Hugo (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) (2011)

Hugo is probably Scorsese's most overlooked film. In my opinion, this is an absolute joy to watch from start to finish. Whether you are a child or adult, there is definitely something here for you to admire. It's incredibly ambitious and stuffed with sub-plots but the main purpose of the film is to express the adoration of classic cinema by being a partial biopic to Georges Méliès. Also known as the 'Cinemagician', he was a pioneer when it came to the movement of cinema and created many influential pieces such as 1902's famous "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" (which I advise all of you to watch and appreciate). On top of this, you have a boy named Hugo who is really trying to find a purpose. Having lost his father, he lives in a train station and observes the employees and their interactions. Each character is animated and charismatic and mimics the expressiveness of classic cinema. Sure this part of the film is aimed towards the younger audiences, but I personally believe it's a homage to earlier films if you look into it further. Incredible cast, Asa Butterfield has that premature innocence and is able to hold the film together. Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen McCrory are also noteworthy and bring out some superb performances. I adore the mystery that Hugo explores, particularly with an automaton that is left with him...it added a sense of adventure and it had me hooked. Scorsese fantastically directed this and I appreciate him using Méliès' original film reels when showing the footage. The cinematography was stunning, particularly loved the winter tundra aesthetic. The musical score was very...how to put this...frenchy? Or perhaps Parisian? I loved it. One of the best films in 3D by the way, highly recommend you watch it in this format. My only issue with the film is that I wanted some more emotional impact! A few scenes where Butterfield gets emotional but he just doesn't quite reach that height, so close though. All in all, a fantastic film for both families and cinephiles who are interested in classic cinema. It's full of charm!

When I first heard the news that Martin Scorsese was going to make a family-friendly film it sounded like a terrible mistake or a bad joke, nobody expects the man responsible for Goodfellas to churn out the kind of movie that we take seven year olds too. But once I watched the film I realised that Hugo could have only been made by one of the big boys, someone that has devoted their life to cinema, someone who had passion for the medium and it all became clear why Scorsese had decided to bring this story to life.While there's a great deal of plot in Hugo, the movie is primarily a sensory experience. Scorsese's artful use of visuals turns the elaborate clockworks at the station into a labyrinth that Hugo traverses with a practised stealth that's amplified both by his age and his fear of being discovered. This is one of the most tactile films you'll ever see, smoke, snowflakes, and dust particles blow through the frame, adding depth to the images. If the film were any busier it would become exhausting to look at because there's just so much to take in, but right from the start, Scorsese balances all of the visual elements perfectly with a shot that compares the layout of Paris' streets to the gears of a clock.The visual splendour, of course, isn't all the film has to offer. It's employed to tell a story very close to the director's heart, a tale about finding and caring for old movies. Ben Kingsley's character turns out to have had quite the fascinating life before ending up at the station, and while it's unfair to spoil the surprise for those who don't know, it's reasonable to say that Hugo is Scorsese's loving tribute to the building blocks of modern cinema. It's a history lesson that allows the modern master director to re-create some of the most-memorable images from the art form's first decade, as well as craft a tender movie about creating a family.The thought of Martin Scorsese fashioning a family-friendly film is just as odd as Jean Claude van Damme winning an Oscar but after seeing it I can tell you it is a triumph. Ironically, Hugo is a movie that will probably appeal more to hardcore film nerds than to seven-year-olds, unless of course that youngster will grow into a movie geek. If that's the case, Hugo might even be the catalyst that starts it all off. Recomended.

If you're reading my review, either you know of Carlos Zafon's books and you are compelled by my reference or you haven't got a clue of what am i talking about and so you're curious to see why i posted a title like that.If you know of Carlos Zafon's books and you're still here reading this, chances are that you absolutely loved his novels such as "The Shadow of the Wind"',"Angel's Game" and "Marina", at the most.So...if just by me mentioning Zafon's "The Shadow of the Wind" is enough for you to recall that haunted, poetic and beautiful atmosphere from his books, well strangely enough it's all here exactly like that in this Scorcese movie ! Because...Watching Hugo is like reading the Carlos Ruiz Zafon book he never wrote but could have written and this is very hard to explain to people who haven't experienced this film knowing about novels like "The Shadow of the Wind".The way the plot feels almost non existent if you're expecting it to be like a typical Hollywood movie where everything has to be explained , defined and mixed with action scenes every ten minutes. The way it creates a magical world based on real places as Scorcese does with Paris in the movie what Zafon does it with Barcelona in his novels. The way characters are all weaved into the atmosphere of the place and although their stories don't need to touch they are all part of the same magical universe, which has magic without the need to have traditional fairytale or fantasy stuff in. Christopher Lee in this movie plays exactly the same character you can find in Zafons novel , The Shadow of the Wind as the secret library book keeper!!So what does this all mean if you're just a casual movie goer, don't like to read and you're expecting Hugo to be like a typical action packed fantasy movie for kids ?... Well , it isn't, you've been fooled by the trailer and Hugo is not the new Harry Potter. Deal with it ! By saying this i really cannot believe that so many people attack Hugo here in IMDb, mostly because they though the trailer mislead them. You're fooled, so what ? Why throw your anger at the movie because some wise guy at the marketing department sold it as something that is not ? Why cant these angry reviewers just try to enjoy this movie for what it is ?! A fantastic but most of all - a different (!!) Hollywood movie coming out of studios that usually just throw another brainless Transformer (or clone) at you every other weekend.There's nothing wrong with the plot in Hugo. It's simple but its incredibly well done and contrary to what some bad reviews said, it was a joy to follow the (obvious) mystery, because the magic in this movie was not in th mystery or in he suspense scenes (much less in the action scenes) , but in the general ensemble final atmosphere that every little piece of the visual puzzle created. Sets, characters, world and love for the cinema. Also, i didn't think this is a movie for kids, or at least its not a kids movie for sure. Its just a movie with kids in it ! And probably one of the best and most beautiful looking movies i ever seen. If you like illustration or you're an illustrator you'll love this film to death. Its a visual steam-punk masterpiece.Contrary to what some other viewers felt, personally, i cannot compare it to Cinema Paradiso because for me the real footage from Meliés movies didn't affected me at all with the same dramatic punch Tornatore's movie did at the end and so to me if there was something missing from Hugo was a bit of emotion and also character development because in some parts of the movie i wanted to see more of the many characters and little stories but they're never fully developed. But i liked the little touches, i was captivated by the small glimpses of love-stories and really liked Sacha Baron Choen character which to me is really the heart of the movie in a strange kind of way that maybe shouldn't have been like that.Overall i think this is a fantastic and unique movie and one of the best American love letters to cinema I've ever seen. I wished it could be as emotional as Cinema Paradiso but it isn't and that is the only reason i don't give it five stars. Otherwise its brilliant, poetic and beautiful in more than one way.Although i agree a little bit with people who said the documentary style stuff stalls the plot and makes some parts of Hugo seem like they belong in a different movie. I agree that was not a good choice by Scorcese and to me th repetition of those bits in the second half of the story really toned down the dramatic effect and shouldn't have been done like that at all. The way the real footage was inserted felt too intrusive and split the movie in pieces for too many seconds several times when it needed to create more empathy with the audience and the characters. Anyway... If you don't go into it expecting the usual Hollywood crap blockbuster you'll enjoy the way the story is weaved. Above all if you like books and have a passion for cinema you wont forget Hugo so soon.

This movie is filled with wonderful performances by the actors. It is a tale of a child's journey from loneliness into a world of wonders and it is beautifully told. Martin Scorsese has produced a fine work of cinema, which is fitting considering that it deals with one of the pioneers of modern film making, George Melies. It has adventure, humour and drama, I felt uplifted by the film's ending. This is a true family film.I particularly liked Sacha Baron Cohen as the Policeman, don't think of his other roles if that might put you off, his portrayal is funny and well balanced, not over the top. As a consequence of watching this film, I also learned a great deal about George Melies, of whom I knew nothing before. Although the story of Hugo is fictional, there are many elements of Melies real life that are incorporated here and give a fascinating insight into early cinema.Although it is obvious some scenes had 3D in mind when they shot them, I didn't feel that I got any less out of the film for watching it in 2D. If you love cinema, you will love this film.I would also recommend the book that it is based on and the DVD of Melies "A Trip to the Moon", which includes some excellent background material on him.

This film is a difficult one for me to rate. I thought it was undoubtedly beautiful but.....something just wasn't right. It seemed to drag somewhat at times and I honestly thought that the child actors were amateurish in the early parts of the film. (I don't know if this was just me and I hate to sound negative as I do believe as the film got going they improved massively). My main concern is that as this film is for the younger generation, they will find it difficult to watch, it isn't like your typical 'disney' story which I felt the trailer made out it would be. However, as I said, there were some big positives. The scenery was quite beautiful, the 3D (the girlfriend and I's first 3D movie on the new TV) was an amazing experience - the start just blows you away! Typically strong performance from Ben Kingsley who is just an awesome actor. So pros and cons hence why I give it a middle rating. Some will love, others not so.

This DVD of Martin Scorsese "HUGO" has just become available( April 2nd) and my copy was deliveredto me in Malta just 2 days later. Wow what an Easter Treat !.It is the most delightfull story that Ihave seen in years. The Visual and Audio presentation is as good as they get.The remarkable cast asheer delight to watch. I recall a 'Show Business" saying " Never appear with Kid's or Animals" ,well Mr Scorsese throws caution to the wind and had both Children and Animals along side an arrayof mature actors of top quality.Aca Butterfield give a truly remarkable portrayal as 'Hugo' and Ben Kingsley with many others buildthis story of the birth of the Motion Picture to be a sheer wonder. Sacha Baron Cohen says this isthe "Part of a Life Time" & he makes it just that. In all I was , as an 89 year old able to relive somany memories of my childhood & Youth. Well Done to producer Johnny Depp and all the hundreds of theteam gave us this "Easter Delight " Eric Frith. Malta.

I'm reviewing the 2D Blu-ray version of this movie - I don't have a 3d tv. The film is an absolute visual feast that Blu-Ray makes the most of. A slow paced quiet film with a relatively simple story. Right from the start, with its stunning tracking shot above 1920's Paris, into the train station, and up to the station clock, I knew I was going to love this film. It's central theme is about a pioneer of movie making, who fell into obscurity after the first world war, a real life character who produced some astonishingly inventive films; when you look at what other film makers were producing at the time this man's films become all the more astonishing. It's full of charming little sub-plots, featuring lots of well known largely British actors. Also included is a short documentary about Georges Melies, which is fascinating. It includes a photograph of the great man in his toy shop in the station, this could be a still from the film, and demonstrates that this film was made with love for the history of film. It's full of charm, an absolute beauty.

I think Hugo in 3D is just as good as when I saw it at the cinema. The filming CGI blends brilliantly and the synergy between the clockwork of the train station and the clock work included with the automaton, the camera and the history of cinema is beautifully linked in a subtle way that you dont notice its being done.The story focus's on Hugo, and his life, and his relationship with his lost father and the experiences he shared. This aligns with a back story of Georges who's lost everything and forced to operate a toy shop in order to survive, after being one of the most innovative and amazing film producers in his time and a boy who sees that Georges life needs fixing and helps him realise that he did amazing work, which people appreciated.The 3D is great, the story is great, to me its one of the best films of 2011. Certainly one of the best 3D films i've seen.

DESDE MI PUNTO DE VISTA EL PRODUCTO ES EXCEPCIONAL.AHOA BIEN, HEMOS DE TENER EN CUENTA QUE EL ÚNICO AUDIO Y SUBTÍTULO DISPONIBLE ES EL INGLÉS.EXISTE LA POSIBILIDAD DE DISFRUTAR DEL 3D O 2D EN EL MISMO DISCO.RESPECTO A LA CALIDAD DE LA PELÍCULA, EVIDENTEMENTE, CADA USUARIO TENDRÁ SU VALORACIÓN PERSONAL.MI ÚNICA INTENCIÓN HA SIDO DESRIBIR LO QUE NOS VAMOS A ENCONTRAR SI COMPRAMOS ESTE PRODUCTO.UN SALUDO A TODOS LOS USUARIOS DE AMAZON.FERNANDO.

Gozada de 3D que hace de la película una obra maestra. No es necesario lanzar nada al espectador ni poner cerca de la cámara objetos para conseguir unos efectos tridimensionales espectaculares. Sensación total de estar dentro de la película.

Muy buena pelicula y es de agradecer que ambas versiones vengan en el mismo disco, lo malo es que esta edición sólo esta en inglés.

Una película maravillosa para los que sepan inglés. El uso de las tres dimensiones es muy apropiado e intenta un acercamiento a Meliés, el genio de los trucajes en la etapa del cine mudo.

I'm a 59 year old electronic engineer, who started in electronics at age 5. (No joke!) ALTHOUGH I didn't design or work on DVD players, I thought I had a pretty good knowledge of them. Apparently, not.This DVD will NOT work in players made for purchase in the U.S.A.! It turns out that DVD players have region settings. A1 is what you want.Now, Amazon is a U.S.A. Company and I believe that Hugo was produced in the states. So, after purchasing a 3D TV, 3D glasses, 3D Blu-Ray player and a Home Theater Sound System from amazon, I assumed that the DVDs purchased from amazon, would work with my system. Not so! At least for this Hugo, sold by this company.When I contacted them, they replied that they clearly stated what region this disc was for. Except for the message displayed on my screen, this was the first time I heard of regions in association with players and DVDs!WHY would a company sell DVDs to a company in America, when the DVDs will NOT work in the DVD players in America? It is clearly meant to deceive amazon's U.S.A.'s customers. Perhaps these were copies that didn't sell in Germany. Germany is where they will work.First, as a customer, I am mad. I have to pay return postage to Germany, to get a possible refund, probably minus their shipping charge and mine. It is almost not worth it, which they are counting on. Second, as an Amazon merchant, I am furious that another merchant would do such a thing. If my customer's DVD won't play, I give them a full refund AND I send out another DVD, free of cost and via Priority Mail. Yes, I lose money. But, it is how I would like to be treated. It turns out that by treating the customer in such a way, that I have a customer for life, who recommends me to other people. I have become a strong believer in Karma. THIS company has a lot to learn.As for a review of the movie, I haven't yet seen it. I'm aware that this is meant to be a product review, but I wanted to warn those who are about to make the mistake that I did.