James FranciscusJonathan Livingston: Seagull

The 2020 US Bluray release is a high-quality transfer. As is to be expected for a film that was made so long ago and didn't achieve blockbuster status, the Bluray release is thin on extras, with just an audio commentary track and a still photo gallery (including some photos from the book). To me, the color correction seems a bit unnatural, almost television-like, except in the night scenes.I encourage people who like the film to look up:• The 1960s film Changes, by the same director. You will spot similarities!• The most recent edition of the book. It includes an extra chapter found by the author's daughter.• Richard Harris' narration of the book. It's available as a used LP record.• Neil Diamond's soundtrack, which has been released on CD.The story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull remains relevant and inspirational. I hope that this Bluray release will make it accessible to new generations.

The thing I dislike most is the Japanese/Chinese subtitles.It's bad enough that the film and voice quality is terrible, yet I paid $20. !!! This is a total rip-off. I mean I hope the seller can sleep at night cause they really duped me..

If you're feeling low, if you need a lift, if you need a bright light in front of you - this is THE book for you! Brief and to the point written in an allegory style. I have it in English and Ukrainian as well as in cassette and CD form. I have given it to my staff in Ukraine to help them look towards a better future after Ukraine became independent.. A great read and great gift!

Knowing the story and having seen the movie perhaps another seller would have better quality. I give this particular DVD only 3 stars. There were several places where there was no sound and places where sound, narration, and voices skipped. This was noted as an import.

This movie besides being a beautiful filmed movie, also has a in depth message that inspires all of us who do not like to be the same.

This review assumes that you are already familiar with the movie and are interested in what the DVD has to offer. If you want a review of the movie itself, see the other reviews; people either love it or hate it. I love it.That being said, this is one of the poorer conversions to DVD that I have seen (the worst being my "Red Dawn" DVD, but don't get me started). Colors are not vibrant, blacks are not that deep, and about the only positive thing I have to say about the video quality is that it has been cleaned up to remove artificts (unlike "Red Dawn," grr). So, while the video is clean, it is nothing spectacular.Audio has got to be the biggest disappointment; it has been remastered in Dolby Digital mono. That's right, mono. Not DTS, not 5.1, not even stereo, but mono. Adding insult to injury is the quality of the audio. Sure, there is no hiss or sound of scratches, but the audio is flat. Specifially, the music. Dialogue in the movie does not really need much, and it would have been better in stereo, and better yet in 5.1. But the music, one of the best components of the movie, is disappointing.Thus music has no range, no depth, no life. My sub rarely kicked in. Neil Diamond's voice sounded muffled, as did the music itself. What should have been a great musical experience turned into a pale shadow of what might have been.On top of all this, there are no extra features or frills. This is pretty much a straight burn of the video to DVD. The menu screen is a still pic with just three choices (play, audio setup, and scene selection). That's it.Don't get me wrong, I still love the movie. I was disappointed years ago when I heard there were no plans to release JLS to DVD. This DVD is definitely better than a VHS alternative, so I am very glad Paramount released it to DVD. It is just disappointing that they did not spend some extra money to improve the video quality, and nearly a crime they did not remaster the audio better (and in 5.1).

Enhanced by Neil Diamond's incredible voice and compositions, his music is perfect for this cult movie aboutbelieving in your dreams and not letting anyone convince you to quit; writer Richard Bach gave us a very philosophical,introspective view of Life and one's dreams; aim high and "Fly Upwards"; a true Masterpiece that doesn't age at all.

This film is a thing of extreme beauty both in its stunning cinematography and it's enormous moral message.I loved the story of Richard Bach's and bought the book for my niece who is an avid reader.She too was enchanted by the tale and totally understood its message.The skill in the editing and direction of this film version is spellbinding.The naration and the exquisite soundtrack make it a perfect a viewing experience. Even the harshest critic would have to bow down to its pure splendour.There have not been many better films made which are as totally consuming to both child and adult alike - for THE REAL JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL LIVES DEEP WITHIN EACH OF US - buy it - you will love it.

Firstly, the film is nowhere near as evocative or impressive as the book. Oh, there is some fabulous photography, and the soundtrack is pleasing if you're a Neil Diamond fan, but somehow the voices didn't convey the sense of otherworldliness of the written word, and the 'crowd scenes' were far too strident.However, my main problem with this film is the actual gulls. In more than one shot a gull was filmed underwater, clearly stunned. I don't know how 'they' did it, but I found a number of shots of live gulls rather disturbing.Forget this film - read the wonderful book instead, and let your imagination soar with Jonathan.

I read the book years ago when it was something of a cult. I'd also read about the making of the film - the thousands of hours of photography that were edited to fit the narrative and dialogue. Having now watched it, I can appreciate the difficulty of the project. The flying shots are brilliant - Jonathan trying to beat his own records and master the stunts. I also loved the shots of The Flock "fighting over garbage." Terrific photography! But the best thing about the movie is the sound track. Neil Diamond's beautiful songs are perfect for the inspirational message of the story. No doubt in my mind, the music makes it great.

Good photography of birds in flight, but found the book more inspiring than the movie.

This is a brilliantly filmed story of life beyond our shoreline as we all see it now.Jonathan is used as a means to explaining what life is about now through his short visit and experiences including when we all return home to the other to the other side.Neil Diamond put his whole soul and being into this film and it well worth seeing as it will open many folks eyes and at the very least get them thinking.Certainly you will always remember having watched it and some of the music and words will ring in your mind and ears until each of you return home from where you also came.John Morris.