"The Count of Monte Cristo" on DVD

Guide Rating -

This 2002 version of the classic novel features Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes/Count of Monte Cristo, Guy Pearce as his best friend and betrayer, Fernand Mondego, and Dagmara Dominczyk as Mercedes, the woman whose love and beauty set the betrayal in motion.

Set up as a traitor, Edmond is ripped from the side of his future bride and taken away to rot in prison. There he learns to read, write, and - most importantly - fight, from an elderly fellow prisoner, Abbe Faria (Richard Harris). As Faria and Edmond work on digging their way out of prison, Faria is fatally injured. On his death bed, Faria discloses the secret location of a massive fortune. Despite his grief at the loss of such a close friend, Edmond makes good on his escape and after securing the fortune, transforms into the Count of Monte Cristo. Using this adopted persona, Edmond seeks out revenge on all who betrayed him.

Director Kevin Reynolds and screenwriter Jay Wolpert succeed in capturing the spirit of the novel in this adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo." Buoyed by fine performances from Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Luis Guzman, James Frain and Dagmara Dominczyk, this version of the classic tale will entertain and transport audiences back in time.

Deleted Scenes with Introductions by the Director & Editor:
-"Fernand and Danglars" - Extended sequence where Guy Pearce as Fernand plots with Albie Woodington as Danglars;
-"The Villeforts" - Extended scene showing Valentina Villefort's (played by Helen McCrory) scheming personality;
-"Mercedes and Fernand" - Mercedes (Dagmara Domincyzk) stands up to Fernand (Pearce) when he proposes a more open marriage (a scene I personally wish would have been left in the the film); and
-"Villefort's Arrest" - An alternate take on the scene of Monsieur de Villefort (James Frain) being taken away to prison.

Additional Bonus Features:
-Commentary with director Kevin Reynolds. Reynolds discusses making the classic novel into a feature-length film, the casting process and shooting locations.
-"Layer by Layer Interactive Sound Design Feature" - Watch the scene of Edmond Dantes (Caviezel) escaping from prison with four different sound options: sound effects only, dialogue only, music only, or the composite track.
-"En Garde: Multi-Angle Dailies" - Behind-the-scenes look at the final fight sequence between Edmond (Caviezel) and Fernand (Pearce) with commentary from director Kevin Reynolds.

Additional Coverage of "The Count of Monte Cristo" including full review, trailer and production photos ->