Buy Valentino: The Last Emperor on DVD

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Phase 4 Films / Year: 2008

DVD Clearance More Info Clearance Price Close Caption: Yes Region Code: 1 UPC: 625828493003 Languages: English Dolby Digital Surround (Primary), French subtitles, Italian subtitles, Spanish subtitles	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$24.99 (16% off) List Price: $29.99
Blu-ray More Info Region Code: 1 UPC: 625828493102 Languages: English Dolby Digital Surround (Primary), French subtitles, Italian subtitles, Spanish subtitles	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$29.99 (14% off) List Price: $34.99

When new special editions or price reductions are announced.

Synopsis

Shown around the world to wide acclaim, Valentino: The Last Emperor is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring unprecedented access to the high temples of Haute Couture. The legendary Valentino is the star of the film, along with his longtime business partner and lover, Giancarlo Giammetti. Valentino: The Last Emperor follows them for the final two years of their careers, and shows the struggles the two men face as they confront the final act of a nearly 50-year career at the top of the world's most glamorous and competitive game. The struggle of art against commerce is at the center of the film. In the end, however, the story proves to be not one about money or expensive clothes, but about love.

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature-length film on the legendary designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit in 2008 from the company he founded in Rome more than 45 years ago. Produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, the film is an intimate, engaging and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's richest and most famous men. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino's celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and lover of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

3 Reasons To buy this film

A stunningly intimate portrait of the legendary designer and his partner of 50 years.
The legendary Valentino is made into a human being in this revealing doc.
Fashions...fashions...fashions...

Review

Reality television has taken over the world of documentary filmmaking. Films that used to take us to places we'd never imagined before now bring us into the homes of overweight people, manic cake decorators and divorcing couples. Most of these films aren't of interest to us, but Valentino: The Last Emperor is the rare and wonderful exception. While the film doesn't transport us or teach us, it is a glimpse into the lives of two gay men whose 24/7/365 relationship has not only survived 50 years, it has thrived. No longer lovers, legendary fashion designer Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti in a cafe on the Via Veneto in Rome in 1960. Which cafe is a point of contention between the two men. Perhaps the secret to their success is their attention to each other's needs. Valentino needs to be stroked and Giancarlo needs to be organized and proven right. Giancarlo has run their business shrewdly and without revealing much to his partner. This film takes us into the events surrounding Valentino's retirement from his lifelong business. Many an Oscar recipient has worn a Valentino gown. The couture dresses hand-made in the Valentino shop are gorgeous, rich and as he says "wearable." The name "Valentino" represents glamor of the old school variety - and there's lots of it in this charming film. Shot on the runways of Paris and Italy, with stars making cameos and the love between the two men at the core of the film, Valentino: The Last Emperor is a wonderful treat.

-- Scott Cranin

Product Format Information

DVD : $24.99 (Clearance Price)

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Close Caption: Yes
Region Code: 1
UPC: 625828493003

Studio : Phase 4 Films

Languages: English Dolby Digital Surround (Primary) , French Subtitles , Italian Subtitles , Spanish Subtitles
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
Features:
Featurette: The Perfect Life; The Last Haute Couture Show; The Red Dress Featurette
Original theatrical trailer

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Blu-ray : $29.99

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Region Code: 1
UPC: 625828493102

Studio : Phase 4 Films

Customer Reviews

Quite a Man

Amos Lassen wrote on 07/27/2009:

“Valentino; The Last Emperor”

Quite a Man

Amos Lassen

The name Valentino is synonymous with style. For 50 years Valentino has been one of the world’s most sought after designers whose clothes symbolize glamour. He does not just design wonderful clothing, he creates art. In “Valentino: The Last Emperor” we get a close look at Valentino, the man. This is a feature length film about the designer. More than 45 years ago he created the House of Valentino and now Matt Tyrnauer takes us on a tour of the man and his career. The film is engaging and intimate as it documents the designer’s extraordinary life and career up to the point when Valentino retired. The movie is about fashion but it is also about the private men. The core of the film is the relationship between Valentino and his lover and business partner of fifty years, Giancarlo Giammeti.
Valentino met Giammeti in a cage in 1960 and the two men immediately complimented each other. Valentino needed love and Giammeti gave it to him as well as a sense of organization. He has since run the business while Valentino created. Valentino gowns are some of the most sought after creations—they are handmade, beautiful and wearable. Just the name Valentino means glamour and that is what this film is filled with. It is a loving tribute to a man who has brought so much happiness to so many.