$18.18

In stock.

UK imports may differ from local products. Additional terms apply. Learn More.

[{"displayPrice":"$18.18","priceAmount":18.18,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"18","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FD4n%2FkvwyZBGogYQ6uxug3E%2FAoh%2FiWifcYJJThIjvLjPrnkqsALcFtwY%2BumeZbtsClFxHo8vAfzLTwoG7caoi5tBgzsjlg0VMDcQ88Gp3hDoDtPzUHTlUm%2Foxf%2FYGOWQfK5NsnTdoGhCY1%2BoXNsjiNe6rburRoTiuU256Ip4LMdo4En0hsFPl5PcyKrSnkS%2F","locale":"en-AU","buyingOptionType":"NEW"}]

$$18.18 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

The enhancements that you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller that you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Secure transaction

Ships from

Amazon UK

Sold by

Amazon UK

Details

Ships from

Amazon UK

Sold by

Amazon UK

Other Sellers on Amazon

Added

Not added

$18.30
+ $3.00 Delivery

Sold by: Rarewaves UK

Image Unavailable

Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available
To view this video download Flash Player

Perfume: Story of a Murderer

Format: DVD

1,315 ratings

$18.18

Additional DVD options

Amazon Price

New from

Used from

DVD

"Please retry"

1-Disc Version

$18.18

$16.32

—

DVD

"Please retry"

1-Disc Version

$42.98

—

DVD

"Please retry"

1-Disc Version

$45.98

—

Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime delivery.

Enhance your purchase

Frequently bought together

Total Price:

To see our price, add these items to your cart.

These items are dispatched from and sold by different sellers.

Show details Hide details

Choose items to buy together.

by Rachel Hurd Wood DVD
$18.18
In stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon UK.
$23.14 delivery
by Patrick Suskind Paperback
$8.99
In stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon AU.

Steven Spielberg
88
Blu-ray
2 offers from $62.19

Product description

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Adapted from Patrick Sskind's clammy, high-toned international best seller, 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (Ben Whishaw), a skinny, sallow young fellow who grows up in the pungent atmosphere of 18th-century France burdened with a preternaturally sensitive nose. Whereas Mr. Sskind portrayed this condition in ripe, sarcastic prose, the director Tom Tykwer's method is one of stupefying literalism. Exploiting the lush, lurid tones of Frank Griebe's cinematography, he rubs our noses in Grenouille's world by assaulting our eyes with what he smells. Thus the camera lingers on rotting fish, on animal skins at the tannery where Grenouille serves an early apprenticeship, and then on the lissome ladies who become his victims. But the only smell produced by these long, breathy close-ups is a metaphorical one, a foul, stale odor traceable back to the movie itself. ...Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006 ) ( El Perfume - Historia de un asesino ) ( Le Parfum - Histoire d'un meurtrier )

Product details

Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 2.35:1
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Product dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.5 x 1.5 x 19 cm; 81.65 Grams
Item Model Number ‏ : ‎ P921501000
Media Format ‏ : ‎ Import, PAL, Widescreen
Run time ‏ : ‎ 2 hours and 27 minutes
Actors ‏ : ‎ Rachel Hurd Wood, Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Dustin Hoffman
Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ English
Language ‏ : ‎ English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Studio ‏ : ‎ Pathe
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000V6YRO8
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Best Sellers Rank: 5,519 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- 4,221 in Movies (Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews:
1,315 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		80%
4 star		12%
3 star		5%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

How are ratings calculated?

Review this product

Write a customer review

Top reviews from Australia

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Michael

Excellent in all regards

Reviewed in Australia on 21 July 2020

Verified Purchase

One of my favourite movies looks amazing in 4K. Product arrived in perfect condition. Will buy again for sure.

Helpful

Julian

Great film hard to find thank you Amazon

Reviewed in Australia on 2 May 2021

Verified Purchase

Love the movie watched it with a friend.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

It's good, but visually not as strong as expected, and sometimes tiresome

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2020

Verified Purchase

I had high hopes for this movie, but I might have been more impressed by reading the novel instead. Although an intriguing film, I wasn't completely won over by lead actor Whishaw or fully convinced by the narration and dialogs. The cinematography also wasn't as heightened as I would have liked. I also found there were parts that seemed to be unnecessarily drawn out, and I reckon the movie could have benefited by having at least 15 minutes shaved off it. The good bits were good, but the dull bits were annoying. Overall, I reckon women would be more interested in this movie and men more inclined to press the pause button.

One person found this helpful

Kindle Customer

Read the book first

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2021

Verified Purchase

The film is great but despite John Hurt's narration it would be advisable to read the book first. The film is a contracted version of it. And whilst I loved both, and the acting is brilliant, I have only given the film four stars as it just lacks a little of the book. But a worthwhile watch.

One person found this helpful

Amazon Customer

PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER [2006] [Blu-ray]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 August 2014

Verified Purchase

PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER [2006] [Blu-ray] [Dutch Release] From the Director of Run Lola Run! Based on the Best Selling Novel!

‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ is a German 2006 thriller film directed by Tom Tykwer, written by Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger and Tykwer and starring Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood and Dustin Hoffman. It is based on the 1985 novel Perfume by Patrick Süskind. Set in 18th century France, the film tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille [Ben Whishaw], an old factory genius, and his homicidal quest for the perfect scent. Narrated by John Hurt.

FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2007 33rd Saturn Awards: Nominated: Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film. Nominated: Best Director for Tom Tykwer. Nominated: Best Writing for Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger and Tom Tykwer. Nominated: Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Hurd-Wood. Nominated: Best Music for Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil and Tom Tykwer. 2007 European Film Awards: Won: Best Cinematographer for Frank Griebe. European Film Academy Prix d'Excellence: Won: Production Design Work for Uli Hanisch. 2007 Germany Film Awards: Won: Silver Best Feature Film. Won: Best Cinematography. Won: Best Costume Design. Won: Best Editing. Won: Best Production Design. Won: Best Sound.

Cast: Ben Whishaw, Francesc Albiol, Gonzalo Cunill, Roger Salvany, Andrés Herrera, Simon Chandler, David Calder, Richard Felix, Birgit Minichmayr, Reg Wilson, Catherine Boisgontier, Núria Casas, Carlos Gramaje, Sian Thomas, Michael Smiley, Walter Cots, Perry Millward, Jan Cortés, Berta Ros, Alvaro Roque, Franck Lefeuvre, Sam Douglas, Joan Serrats, Jaume Montané, Bridget McConnell, Duna Jové, Karoline Herfurth, Timothy Davies, Dustin Hoffman, Dora Romano, Carolina Vera, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Alan Rickman, Sara Forestier, Ramon Pujol, Corinna Harfouch, Harris Gordon, Guillermo Ayesa, Anna Diogene, Montserrat Masó, Francesca Piñón, Nico Baixas, Enric Arquimbau, John Hurt (voice), Miquel Bordoy (uncredited), Òscar Bosch (uncredited), Carme Capdet (uncredited), Jordi Manuel (uncredited), Jaume Najarro (uncredited), Alberto Quintana (uncredited), Carlos Serna (uncredited) and Sergi Atencia Sánchez (uncredited)

Director: Tom Tykwer

Producers: Andreas Grosch, Andreas Schmid, Bernd Eichinger, Edmon Roch, Gigi Oeri, Julio Fernández, Manuel Cuotemoc Malle, Martin Moszkowicz, Samuel Hadida, Silvia Tollmann and Teresa Gefaell

Screenplay: Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger, Tom Tykwer and Patrick Süskind (novel "Das Parfum")

Composers: Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil and Tom Tykwer

Cinematography: Frank Griebe

Video Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 [CinemaScope]

Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Subtitles: Dutch

Running Time: 142 minutes

Region: All Regions

Number of discs: 1

Studio: E1 Entertainment Benelux

Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: Adapted from Patrick Süskind’s clammy, high-toned international best seller, “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” is of interest mainly as an example of what might be called the sensory imperialism of cinema. Quite a few films, not content to stimulate the eyes and ears, try to conquer the other senses as well. Touch and taste are the favourites; hence the ubiquity of scenes that take place in bed or at a table, but an intrepid researcher could probably identify, amid the sighing caresses and laden forkfuls, an authentically old factory film tradition.

Tom Tykwer, the director of ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ and also, most memorably, ‘Run Lola Run.’ It tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille [Ben Whishaw], a skinny, sallow young fellow who grows up in the pungent atmosphere of 18th-century France burdened with a preternaturally sensitive nose. Every stone and blade of grass, every young woman’s cheekbone and belly button, every piece of fruit and hunk of rotting fish sends its essence straight to Jean-Baptiste Grenouille’s nostrils, sometimes from a great distance.

Tom Süskind goes full tilt in exploiting the lush, lurid tones of Frank Griebe’s cinematography, he rubs our noses in Jean-Baptiste Grenouille’s world by assaulting our eyes with what he smells. Thus the camera lingers on rotting fish, on animal skins at the tannery where Jean-Baptiste Grenouille serves an early apprenticeship, and then on the lissom ladies who become his victims.

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille’s episodic adventures are propelled along by John Hurt’s arch, third-person narration. John Hurt has also performed a similar service for another over-reaching European filmmaker, Lars von Trier, in his English-language theatricals, ‘Dogville’ [2003] and ‘Manderlay’ [2005]. Ben Whishaw, wan and jug-eared, does not quite manage to make Jean-Baptiste Grenouille either a victim worthy of pity or a fascinating monster. The fellow’s sensory endowment is meant to make him both an artist and an amoral killer, a social outcast who nonetheless gives the society what it really wants, but in the film Jean-Baptiste Grenouille comes across as dull, dour and repellent.

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille himself, in the unwashed streets of Paris and the fragrant lanes of Grasse, France’s perfume capital, this condition is a kind of invisibility; Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is consumed with the project of concocting a transcendental scent. After receiving some technical training from a master perfume-maker named Giuseppe Baldini [Dustin Hoffman], he sets out to perfect his own special formula, a recipe that calls for the extracted essences of 12 virgins and a prostitute, who all must be killed before the materials can be rendered. The women are thus bonked on the head, covered in animal fat and then left, naked and carefully posed, in the streets and squares of Grasse.

The town authorities panic, in particular Antoine Richis [Alan Rickman], a local notable whose red-haired daughter, Laura Richis [Rachel Hurd-Wood], conveniently possesses a natural funk that is one of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille’s coveted ingredients. So intent is he on finding her that he pursues her over hill and dale, using his powerful nose to track her as she flees. The camera dutifully speeds across the countryside, and when it lights upon Laura Richis, who is fleeing in disguise and on horseback, she turns around in the saddle, as if suddenly aware that she is being sniffed.

‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ is a connection between sexual desire and the impulse to kill, that tried and true German Liebestod, is proposed but never really explored. When Dustin Hoffman, who looks marvellous in velvety face powder, departs the scene, he takes any inkling of being camp or whimsy with him, leaving behind an atmosphere that becomes increasingly arid even as it strains toward sensory saturation.

This is a dark, dark, dark film, focused on an obsession so complete and lonely it shuts out all other human experience. You may not savour it, but you will not stop watching it, in horror and fascination. Ben Whishaw succeeds in giving us no hint of his character save a deep savage need. And Dustin Hoffman produces a quirky old master whose life is also governed by perfume, if more positively. Dustin Hoffman reminds us here again, what a detailed and fascinating character actor he is, able to bring to the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille precisely what humour and humanity it needs, and then tactfully leaving it at that. Even his exit is nicely timed.

Keeping in mind that this isn’t the type of film we’re used to seeing, some of these scenes can come off very quirky. For example, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille sniffing the air and following his nose like some sort of psychopathic bloodhound does indeed look ridiculous, but if you allow yourself to buy into the film’s central premise, it’s easily forgivable. What’s more unconventional, though, is that it’s nearly impossible to like and let alone relate to Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He’s a selfish, unflinching murderer, and all his means are carried out for narcissistic ends. This isn’t a case of a charming killer like Hannibal Lecter or Patrick Batemen; Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is so detached.

I really love this film because it is all character driven, beautifully acted and the cinematography is out of this world. Of course there is nothing fun about the story, except the way it ventures so fearlessly down one limited, terrifying, seductive dead end, and finds there a solution both sublime and horrifying. It took imagination to tell it, courage to film it, thought to act it, and from the audience it requires a brave curiosity about the peculiarity of obsession.

That doesn’t mean, though, that 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' isn’t worth watching. Quite the opposite, 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' is an unconventional and clever way to tell an incredibly interesting story, and one that I know I won’t soon forget. It’s not a perfect film, and like I mentioned, some scenes may come off as a bit silly. But overall, I definitely recommend 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,' as I’m sure you haven’t seen a tale of a freakish murderer presented with such depth.

Blu-ray Video Quality – 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' is presented with a striking and stunning 1080p encoded image that both thrilled and engaged my eyes, boasting vivid colours, strong reds and blues, and a stable, well saturated palette, especially the roses in the perfumer's shop look like a painting. Fine object detail is equally remarkable, just look at the crowd in the opening scene and the long shots of the cities. Every individual in the streets is clearly distinguishable and sharp. The black levels are deep and add a nice amount of dimension to what could have been a flat, shadowy picture. Most impressive of all is the texture detail. In facial close-ups, each actor's pores, and every strand of hair is crystal clear. Shots that follow the trail of a scent are also rendered wonderfully, in fact, they're so detailed at times that you almost feel as if you've been put within the mind-set of Jean Baptiste himself. As strong as this transfer is, I did notice a couple of lingering and albeit inconsequential issues. First off, there's some occasional colour banding present around unfocused edges, look at the close-up of the child's finger in the orphanage. Secondly, some random shots of darkness have a slight cloud of artifacting [A compression artefact or artefact, is a noticeable distortion of media, including images, audio, and video, caused by the application of lossy data compression], especially watching the night sky when Jean Baptiste stares across the water at the city. I should emphasise that these issues only pop up a handful of times, and they hardly mar this otherwise gorgeous transfer. All things considered, if you are definitely seeking the Dutch Blu-ray release 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,' won't be let down by the visuals with this beautiful stunning Blu-ray Dutch Release and of course the bonus is that it is All Regions release.

Blu-ray Audio Quality – 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' features an original English language track, which is presented using the awesome 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround track. While the film's stellar video transfer enabled me to further immerse myself in 18th century France, this audio package did not. To be fair, there's isn't anything technically wrong with this mix and it's just dominated by John Hurt's narration and the film's musical score. The surround channels aren't used to their potential, dynamics are not so strong at times, and the soundscape is relatively quiet. On the bright side, the score's instrumentation is warm and well prioritised, dialogue is crisp, even during soft whispers part, and channel movement is subtle. The strong suits of the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and delivers a more immersive overall aural experience than expected.

Finally, 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' is a fascinating and surreal exploration of a demented mind. Apparently, Jean-Baptiste has an alpha and omega for his plot and the last half hour of the film was truly the strangest and most unbelievable. We are whisked back to the gathering at the town square shown in the beginning. Again, I don’t want to give away this portion either, but it’s just as unbelievable as the first. For the most part, I did enjoy this film, strictly because the concept is definitely unusual. The most shocking scenes could be construed as not being very realistic, though. I was a bit confused by the ending, so I had to conduct further research before I understood it. Ben Whishaw’s performance as a disturbed individual with a seemingly placid demeanour was wonderful. Those into abnormal psychology will have a field day at this film. Interestingly enough, I came out of it with some well-appreciated knowledge: how perfume is made! Basically, go into this movie with an open mind and prepare to see some behaviour that will shock you, but does not detract from the storyline. Fans, like me of the film are sure to be entranced by the visuals on this Dutch import Blu-ray disc, and they will be easily impressed by the awesome and stunning DTS audio track and I think this European All Regions Blu-ray disc has a stunning presentation, compared to the USA Region A/1 Blu-ray Release. Sadly there are no Extras, which is such a shame, but despite that, it is still worth purchasing this awesome Blu-ray disc. Highly Recommended!

Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom

3 people found this helpful

Phil

Deadly Fragrances

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2012

Verified Purchase

I suppose this is the kind of movie you would like if you can accept the Sweeny Todd principle - that unusual murder stories are fascinating, and all the more so if portrayed in a very convincing period scenario. Yes, J-B's ideas on methods to acceptably capture fragrances are shocking and thought-provoking, but the acting, the story, the scenery and the direction are so good that the whole movie is almost a masterpiece. This is a movie about smells and from the dirty streets to the delectable ladies, you can almost smell the reality of what is on-screen. Critics give it 3 stars - I give it 4. Also check out the 'making of.' on disc 2. I get even more enjoyment from seeing how cleverly the movie's scenes and effects are created.

Ruby Star, England

Beautiful, Haunting & Disturbing.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2009

Verified Purchase

I watched this film for the first time a few years ago without knowing a great deal about the story and not having read the book. Well, I am so glad I did! This was a very impressive film with a very sad and unusual tale to tell, all the actors & actresses were fantastic, well known or obscure, all were well cast.

This is ultimately a sad story of a young man and his determination to be someone in life
even if that means becoming a murderer in the process!

Although this film has some well known actors cast it still manages to capture a slight
feel and look of an art house movie, which for some, will not be appealing.

The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is beautiful and the story is haunting.

Well worth a look, definitely a 5 star film for me!

2 people found this helpful

See all reviews

Amazon Global Store

Other Sellers on Amazon

Image Unavailable

Perfume: Story of a Murderer

Enhance your purchase

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Product description

Product details

Customer reviews

Review this product

Top reviews from Australia

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries