Buy The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou on DVD

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Disney/Touchstone / Year: 2004

DVD Widescreen Single-disc More Info Single-disc Close Caption: Yes Region Code: 1 UPC: 786936286892 Catalog #: DL2080492 Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 (Primary), English Dolby Digital Surround, English DTS 5.1, English subtitles, French subtitles, Spanish subtitles	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$9.99
DVD Widescreen 2-disc set More Info 2-disc set Close Caption: Yes Region Code: 1 UPC: 786936242942 Catalog #: DL2080493 Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 (Primary), English Dolby Digital Surround, English DTS 5.1, English subtitles, French subtitles, Spanish subtitles	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$13.99 (6% off) List Price: $14.99

When new special editions or price reductions are announced.

Synopsis

Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) and his crew—Team Zissou—set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly nonexistent Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou’s partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. They are joined on their voyage by a young airline co-pilot, who may or may not be Zissou’s son (Wilson), a beautiful journalist (Blanchett) assigned to write a profile of Zissou, and his estranged wife and co-producer, Eleanor (Huston). They face overwhelming complications, including pirates, kidnapping, and bankruptcy.

Review

In the immortal words of Steven Tyler, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” These are good words to ponder as one takes in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Accused of using gimmick as substance, Wes Anderson’s films — it’s true — rely on linear storytelling less and less with each release. But as with 2001: A Space Odyssey, the story is all but secondary to the actual intention of the film: to offer a visual and audible experience that shows both film and filmmaking at its most imaginative, inventive and beautiful. Not to mention its most fun.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou tells the story of past-his-prime marine explorer/filmmaker Steve Zissou, who — though more stoned and shiesty than Jacques Cousteau — is on the honorable mission of hunting the possibly nonexistent Jaguar Shark that killed his partner. Of course, he hopes to make a landmark film of the experience, preferably before his funding runs out. He is joined on the voyage by an Air-Kentucky co-pilot, who may or may not be Zissou’s son (Wilson), a beautiful journalist (Blanchett) assigned to write a profile of Zissou, his estranged wife and co-producer, Eleanor (Huston,) a Brazilian guitarist who sings only Bowie songs, and the loyal German (Defoe.) As is standard for the resilient Team Zissou — things never quite go smoothly — thanks to kidnappings, pirates, and that little funding problem.

Wes Anderson has offered up a colorful, almost abstract portrait of a tired schemer who simply wants to go out on top. Whether or not he succeeds is almost incidental, as the life in and around the great Team Zissou ship, Belafonte, is a joy to experience. Odd? Yes. Quirky as all get-out? You betcha. But see it with an open mind, and you can expect to see one of the funniest movies of the last couple of years.

-- Justin Hallman

Product Format Information

DVD Widescreen: $9.99 (Single-disc)

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Close Caption: Yes
Region Code: 1
UPC: 786936286892
Catalog #: DL2080492

Studio : Disney/Touchstone

Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 (Primary) , English Dolby Digital Surround , English DTS 5.1 , English Subtitles , French Subtitles , Spanish Subtitles
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 2.35
Extras: Trailers, Deleted Scenes
Features:
Audio commentary: Director
Interview with Cast & Crew with Behind the Scenes Footage;

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DVD Widescreen: $13.99 (2-disc set)

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Close Caption: Yes
Region Code: 1
UPC: 786936242942
Catalog #: DL2080493

Studio : Disney/Touchstone

Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 (Primary) , English Dolby Digital Surround , English DTS 5.1 , English Subtitles , French Subtitles , Spanish Subtitles
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 2.35
Extras: Trailers, 10 Deleted Scenes
Features:
Audio commentary: Director Wes Anderson
Ten David Bowie Songs Performed by Brazilian Recording Artist & Actor Seu Jorge; Interview with Composer and Devo Member Mark Mothersbaugh; Mondo Monda Italian TV Interview; Fold-Out Insert with Cutaway of The Belafonte with Eric Anderson's Original Artwork; Intern Video Journal by Actor and Real-Life Intern Mathew Gray Gubler

Customer Reviews

5 STARS!!!

KILLER wrote on 01/03/2005:

Quite possibly the best offering to date from Wes Anderson. His approach to the way a movie should be viewed is almost like reading a storybook at times. His presentation of characters is methodical--providing excellent charater development and reality. His music selections keep the film motivated and offbeat. And he concludes a story with real meaning.

In Life Aquatic, there's also a little more goofing off which provides quite a few more laughs than in his previous films with a more familiar Bill Murray character that emereges. Not only is he funny, but the remaining cast members deliver the goods as well. The cast is once again full of great chemistry and dedication to the film's direction. As a real fan of Bill Murray, he brings his comic genious to this film. As well as Wilem Dafoe. He transforms himself to a funny, duty bound, strict german crew member worth seeing. The trailer may be tailored to appeal to the more broader audience of Bill Murray, or a film poking fun of noted ocean explorer Jacque Cousteau, but those who know the work of Wes Anderson can rest assured it's full of depth, warmth, and another real introspective look at family ties.

It was truely entertaining and hilarious and I worth the ridiculous theater prices of today.