degrimstead I have the same story - I saw this film on my local PBS station in the San Francisco area in the 1970s, I believe, and it absolutely bewitched me. Was unlike any other film I'd seen, whether on TV or the big screen. I'm not surprised to see here on IMDb that it won an award in France for its cinematography. The visuals were AMAZING, like a giant, colorful dream. The two scenes I remember after all these years are 1) when some people are traveling across the French countryside and are shown from a distance - I remember at that moment thinking, oh my GOD, this film is incredible!! and 2) the final scene, with Moliere being chased or chasing someone (?) down some circular stairs ... I think they slowed the film at that point and you just saw his haunting face, and it seems as if he was injured, maybe mortally, at that point, which spelled the end for him. But he was still young. I REALLY, really want to see this film again, but hadn't been able to find it so far. Based on these comments I think I will try blockbuster.com again. Perhaps it would be fun to compare the '78 film with the 2007 version!

hamletmachin Ariane Mnouchkine's made for TV film Moliere (1978) came out on DVD in 2004. It is available on amazon.fr for around 38.00 U.S. dollars (including shipping). The DVD contain two discs and the made for TV film is in French and has an English subtitles option. The image transfer is excellent. There is a small booklet (in French only) about the made for TV film as well as a 46 minute interview with Ariane Mnouchkine. Ariane Mnouchkine's made for TV film Moliere (1978) came out on DVD in 2004. It is available on amazon.fr for around 38.00 U.S. dollars (including shipping). The DVD contain two discs and the made for TV film is in French and has an English subtitles option. The image transfer is excellent. There is a small booklet (in French only) about the made for TV film as well as a 46 minute interview with Ariane Mnouchkine.

brianlux I saw "Moliere" twice in small theaters in San Francisco when it was first released. I'll never forget those experiences. During the course of this lengthy film, I felt transported to another time, another place. It is by far one of the best I've ever seen. The story was authentic as well as the context and historical setting. The acting was superb as was the soundtrack. I have been frustrated for years that this film has not been released on VHS or DVD. I saw the movie one other time on PBS with English dubbed in. In my opinion, the dubbing ruined the film. Without the actors true voices, the film was not the same. I hereby PLEAD with the powers that be to release this film on DVD with subtitles in it's original full length. This would be a huge addition to the world of film available to the public. It would be tragic for this monumental film to not be made available to the public once again. The six or seven other people I know who have seen "Moliere" would very likely agree with these thoughts. I would encourage any of you who have seen the film and agree with these thoughts, to express your feelings on this site. Thank you.

TJW-3 I saw half of this film over 20 years ago, and only once -- and still many scenes are indelibly imprinted in my mind. Moliere's mother picking lice out of his hair...the cavalry attacking student Mardi Gras revellers...starving beggars eating a horse raw...thick stage makeup flaking off a sweating actor...and all sorts of other real and surreal details of 17th century life.That this compelling and unique film should have disappeared for a quarter century when so much utter CRAP has appeared on tape and DVD is appalling. I hope rumors of its release on DVD are true. And make it available in the USA, please!