DVD review (region 1)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest
Release date Out now

Heartbroken over the death of her beloved Westley (Elwes), beautiful Buttercup (Penn) succumbs to the advances of the wicked Prince Humperdinck (Sarandon). Yet, when she’s kidnapped by a motley band of deviants, a strange masked man comes to her rescue. Will true love conquer all? Or will Buttercup be forced to marry the evil prince?

If you love 1980s relics, none come more gorgeously nostalgic than Rob Reiner’s fractured fairytale, The Princess Bride. Now 20 years old (inconceivable!), this magical tale of witches, princes, giants and fire swamps transcends the barriers of time with its quirky humour and unashamedly romantic plot.

The broad strokes of the story read like second nature: a princess and her true love battle the forces that try to come between them. But this customary ‘true love’ material is loaded with barbed satire and a tongue-in-cheek tone that should appeal to viewers of all ages.

Based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel, The Princess Bride is also a story within a story, with Peter Falk’s grandfather narrating. Younger viewers are represented by Fred Savage’s ill grandson, who asks to be spared the intimate ‘kissing bits’ and scary shrieking eels.

While this 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition sports less extras than last year’s two-disc Dread Pirate Roberts/Princess Buttercup release, the Untold Tales featurette revisits some of the cast and crew and there is a warm tribute to the late Andre the Giant. Natalie Barnes

VERDICT: 7/10
Whether you have ever uttered: "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die" or not, The Princess Bride is a wonderful and unforgettable staple of 1980s pop culture.