Ecstasy (Extase) |  | Director: Gustav Machatý
Actors: Hedy Lamarr, Aribert Mog, Zvonimir Rogoz, Leopold Kramer, Emil Jerman
Studio: Image Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $16.77
as of 11/24/2009 16:16 CST details
You Save: $8.22 (33%)
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Rating:  10 reviews
Format: Black & White, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Languages: German (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 82 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
UPC: 014381144420
EAN: 0014381144420
Theatrical Release Date: December 24, 1940
Release Date: June 11, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
It is one of the notorious titles in all cinema history, but--sigh--it looks rather quaint today. In the mid-1930s, Ecstasy was a great conversation piece, for its scandalous acknowledgment of sexual passion in women and its revelation of the naked form of actress Hedy Kiesler, who would become the Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr. Henry Miller even wrote an excited essay about it, sure proof that something libidinous was loose. Czech director Gustav Machatý constructs the movie as an almost wordless shadow play of symbols and signs, mostly sexual (there are many close-ups of heavy-breathing horses and nude statues, cut together for maximum erotic impact). As precious as some of these things seem now, it's still amazing to consider Machatý's nerve in depicting one of the first orgasms to hit the movies. And then there's Hedy, whose expressive eyes matter more than her brief skinny-dip. She's an unmistakable future star. --Robert Horton
Description
Hedy Lamarr (Samson and Delilah) stars as Eva, a young woman who marries an older man and is rejected on their wedding night. Frustrated, she runs away and meets a younger man who responds to her unfulfilled yearnings. Called "the most whispered about picture in the world" at its release, "Ecstasy" shocked moviegoers with its erotic depiction of sex, particularly scenes of a young Lamarr swimming naked and its images of this unknown beauty at the height of passion. The European film propelled Lamarr into Hollywood stardom and became an internationally-known classic hailed for its sophisticated approach to sexuality, maintaining a special place in movie history.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
A pleasant surprise February 28, 2009
George W. Lynn
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As with some of the others who reviewed this film, I rented it to see what the fuss was about, once upon a time, and found instead a surprisingly solid film. Hedy gives a very nice performance, even when fully clothed, which is after all, almost all of the film. In the beginning she is a young bride married to a middle aged man and it would have been nice to have had some scene to set up why she got married to this old fellow to begin with, but it's obvious from the start this isn't going anywhere fast, and Hedy goes into a slow death from lack of love, both the physical and emotional. Her performance is very sympathetic and the audience is inclined and expected to be indulgent with her. But her husband isn't played for laughs either, and the scene in which he finally realizes he's being cuckholded is itself very touching. Neither character is morally condemned in the course of the film, nor is her Lover for that matter. For a film that is largely silent, the acting is very modern in style and restrained. There are some pecularities for the modern viewer, especially in the final scenes where we get lots of shots of sturdy working men doing sturdy physical labor, with picks and shovels, building a new Germany I suppose. Maybe that was the price of getting the film released in 1933 Germany. Lots of emphasis on nature, with horses indulging in horse behavior, and lots of gypsies as well. But this is actually a fairly thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive film and well worth watching. And, Heddy in the buff is still pleasant to look at.
 A Thing of Beauty - Lost Forever August 8, 2008
Noble Savage (Houston, TX USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Hedy Lamarr had a body which was absolutely beautiful.
One scene in Ecstasy showed her beauty, with full frontal nudity, at the young age of 18. It was included in this movie for all the world to see, and appreciate, forever. However, when I puchased this DVD, that particular scene was not included. Some idiot editor deleted that scene.
So, now, thanks to some idiot editor at Amazon, that thing of beauty is lost - forever!
 Schöner Beginn für einen österreichischen Weltstar March 6, 2008
Helmut Wondraschek (Austria, EU.)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Danke, daß es in USA diesen Film in Originalfassung gibt.
Deutsche Untertitel sind ja auf US-Filmen kaum vorhanden und
verringern den Kaufreiz erheblich !!
 Classic Hedy Film February 26, 2008
Gary McGuire (Waterbury, CT USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased this DVD after watching Turner Classic Movies on TV The host mentioned that it was the film that made Hollywood take note of Hedy. It is B&W with subtitles but easy to follow. I enjoyed it very much. A film classic that belongs in everyones library.
Early movie about sexual passion November 10, 2007
Jmark2001 (Florida)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This would have made a very good silent movie as it has the expressive power of that medium. What spoken dialogue there is (and the speaking scenes are brief) doesn't add much to the visuals here. First of all, it isn't pornographic. The brief nude scenes are about as arousing as those old nudist camp movies. The nudity takes place in nature and it is completely naturalistic in tone. Second, this is the first film to depict a woman's orgasm (we only see the woman's face but there is plenty to suggest what is going on between her and the man). The plot is simple: a beautiful young woman marries an old coot who is too tired (or impotent) to satisfy her - even on her wedding night. She takes up with a young, virile hunk instead. We get lots of nature scenes, sunshine, horses, swimming, etc. The point of the film seems to be that sex is as natural as - well, nature, and shouldn't be denied. Who wants to argue with that? Certainly not me. Hedy Lamarr is very pretty here. It isn't a great film but it is still sensual and lovely in places. No, it won't turn you on if you are used to being bludgeoned over the head by the typical hard-core porn film made today but it has a sweetness and poetry about it that makes it still worth a look even if it is dated.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
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