some helpful info about this release  
By AWZKCG2K5BSJ1 on 2007-02-02
I'll spare the review of the movie itself. If you're reading this, you probably already know this movie is an absolute classic.
There's been some confusion about this release, so let me clear things up.
Because of some of the things I read, I waited for a long time before finally ordering one of these for myself. Now I see there was no reason to hesitate.
This is a "just fine" print of the movie. There's nothing "wrong" with the picture or sound--aside from simply being a dated production that has not been "remastered" in any way.
It's basically the same thing you would get if you carefully dubbed a very good copy of the VHS tape to DVD (which may actually be what they did!).
The picture and sound are basically as good as what you would have seen on your TV set back when this was first broadcast on network television. In other words, there are no "flaws" that would in any way distract from the enjoyment of the drama.
Contrary to what another reviewer reported: Yes, the Chinese subtitles are on by default--BUT THEY CAN BE TURNED OFF. It's easy to do.
Someone was wishing that this release was "wide screen." Sorry, but this would be IMPOSSIBLE. The movie was ORIGINALLY FILMED IN 4:3 RATIO. ("Wide screen" ratios did not exist until a few years after this movie was made.)
I'd gladly give this title SIX STARS! But since I'm reviewing the technical merits of THIS SPECIFIC DVD RELEASE (rather than the artistic merits of the movie itself) I gave it four.
Is this version a Chinese bootleg? I suppose it's possible. These are put out by a small company in Hong Kong. But I took a chance, because unfortunately, it's the only REGION-1 version of this movie on DVD right now. So until they come out with a better version, I'm glad I've got this one.
Before Hollywood starts b****ing about bootlegging, they need extricate their heads from their collective ***es and get classics like this back in print. Until then, they should expect to get bootlegged, and it's their own d*** fault.
Oh please! We still have to get this from overseas???
By A1VD9LIJL4MQAY on 2006-11-01
Come on! I mean this is a classic film not only of 1951 - not only of the 1950s, but of the twentieth century. It's a film made by one of the great directors of the twentieth century and starring two of the greatest actors of the twentieth century. It's incredible that this great movie has had no US DVD treatment AT ALL - no special edition, no multi-disc ultimate edition, not even a single disc poor quality VHS-to-DVD transfer. Nothing. This import DVD (ASIN: B000GJ2882) is apparently the only currently in-print NTSC version of this classic film. I mean the British have put out three different editions of this classic (all region 2 PAL - unwatchable on a standard US DVD player), but here in the US it's been ignored. I mean please, let's get this wonderful film on US DVD already, and in a format that does it justice.
Personally I don't mind getting US region 1 DVDs from elsewhere in the world - I'm a European import myself - but it's the principle of the thing - I would have thought that Americans could produce their own classics on DVD rather than relying on the British or the Asian market to do it for them.
By the way, for those who own a good quality up-converting DVD player that can play region 2 discs, the digitally remastered British version (ASIN: B00005AY14 available from Amazon.co.uk) seems to be the best version currently available, featuring biographies, poster and stills galleries, the original theatrical trailer and a commentary by cinematographer Jack Cardiff.
WAIT!
By A28OHA7TFHMSS5 on 2007-09-07
According to the Internet Movie Database, Paramount Home Video is slated torelease "The African Queen" in 2008.
Might as well wait for the real deal.
A successful mixture of comedy, character and adventure...
By AGZVS6M8XJGN6 on 2006-12-16
"The African Queen" was Bogart's fourth film to be directed by John Huston and his performance in it was very likely the best in his career as well as one which finally won him an Academy Award... He beat out Marlon Brando, who was heavily favored to win for "A Streetcar Named Desire."
The screenplay by Huston and the celebrated movie critic-writer, James Agee, matched Bogart with Katherine Hepburn in what amounted to a two-star tour de force in a deeply touching romance linked to adventures and heroics...
Bogart and Hepburn were delightful as they infused their personal conflict with a warmth, humor, and tenderness rarely seen in films... Mixing comedy and adventure, it was a two-character film, in which Hepburn gave a fine demonstration of her ability to develop within a role... The sensitive interaction between her and Bogart (in an unfamiliar guise) undoubtedly benefited from her many films with Tracy...
Bogart was given a rare opportunity to demonstrate his range as an actor, more than holding his own opposite the formidable Hepburn... He played many scenes with maximum effectiveness, down impossible rapids, where he becomes covered with leeches and suffers a severe fever attack, his drunk scene where he rebels against Hepburn and mocks her high-blown speeches, and the tender moments in which he realizes he's fallen under her bewitching spell...
"The African Queen" was not an easy film to make, most of it being done on location in the insect-infested, suffocatingly hot and humid African Congo... But the result was a brilliantly entertaining film, a successful mixture of comedy, character and adventure...
Import Format Problems?
By A2VHFTZI3F31O1 on 2007-03-08
This DVD may not be compatible w/ your player - I tried two different copies, but niether would play on my DVD player. However, both copies would play on a PC w/ DVD playback software (and it was possible to copy the contents to a recordable DVD which then would play fine on my player). The problems are likely related to this being an "import" DVD - the good news is Amazon refunded the purchase price, no questions asked.
Otherwise, the video quality seemed fine - no special features or extensive indices - just the good old-fashioned, unadulterated Huston movie w/ Bogie and Hep.
- Import Version
By A2WTNYNHWLHK1T on 2006-12-09
* Picture is 4:3. Quality is ok. Sound is ok.
* Cannot turn off subtitle - can only choose between 3 options: English, Chinese, or Simplified Chinese. This is very annoying.
- A good version of a classic movie
By A2M6PP4DNIX3YI on 2006-12-21
I'm not sure why other reviewers are moaning about the quality of this import. It looks great and plays well on my European TV. As someone who wore out the VHS version until it would no longer play, I am just grateful that someone has finally put a USA-viewable DVD of it onto the market. All of your favorite scenes are there in good color. The sound is excellent. If you have a problem with it, perhaps you should consider a new TV set as a holiday gift to yourself.
- WHAT! Another Import?
By AJGUK3SSL90LZ on 2006-10-27
I have been waiting for an American release of this movie since I purchased a DVD player. Was I excited when I first spotted this DVD for pre-order. Then I read that it is another "IMPORT"! When is the American studio going to release this great movie in a "re-mastered", "Special Edition" DVD that it deserves??? Disappointed Again! Since I have not watched this exact release, I will give it a 3 Star rating, just to be fair. I have another "Import" version from Korea that I would give a 3 rating to in my collection.
- We Need a US/North America DVD NOW!!
By A1KGG6NGDQL7N5 on 2007-05-12
It is unconscionable that one of THE Greatest Films of all time is STILL not available on DVD in North America. What in the world is the problem??
BTW, for the reviewer who mentioned that Bogey "didn't sound British"; you need to pay attention--early in the film Bogey's character (Charlie) is clearly identified as CANADIAN. Eh? But of course, during the era depicted (1914) Canada was a Dominion of the British Empire, and still used the "Union Jack" as their national flag. (The Canadian "Red Ensign" was adopted in late 1943; the "Maple Leaf flag" in 1967).
Nevertheless--bring us THE AFRICAN QUEEN!! Say "NO" to Bootlegs!!
- Wide Screen?
By A2J6W1PAP4FPRY on 2006-12-04
I LOVE this movie and would buy it in a heartbeat if only I knew wheter or not it was in wide screen format even if not digitally remastered and in dolby 5.1. Unfortunately, the product specs don't tell us that. And so, it sits in the "buy later" section of my shopping cart until I know, it gets so cheap I don't care or -- better still -- the studios do right by we fans and issue it properly here in the US.
- Great Movie
By A12OA28PNRCSR7 on 2007-03-23
The African Queen is such a great movie. The lead characters just seemed to be so real. I waited a long time for this movie to be distributed in DVD format. This import version had subtitles that were somewhat annoying.
- Things aren't always what they seem
By AFQSY113LM5Y5 on 2007-06-22
Be somewhat forgiving in criticizing movie releases. It is my understanding that the copyrights for "The African Queen" is privately held which may be why it has never been released on DVD in the USA,i.e., the copyright owner has not released their rights for reproduction. Just recently "Marie Antoinette" with Norma Shearer was put to DVD and that movie, although not on par with "The African Queen" is one of my favorites. Again, the copyright may have been privately held which precluded earlier adaptation to DVD.
Also, I agree with the reviewer regarding "Widescreen". The old movies will not come out in widescreen because that is not how they were filmed.
- More than I wanted
By AFGKSMHH7JVXA on 2007-11-24
I have been a fan of African Queen for years and have waited and waited for it DVD release. I don't care that it's an import but I was not aware that there is no way to stop any type of subtitles from showing. There are three choices: Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English. It's spoken in English. I can watch it with subtitles but would prefer not to but there is no option to NOT have subtitles.
- A Classic
By A36NDB35XRQEOJ on 2007-01-22
One of my all time favorite movies. Youngsters may not get it but so what. I have seen this movie over 20 times. I still enjoy it. Of course the stars are among my favorites too. The cinematography was pretty cool for those days. No "animitronics" here - just real live African animals.
I understand Ms. Hepburn wrote a book called something like "How I Almost Had a Nervous Breakdown Making Aftican Queen."
L.S.
- Please release this DVD in Region 1
By A3GAMMVQ4RVZQ2 on 2007-06-22
I just wanted to add in my support of having this DVD released in the US. There is so much crap out there on DVD - why are the classics being held back? I would buy this in a second if it were given a proper release.
- A WONDERFUL 'FEELGOOD' PICTURE
By A2QX3ZNMH5W4BI on 2007-03-11
Bogart and Hepburn are at their best in this movie about two symbiotic characters (Charlie and Rosy) who, despite being from opposite ends of the social spectrum, link up to achieve a common goal--to sink a German gunboat lurking in Lake Tanganyika during WW1. To me, the film is an egalitarian love story. During the voyage to reach the German ship 1) Charlie and Rosie fall in love with each other; 2) the audience falls in love with both of them; and 3) everyone except the Germans fall in love with the lovable Tub That Could, the African Queen. Under Huston's masterful direction we experience metamorphic character developments: The scampish Charlie becomes domesticated and the prissy Rosy becomes a "regular" gal. At the same time, we enjoy watching them both become British heroes as they instill in each other the courage and determination needed to fulfill their objective: Rosy persuades Charlie to rig up the African Queen as a home-made torpedo boat and, after overcoming many hardships, they finally meet up and clash with the German warship. (That Bogie sounds as British as my uncle Louie from Brooklyn is forgiven in this saga--he won an Oscar for his performance, anyway--Bogie, that is, not my Uncle Louie. I believe Hepburn was also nominated but did not win--too bad.)
With its minimal cast the movie is fast-paced and riveting. The photography is superb. The screenplay and music are wonderful. The acting is top drawer.
I can watch movies (and actors) of this calibre again-and-again and find something new with every viewing. This is wonderful entertainment for all ages.
- A wonderful Import~ Stop Bitching!
By A2BTFQ47LOU8RI on 2007-06-23
Yes, there is not a US edition of The African Queen. So be happy with what we have got in this Asian import. The picture and sound are just fine. The DVD played perfectly in my player, and turing off the subtitles were as easy as reading the instructions on the menu.
So until we get the 2 disc special editon here in the US, order this import edition. It's a must and well worth the money.
- The African Queen
By AN9TN8MW629JS on 2007-07-20
You can't get any better than Bogie and Hepburn. They are great together and this is a classic
- BOOTLEG! UnCertified/UnAuthorized for Resale in the US.
By A1V4AJITJLTF3Z on 2008-02-01
Hard to believe Amazon allows the sale of Asian import releases on their site. If you go over to the Internet Movie Data Base, you will see that this title is NOT certified to be sold in the USA.
Note: I'm rating the release and the fact that it's a BOOTLEG, not the movie, itself. The film is fantastic.
Illusion
- A jewel for the Queen.
By A16ZZ9BZE1AHUL on 2007-02-28
African Queen is a jewel. It is always wonderful to watch this exciting classic movie.
- Great actors, classic movie
By A34792YZU3EH56 on 2007-05-09
Katherine Hepburn is an English missionary in Africa at the beginning of World War I. As the Germans take over the village and force the natives into service, she and Humphrey Bogart, a working class Canadian steamboat pilot, must try and escape down the river and get out of German occupied Africa.
This is half an odd-couple unlikely romance story, half an African adventure story. As such it doesn't really do a good job of either. Hepburn and Bogart must deal with rapids, waterfalls, leeches, biting bugs, and German forts, but it really pales by the standards of today's action films. In fact even by the standards of the time there isn't near as much jungle adventure as there is in say a Tarzan movie. (In this day and age of CGI sets and backgrounds, however, it is nice to see a film from back in the days when they actually used real scenery. A lot of the African jungle shown in this film is stunningly beautiful).
The real attraction of this movie is just seeing Hepburn and Bogart paired up together, and they do a great job. Particularly Bogart, who is playing against type as a bumbling steamboat pilot. A big contrast to the smooth talking roles he plays in "Casablanca" or "The Maltese Falcon".
- African Queen
By A14OGIJERPG7DK on 2007-06-12
DVD was good til the last 5 minutes or so, then it started to skip. I reversed for a few minutes and restarted and this time it went all the way to the end without a problem. I will watch it again and if the problem occurs again, I will send it back for a replacement or refund.
- African Queen [Import], no off subtitles are bad
By A1GHUN5HXMHZ89 on 2008-06-16
This review only refers to the Import version of this movie. Although I was happy to get a copy on DVD since I love this movie, I was not impressed with this version on a couple counts. The picture quality and sound are great but you are forced to watch the subtitles since there is no off feature in the setup. This might not be so bad except there are several mistakes in them, the worst of all is when Bogart, according to the subtitle curses, but certainly not what you hear him say. What he calls Hepburn in the subtitle is something that never would have been used back when this movie was made, but it is a common curse word now. So if you are desperate for a copy on DVD this will suffice, but I am hoping we see a British or American release of this on DVD soon. Turner Network why haven't you got this out yet? Good picture and sound DVD, bad subtitles, and good replayability. - C. Luster
- African Queen - Hong Kong Import
By A3Q63DLW4I8759 on 2008-08-13
I saw absolutely nothing wrong with this version of the classic African Queen. I had been waiting for Hollywood to release this movie and had trepidations about buying a "foreign version". This turned out to be no problem, and I don't have to wait for Hollywood to get their head out of their ... well you know.
- Bogie and katy, aces a pair !
By A2QCV09RS094YU on 2007-05-23
Bogart, Hepburn and the African Queen, an adventure and boat ride ranks as one of Hollywood all time great movies. For those who may never have seen "The African Queen" are in for a treat you will not soon forget and for those who hav viewed A.Q. many times as I have, its an enjoyment to be repeated over and over. Great luck to have this classic available on current DVD's If you liked "Casablanca" you'll love the African Queen
- The African Queen
By A23ACTZX9TDR7E on 2007-07-25
This movie is a total classic, and I saw it in the 1950's and now I have it for my own. The only thing, some might think it's a little slow in the the action, compared to our movies now a days, Humphery Bogart and Katharine Hepburn are both great Actors in there own wright, so if you are looking for a love story and adventure down a river, you have it all in this movie.
- What?? No English sub-titles?
By A3IM0SC9OGN3DM on 2008-02-02
I loved this film when it first came out, and would very much like to have it now on DVD, but will not. It has no English sub-titles! (I don't read Chinese.) Maybe someone else will put it on DVD with subtitles. I'l wait til then.
Susan
- A fine import of an outstanding movie
By A36WDC7VWUFB4S on 2008-05-13
This is obviously a truly outstanding movie. Don't be put off by the Import label. This is a very good presentation of the movie. The quality is every bit as good as an excellent VHS tape, but without any aging, blurring, or other degradation in quality that can come with an old VHS tapes. So until there is an American version of this old classic, do yourself a favor and get it today.
- The African Queen
By A11RPHRCOKEP2O on 2007-06-09
This movie is perhaps one of the top best 20 movies ever made by Hollywood.
Let's face it no one will be able to take Bogart's place or Hepburn's either.
They were two of the very best actors to ever come out of Hollywood.
- The African Queen
By A3MT9449H6BLQJ on 2007-06-11
Received the wrong CD Rom/DVD. Was sent The Jacksons instead of what I ordered....The African Queen.
Have not heard back from the merchant and it has been 3 weeks. Very disappointed. Will not purchase any other DVD's.
Judi Feldman
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