On release, Final Fantasy remained in the top spot for two days. On it's third day it was overtaken by Legally Blonde and The Score, placing it in third place within the box office scene. On it's 12th day, Fantasy was buried under a pile led by Jurassic Park 3 and America's Sweetheart's that were competing to rake in the cash. Also at the time in full throttle: Shrek, Tomb Raider, Scary Movie 2, Dr Doolitle 2, Cat's and Dog's, and even A.I. Soon after Planet of the Apes appeared, and Final Fantasy was no more.
In short, Final Fantasy has become Hollywood's newest victim to bad timing. Many things have been said lightly, and thrown harshly at Final Fantasy: the spirit's within, but when something is done so well, there is no room for bashing. Computer Rendering has never been so breathtaking and rarely am I this pleased with how much work was put into a film, nor appreciated it more.
The story, I must admit, does have "the" good versus evil story line that is used in most every film...including Star Wars. Here's a blow, take a look at the highest grossing and most loved films and you will see that they all have that story line. It's in our religeon's, it's in our history, it's in our movies, it's in our blood: Go figure. Also there is complaint of the dialogue between character's being to simple and "everyday". Who would of thought that people speak in simple, every day term's. Heaven forbid we say, "Will I save the Earth before it's too late? I don't know how much time I have left."
Aki is driven by her dreams and a rapidly growing, cancer-like, phantom host that lives within her. As I do not personally believe in the religeon used in the film (i.e. Fantasy), I compared it to my own belief's and was astounded with the similarities. How refreshing to see something that has belief in itself.
Also, another thing I liked is how (even though people complain about the rest of the film) the ending retreat's from Hollywood's simple minded closures. There is no happy ending here my friends, rather a hope for something better.
This is the best looking dvd in my growing collection. The sound is wonderful and alive, though I would have liked a dts track. No complaint's mainly because the 5.1 digital track does everything it is supposed to. Final fantasy is flat out reference material.
When you have your friend's or family over and have just finished your no-bake cheese cake, your going to want to whip out the old dvd remote and show off your system. (That's the way I am, I don't know about you). Usually for sound you would pop in Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan, or The Matrix to show your speakers off. For picture you would get out Unbreakable, again the Matrix, or even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. No more my friend, because now you have a 2 disc'er that will do more than tickle their senses.
As far as extra's, you can't...Can Not!...get much better. At least to date. Though Snow White is close and Ep. 1 a tie, you will be entertained by Final Fantasy's storage of fact's and fiction's. If your an average film nut like me, your knowledge will be tripled and your respect for the film maker's will be beyond word's.
Some advice, do not check out the features before watching the film. The extra's take you nearly frame by frame in the creative process, and could spoil the fun!
Very imaginative and extremely fine tuned film (dvd) that I and my family truly enjoyed. Don't let a victim of bad timing stay at rest. ~S.A.O.S.~
