines wahren Vorfalls im England des Jahres 1817, die Geschichte einer jungen Frau (dargestellt von Phoebe Cates) erzählt, die plötzlich in der ländliche Umgegend von Bristol auftaucht und sich nur in einer den Landleuten unbekannten Sprache ausdrücken kann.Die wohlhabende Mrs Worall (Wendy Hughes) und ihr zwielichtiger Gatte (Jim Broadbent) nehmen sie schließlich in ihrem Landsitz auf und führen sie als von Piraten verschleppte südostasiatische Inselprinzessin in die gehobene Gesellschaft, bis hin zum Prinzregenten George ein.Der aufmerksam gewordene Zeitungsreporter Gutch (Stephen Rea) stellt derweil Nachforschungen an, weil er für möglich hält das Caraboo in Wirklichkeit eine einheimische Hochstaplerin mit aussergewöhnlicher Phantasie ist.Zu diesem Zwecke beauftragt er den griechischstämmigen Butler (Kevin Kline) und nachdem dieser schmerzhaft zur Überzeugung gekommen ist das Caraboo echt ist, noch den Experten für orientale Sprachen Professor Wilkinson (John Lithgow) von der Oxforder Universität.Die Auflösung des Rätsels erfolgt jedoch erst später als Personen aus Caraboos Vergangenheit auftauchen.Insgesamt ein sehr gut ausgestatteter, halbwegs authentisch wirkender Historien-und Familienfilm, der teilweise wie ein Märchen wirkt obwohl er durchaus in der Realität angesiedelt ist. Das Staraufgebot kann sich wirklich sehen lassen, wenngleich nicht alle zu voller Entfaltung kommen können. Insbesondere Broadbent, Lithgow und Kline sorgen für einen skurill-humoristischen Einschlag und Phoebe Cates bringt ihre Caraboo ebenfalls sehr gut rüber.Einen Punktabzug muss es jedoch für die eher lausige Bildqualität sowie fehlende Untertitel und Extras geben. Und auch der Ton der in der Originalfassung und Deutsch vorliegt hätte man wohl besser hinbringen können.Für mich ein Schnäppchen, da ich den Film, der eher ein geschichtsfasziniertes Nischenpublikum als die große Masse anspricht, schon 2007 gesehen habe und ihn mir daher nun relativ günstig, mit genannten Abstrichen bei der Qualität, gesichert habe.Film 5 SterneDVD 2 Sterne