Product ReviewsJohn Carter (DVD, 2012)

Classic Action Adventure on Mars

The Author Edgar Rice Burroughs was known to me mainly because when growing up I was a huge fan of the Tarzan TV series on a Saturday morning starring Ron Ely and as the titles rolled every week I became familiar with the name ‘Edgar Rice Burroughs’ in the credits.

Later I found a book in a box in the loft at home which caught my attention called “Pirates of Venus” also by Edgar Rice Burroughs which I immediately read over a few days – loved it.

Then much more recently I caught the film “John Carter” completely by accident as I was flicking through the channels & the opening sequence was enough to catch my attention & after a few minutes the name Edgar Rice Burroughs was mentioned in the script which made me want to watch it all the more!

The film was a huge flop at the box office – for many reasons – the main one probably being the stupid decision to call it John Carter (being the name of the hero) as opposed to the original book which was called “A Princess of Mars” which would I think have made it a clearer of what it was about – whereas calling it a name only know to fans of the books would rather limit initial appeal.

Anyway – I actually thought the film was great & if you love sci-fi – then this should be on your watch list.

At the time of watching the film I had no idea that there was a “Mars” series of book by ERB but on discovery decided to listen to the audio books when I retired in the evening. There are many books – the aforementioned Princess of Mars, followed by Gods of Mars & Warlord of Mars to name a few.

Some are available to listen to for free legally on YouTube & read by Thomas Copeland who has a really great voice & relaxing to listen to

As with Lord of the Rings I quickly realised that the film had taken some liberties with the original text, but generally headed in the same direction – the books however are infinitely superior.

The one big failing of the books imho was that they never specifically detailed exactly how JC was able to travel to Mars – other than by feeling it calling him & gazing up at it in the evenings. I’ve personally tried this on a few occasions & can confirm that it doesn’t always work – The film however gets round this rather cleverly and is an improvement on the original story imo

Anyway – my point in this post is to recommend the film and audio books if you are looking for something to watch/listen to and particularly if you like an old fashioned action adventure/love story …set in an alien landscape

The stories are very forward thinking when you consider they were written in the very early 20th Century as the Sci-Fi elements are very imaginative. The language is a little dated as it was written at a time when it seems that the English vocabulary was greater than it is today & certainly none of the characters are adept at the modern sport of virtue signalling nor do they ever finish a sentence with the annoying phrase “just saying”… just saying Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musicmagpie

Action packed film with lots of special effects, story line and adventure.

This dvd, is a very good film, lots of action and adventure from the very start of the film. Its based on the old story line of the film " Time Machine " with him moving though time and years, collecting friends and enemies along the way. It all comes to a head at the end and he gets some magical powers and falls in love. He wins a war and wins the hart of a beautiful alien women and her army. Good special effects and a very good story line.Read full review...

Underappreciated gem of a movie

I love this film.
My teenage son and I watched this late on Sunday night, cheering and laughing throughout the entire film.
The main characters are awesome.
So many little moments between characters compliment the whole thing.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musicmagpie

Absolute magic.

I'm into Edgar Rice Burroughs so it will be magic to watch one of his heroes John Carter in action,my age is 75 and i still enjoy a good Sci Fi movie.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musicmagpie

very good,i liked it so much that i brought 2 disc.

i liked it so much that i brought two of them.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: entertainment-e...

Avery goode film

This story is realy good. Atruly amazing work of fiction put int film.

Thanks Andy

John Carter

Great movie, price is excellent, this site helps with item a few years old that are no longer available in stores/online

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: worldofbooks08

John carter

Really good film better than the reviews been waiting to watch this film for years well worth the wait

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musicmagpie

Dvd play perfect

I watched dvd on my laptop and it is playing perfect. I, m from Preston UK

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: RGUAcyOoTqK@Del...

Present for my husband

A good film, entertaining and with humour and action. My husband absolutely loves it and watches it nearly every other day since it arrived!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: barryd_uk