Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11608 in VHS
• Released on: 2002-08-20
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English

From Amazon.com
The advantage of using IMAX technology in a film of this nature is that the viewer can more easily appreciate the awe-inspiring architectural treasures that influenced the making of San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst's "castle." This 40-minute film also includes stunning aerial footage of the castle itself and the California coastline it overlooks.

It isn't, however, for the hardcore architecture aficionado or Citizen Kane fan, on the hunt for inside dope on the real Xanadu (Charles Foster Kane's baroque fortress in Orson Welles's classic). The events from Hearst's life that inspired the design of San Simeon, such as a trip to Europe with his mother, are re-created with actors. The costumes look authentic and dialogue is kept to a minimum, but these are fairly static tableaux. Photographs and silent film footage document the building of the castle and the guests (Clarke Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and such) fortunate enough to enjoy its pleasures, such as swimming, horseback riding, and feasts in La Grande Casa. However, recordings or readings from books and letters might have helped to bring this material to life.

This is a broad look at an architectural wonder that lies somewhere between beauty and kitsch. Although the film isn't billed as a biography of "The Chief," a more personal approach might have made for a more compelling feature, but probably wouldn't have utilized IMAX technology so well. Special features include Web links and trailers for four other IMAX features. --Kathleen Fennessy

Video Details
High above the majestic central California coast rises an enchanted castle, a special place created from the dreams of one man, William Randolph Hearst. His vision was inspired by his many trips to Europe's finest castles. From this unique blend of European influence rose an architectural masterpiece which Hearst furnished with priceless art treasures from around the world.

See the spectacular European castles and art treasures which influenced its creation. Join the continuous flow of famous house guests and the extravagant parties hosted by newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. See the dramatic beauty of the Hearst Castle - Building the Dream setting, a magnificent estate with gardens, terraces, pools and walkways spanning 127 acres.

Customer Reviews

A Tour of the Castle is not the Focus
If you are looking for a detailed tour of the Hearst Castle, this DVD will be slightly disappointed. What you might enjoy is the story leading up to the building of the castle, although far too much time is spent on the details and far too little time is spent on the glorious castle.

While there are quite a few black and white photos, the only areas this DVD really focuses on is the swimming pool, dining hall, one or two main rooms and one bathroom. Yes, this is very sad for anyone who was dreaming of a tour of San Simeon, as I was.

The "aerial footage" is similar to seeing a beautiful woman 5 miles down a beach. Look, they just don't get close enough for you to fully appreciate the castle.

Now, I must say, the trailers for the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Hawaii and "Whales" looked absolutely stunning. I will definitely take a look at all those movies.

The one to three star votes are unfortunately very accurate. I'll give them a three stars for effort, but I'd like to give them one star for the disappointment I felt at not really seeing much of the castle.

Look, if you are just interested in the events leading up to the building of the castle, this might be a good choice. If you are looking for a movie to watch while you drink a cup of tea, this movie will at least keep you company.

Personally, I'd rather be swimming in that amazing pool. Now there is something to write home about and someone does. The swimming pool is perhaps the most interesting part of this movie. Don't blink. You might miss it.

I've Been Conned
The misleading title of this DVD borders on outright fraud. The majority of this whopping 38-minute film is a re-enactment of Hearst's childhood told in a style appropriate for kindergartners. After 20 minutes, we adults awaken from our slumber to see actors playing Hearst and Julia Morgan pantomiming discussion about the castle while the insipid voice-over drones on. The final few minutes of this turkey re-enact a weekend at San Simeon in the most irritating way possible. Cameras sweep briskly through a few rooms of the monumental castle without pause or significant comment, as if this brief part of the movie were just a trivial afterthought.

A disaster, an embarrassment, and a major disappointment. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

Too much Hearst; too little castle.
If you've ever visited Hearst Castle, and come away amazed by the beauty of the place, then you may well be tempted to purchase the DVD, Hearst Castle, Building the Dream. Save your money; this 40 minute crockumentary, which wastes most of your time on William Randolph Hearst's idealized childhood, is a major disappointment. I had hoped that a tour of the entire castle, similar to the ones visitors experience when they go to San Simeon would be included in this presentation. Less than ten minutes is given to actual views of the Castle that bears Hearst's name. And there is no scholarly narration of the actual architecture. Rename this DVD, Hearst's Childhood, Badly Acted.