The World According To Garp - Robin Williams [DVD]

First Robin Williams film and first Glenn Close film and First film with John Lithgow. Brilliant!

Captivating performance by Robin Williams, Glen Close and John Lithgow and everyone. It combined humor, depth and sorrow all in one. The perfect example of a comedy drama, and the story telling is as unexpected and as refreshing.

THE FILM: "Wow" is almost all I can say at this point, having just finished watching it. I knew Robin Williams was a great actor, but this has to be the best dramatic role I've ever seen him in so far (keeping in mind that I haven't seen quite a few of his dramatic roles yet). He lays his emotions bare as T.S. Garp, the "bastard son" of Jenny Fields. The film is quite an emotional roller coaster, taking you from laughter, to shock and tears at various points throughout the long, but never dragging, narrative. It basically the entire life of Garp squeezed into about 130 minutes, consisting of snapshots and various episodes that he experiences as he gets older. His mother Jenny, played by Glenn Close (in her film debut) with motherly tenderness and wisdom, was also highly impressive. Even though it's Garp's story, his mother plays an integral part in shaping his worldview, which is unique to say the least. There's so many great moments in this film, that it's impossible to pick just one. Although, there is a couple scenes towards the end that were particularly poignant in the wake of Robin Williams' untimely death. I'm not afraid to admit that I cried a couple of times. There was even some of the relationship drama that struck a chord with me due to recent events in my own life that I'm still getting over. In short, I think this is one of the best films I've ever seen in my life, and is certain to be one of my favorites in years to come. On a side note, John Lithgow has a outstanding supporting turn as a trans-woman named Roberta. While Jared Leto might have done an excellent job in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Lithgow did it first and better in my opinion. There's also a small cameo by Amanda Plummer, in what was probably one of her first roles. So, it is with no hesitations that I can wholeheartedly recommend this film. It is honest, unpretentious and sentimental without being sappy (for the most part). A must-see for Robin Williams fans and cinephiles in general.THE DISC: Despite the film being so good, the DVD presentation is a bit disappointing. It doesn't look like too much effort was put into restoring it, although the film isn't so old that it would have deteriorated that much in the first place. The only spots that really look bad are the opening and closing credits. Other than that, the SD picture looked ok. As this is one of Warner Brothers' Archive Collection (on-demand DVD-R's), there really isn't too much in the way of special features. All that is on the disc is the theatrical trailer, some cast filmography highlights and a list of awards that the film received. Better than nothing, but still lacking in my opinion.OVERALL: Just to have the film available on DVD at all is a blessing, because it's just that good, but WB could have put more effort into the overall package. 5/5 for the film, 3/5 for the DVD.

Although different from the book, the movie is heartwarming, funny and tragic. It' s one of Robin Williams early movies and I have fond memories of my Mom taking my brother and me to see it. It's a hidden gem.

I bought this for a friend for their wedding gift. their first date!

Liked it

This has long been near the top of my favorite movies list. I had read John Irvings novel and was quite excited to see the movie coming out(wayyyy back in '82) but approached viewing it cautiously given that in my experience, most movies based on novels I'd read, were mere shadows of the book...generally disappointing. George Roy Hill hit a grand slam homer directing this one! Somehow he managed to weave all the quirky twists and convoluted turns Irving novels are noted for into this cinematic tour de force in ways that I found often surprising -delightfully so- even though I knew the story lines. He(Hill) got it all! This is a movie for the ages, It covers an array of topical issues we still wrestle with today in our society in ways that are uniquely provocative. And it is one of the most unpredictable movies I've yet experienced.There are a few scenes that some might find uncomfortable watching with their elderly mothers or fathers if you catch my drift. But hey...ya gotta see this movie! I immediately ordered it for streaming through Amazon to honor Robin upon hearing of his tragic passing and watched it that night which made one scene I'd not noticed before( having owned and watched this movie in another now obsolete format many times) so poignant. It occurred at the 1hour and 30 minute mark of the movie and was a family scene in the kitchen with Garp(Robin) making a comment on that day that left me - well- I stilled the video at the conclusion of his monlogue to catch the one face of Robin Williams I will always remember him by- I hope you tune it in.

Excellent movie