Fifth Element, The (UK)

Oooh - Bruce Willis saves the world - what a novel idea.

If anyone`s read any of my other reviews (ever the optimist) you`ll know that this is, in actual fact, a favourite theme of mine. I probably keep Brucey in hair cuts and vests.

I did like this one. Spaceships, amazing backdrops and a woman not dressed for dinner are always bonus ingredients in any film. Add Bruce, some guns and a great baddie in Gary Oldman and you`ve got a very succesful package. Being of the Luc Besson ilk it does all get a "bit French" at times - you know the sort of thing - small girl wanders past the camera with a flower whilst a mime artist watches from afar, but I personally thought this added that "Je ne sais quoi" to the weird singing thing with tentacles scenes. Picture quality is superb. I don`t know anything about the technicalities, but the backdrop of the earth when aforementioned tentacle woman is warbling is absolutely superb.

One day someone will make a movie where Bruce has an off day and doesn`t save the world at all, but until then I`m quite happy to recommend the Fifth Element as an addition to anyone`s collection. At least we now know what the fifth element is - it all fits in so naturally - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and, of course, a mad woman with a bikini on and orange hair.

That explains it all.....

Another disc with Bruce Willis! This disc is superb, the transfer is excellent (apart from chapter 9 bug), the story is imaginative, and the effects are not noticable.

The best bits are the hover car chase, and the opera singing at Flostons Paradise (note previous review not Earth), the fight scene cut with the singing is brilliant.

Because the film is european in origin it doesn`t get mushy or silly (eg Armageddon can be embarrasing)

The bass in the opening sequence is a good test to see if a sub is required (in my case no).

The Luke Besson future is bright, the settings imaginative, you can also play spot the actor as a lot of British actors are used.

The main colour is orange, Leeloos hair & webbing, Corbens vest.

Vocals are clear and the sound mix is excellent, great for demoing Dolby Digital.

I have watched this film 4 times in 3 weeks, it is one of my favourites.

Oh., and the R1 is extra less.

The extras are good and the animated menus are stylish.

You must buy this film!

PS Chapter 9 problem fixed with swapped copy from Pathe

It should be said right away that this movie is not another of the mill action flick.
If you walk into the cinema set on leaving your brain outside and watch things getting blown up constantly, then you`re bound to be dissapointed.
This is one of those rare movies that have both a great plot and action sequences.
But the action is not the important thing. Every little detail is thought through and polished to perfection.
Of course you shouldn`t expect less from Luc Besson.
This is a movie that brakes loose from all the clishès from Hollywood and knows when to take itself seriously and when to have fun.
A lot like Blade Runner really.

The acting is equally good. Bruce Willis has the character in his blood (he never plays anything else) and is pretty much a normal hero.
The best performances are given by Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, and the superior Gary Oldman.

Hoping for a Special Edition with directors commentary...

The Fifth Element is a good film, not a classic, but still good. It has just the right blend of action and comedy to keep the viewer entertained, and also features some nice special effects. The cast all deliver sound performances, Willis and Oldman in particular, but it is Milla Jovovich who steals the show. One thing: who decided it would be a good idea to include Tricky? I may be a Bristol boy myself, but his Knowle West accent is really annoying!

The disc itself is excellent, a real visual and aural feast. The anamorphic 2.35:1 video is exceptionally clear and sharp; it really shows off the fantastic futuristic Earth. This is one of the best looking discs I have seen.

The 5.1 DD sound is also among the finest I have heard, with the full soundstage used to immerse the viewer in the on-screen action. Check out the futuristic cities, complete with hover cars for a taste of how good the mix is. The score is also fantastic, and really compliments the visual style of the film.

The extras are a little thin on the ground, with a trailer, some cast and crew bios, and a featurette. The menus are all fully animated, with some very nice transitions and musical accompaniment. There is a hidden teaser trailer included on the disc.

One thing worth mentioning is that the layer change is quite noticeable (it takes places between chapters 9 & 10). I tried the disc on two players, the Samsung 709 and the Toshiba SD100 and it was evident on both machines. The Toshiba normally handles layer changes very well, so this is somewhat of a disappointment. Still, it`s not something that should put anyone off buying this otherwise superb disc.