| | | Nothing is as simple as black and white.
Features: DVD, Platinum Series, Commentary
Life imitates art when two teenagers from the 1990's get sucked into the too-perfect black-and-white world of a 1950's sitcom. Trapped and trying to find a way home, the two find themselves bringing color to the lives of Pleasantville's rigid naive towns-people. But as prejudice against the new "colored" world grows and innocence starts to fade, they begin to question their own modern values.Starring: Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, and Don Knotts.
"An ingenious fantasy...great fun!" Janet Maslin, The New York Times
"...excellent performances and striking visual design..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"...one of the year's best and most original films..." Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Editor's Note
Two modern American teenagers are sucked into their television set and end up living in a black-and-white fifties sitcom. Bewildered by their new world's naivete and innocence, they slowly start to add color and spice to the town's life. Eventually, however, they begin to question their influence, wondering if their advanced 90's attitudes are really that much better than those of the innocent past. Sterling effects and stand-out performances make this commentary on modern life a poignant, entertaining effort.
| Features | English Subtitles | | Director Commentary | | Still Photo Gallery | | 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital | | Theatrical Trailer | | Filmographies | | Behind-The-Scenes Featurette | | Film Score Audio Track | | Interactive Menus | | TV Spots | | Cast & Crew Bios | | Storyboards | | Fiona Apple Music Video |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: New Line |
| Release Date: 12/11/2007 |
| Running Time: 124 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1998 | | Catalog ID: 4728 | | UPC: 00794043472824 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (1999) | | | Jay Hart, et al., Nominee, Best Art Direction--Set Decoration | | | Randy Newman, Nominee, Best Music, Original Dramatic Score |
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| | Professional Reviews | Rolling Stone
"...The film is a technical marvel....A visionary adventure..." 11/12/1998 p.121-2Sight and Sound
"...PLEASANTVILLE's ideas are visual and cinematic as well as theoretical, making it glorious entertainment..." 03/??/1999 p.49-50 Total Film
"...Gorgeous effects and a top-notch cast....A funny, feelgood Hollywood movie..." -- 4 out of 5 stars 10/01/1999 p.98 USA Today
"...Visually impressive..." 11/20/1998 p.6E New York Times
"...[An] ingenious fantasy....Ms. Witherspoon turns in a deliciously naughty performance..." 10/23/1998 p.E23 Box Office
"...Winsome and witty....PLEASANTVILLE cleverly satirizes those who preach the values of rigid family values and conformity..." 11/01/1998 p.138 Los Angeles Times
"...Color and black and white exist magically and seamlessly in the same frames....PLEASANTVILLE further illustrates how limitless the future is for the inventive use of new technologies..." 10/23/1998 p.C1 Dallas Observer 8 of 10
[Writer/Directorr Gary Ross has] taken the ancient comedy riff of the fish-out-of-water and refashioned it as a hilarious but surprisingly dark allegory about sexual repression and social intolerance. The satiric messages sneak up on you, but they arrive just the same... this uncommonly clever, surprisingly poignant fairy tale packs a social wallop that we're not quite prepared for. - Bill Gallo
Boxoffice Magazine 8 of 10
...William H. Macy and Joan Allen are impeccable, nailing their characters' obliviousness without dehumanizing them... Pleasantville cleverly satirizes those who preach the virtues of rigid family values and conformity, but avoids controversy by wrapping its message up in a delightful and brilliant special effects-laden package. - Shlomo Schwartzberg
San Francisco Examiner 7 of 10
Maguire and Witherspoon are outstanding as the youngsters; and Macy and Allen are a fine casting stroke, with Allen in particular bringing touching overtones to what could have been a one-note role. Daniels also offers unexpected poignancy. The director and special-effects team also deserve credit for their handling of color; not only is it technically remarkable but it becomes a key element in the story-telling. If you focus on the slow colorization, you see less of the innocuous satire and more that's mysterious and dreamlike. - Walter Addiego
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| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  4.5 | | Plot | 4.5 | | Acting | 4.5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 4.5 |
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5 of 5 Outstanding Film Tuesday, June 08, 2004
A Viewer from Nampa, Idaho
The first time I watched this movie, I was stunned at the message it contains. Having grown up as a child in the 50's, a teenager in the 60's, being a fibre artist, parent and now a grandparent, I recommend this movie for ANYONE who lives in our world. Not only is it visually stunning, superbly written, and beautifully presented by our acting community, it's a strong wake up call for our times. Was this review helpful?  
5 of 5 Great Movie Saturday, October 12, 2002
Matt from Los Angeles, CA
This movie is one of my all-time favorites. It deserved so much more recognition than it got. Pleasantville tells the story of a brother and sister who get pulled into a 1950s TV show. They try to cope with the changes, but eventually idea and independent thought is sparked in the town. The people, shown in black and white, begin to change they are thinking, creating, exploring, and appreciating. I recommend this movie to anyone that wants to see a movie about human potential. Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 It's about freedom Saturday, December 25, 1999
michael.hussey from Alfred, ME
Kevin from GA really missed the point with respect to this great movie. The answer is not sex, but understanding what freedom means and how important it is. Notice how Reese loses interest in sex and her materialistic views as she progresses in the movi Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 very pleasant Wednesday, November 03, 1999
someone from somewhere
the plot is suitably... non-shallow, the cinematography is excellent, as is the acting. interesting how a movie like this could have more special effects than independence day... a very good chickflick overall... Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 Visually appealling and provocative Tuesday, July 20, 1999
rocnred from Northridge, CA
What starts out as a cute film with an interesting concept, turns into a visually lush and thought provoking subplot. It's commentary on the state of America in the days of innocence was not what it seemed. A very intelligent script that is beautifully acted. Joan Allen and Bill Macy are fabulous as with the rest of the cast. A truly marvelous film which leaves you thinking about the way things were and maybe ......still are. Was this review helpful?
3 of 5 Good Concept but... Friday, April 30, 1999
Kevin from St. Simons, Georgia
I thought there was way too much emphasis put on sex as being the answer to everyone's problems. The focus on sex cheapened the film in my eyes. As long as you don't have to watch the film with your parents or your children, however, you will enjoy it as a film with some beautiful shots and special effects. Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 Outstanding Wednesday, April 28, 1999
Jun Namja from San Francisco California
This film was an outstanding and beatiful film...it's visual effects were simply amazing...also it had very good story line...alothough i was little disappointed how the humor presented in the beggining was totally gone towards to end..but over all it was Was this review helpful?
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