Today marks the 25th anniversary of The Princess Bride's release into theaters, following its TIFF debut in September of 1987. Based on William Goldman's novel, the film is a story within a story, and follows the adventures of the farmhand Westley, who seeks to rescue his true love, Buttercup. There's a little something for everyone in the film ("Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapees, true love, miracles…"), and it all comes together in a story that likely left its mark on many of us.
I have a clear memory of seeing The Princess Bride for the first time as a child. It was around the spring that followed its release, and at the time I'd never heard of it, but after watching the film at a slumber party, I remember going home the next day and insisting that the rest of my family see it. Of course, trying to describe the story was another matter. Because The Princess Bride isn't about just one thing. Beyond the love story of Westley and Buttercup is a tale of revenge between a swordsman and the man who killed his father, a partnership between the swordsman and a well-meaning giant-for-hire, and an entitled prince who's looking to start a war. All of that is wrapped in a story about a sick boy who's reluctantly allowing his grandfather to read to him, not yet realizing how great the tale will be or that this storytelling session might be one of the defining moments in his relationship with his grandfather.
The sword fighting may be one of the more exciting elements from the film, which is where this video comes in. The Princess Bride is getting another Blu-ray release next week to commemorate the 25th Anniversary. MTV shared the video below, which shows stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright and director Rob Reiner talking about the cliff-set sword fight between Westley and Mandy Patinkin's Inigo Montoya.
It's great to see a behind-the-scenes look at the scene between the masked Westley and Inigo. It's one of the best scenes in the movie, to be sure, and not just because the sword-fighting is so great. The banter between the two characters is just as suspenseful and entertaining to watch, and a great demonstration of the way humor was worked into the film without completely relieving the suspense or turning the movie into a parody.
The Princess Bride has already been released on Blu-ray, and it had a 20th Anniversary Edition DVD release about five years ago. But for those who haven't gotten it on Blu-ray, the 25th Anniversary Edition hits shelves October 2. Amazon has it for $11.99. A price that low is inconceivable.
"As you wish."
