More and more of us, myself included, know someone with Autism or one of the Autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger’s Syndrome. For me, this topic hits home as I have a son with just such a condition. I thought it would be very interesting to see if my views of Rain Man and its treatment of the topic of Autism would change in light of my personal experiences with the subject. I can report that is has only increased my respect and appreciation for the film as well as all those involved in its production.

Film  

Needless to say, I guess you can say that I am a bit biased in how I view Rain Man given my personal experience with Autism. I will say that I loved the film even before I had any personal experience with the condition or even knew anyone who had been diagnosed with it. Looking back on the film all these years later, my appreciation has only increased. I can relate to the character of Charlie Babbitt (played brilliantly by Tom Cruise) as he grows exasperated by his brother Raymond’s (Dustin Hoffman in an Oscar winning performance) preoccupation with his underwear. In fact, there are numerous instances in the film just like that which I can relate to, having experienced similar things myself, although not quite as extreme.

Rain Man is a brilliant film, brilliantly written, acted and directed. The fact that it won 4 Oscars for Best Picture, Actor, Director and Screenplay is no surprise looking back all these years later. That is not always the case with the Oscars, which sometimes leave you scratching your head with the selections in hindsight, much like the Grammy’s. The film itself is rather interesting in how it evolves.

The film opens with Charlie in a bit of a business bind, when the cars he is importing from Europe won’t clear customs in Los Angeles due to not being equipped with the proper emissions equipment. Not being able to deliver the cars and collect the fees will ruin his business. While dealing with this issue, he is advised that his father has died. While Charlie has not seen his father in years and had an estranged relationship with him, he returns to Cincinnati for the funeral, ostensibly to collect his inheritance, as money seems to be the only thing that Charlie can appreciate.

Much to his surprise, his father left the bulk of his estate in trust for someone else, leaving him with just an old car, a valuable one at that, but far from the $3 million he was expecting. He quickly finds out that the money was left in trust for the lifetime care of an autistic brother he didn’t even know that he had when he visits the institution where he resides. Charlie decides to essentially kidnap his brother Raymond and tale him back to Los Angeles as a way to break the trust and collect at least half of the inheritance that he feels is his. Along the way, in dealing with his brother, Charlie changes and becomes a much better man, learning to actually love his brother, even though he does use his brother’s unbelievable skills to make enough money in Las Vegas to rescue his business.

While Charlie takes quite an intellectual and personal journey during the film, Raymonds’ is just a physical one. Raymond remains utterly the same from the beginning of the film to the very end. It is just Charlie who has evolved and for the better. Rain Man is a great film that has withstood the test of time. While I may be a bit biased, if you haven’t seen this film, please do, if just to learn a little about the subject of autism. You will be glad you did. Rain Man is very highly recommended.

Video  

While I loved the film, I can’t say that I loved the visuals all that much. Rain Man is heavy on the grain which is fine by me. The issue I had with the visuals relates to the fact that the image is very soft with mediocre blacks at best. The color is also a bit undersaturated which along with the mediocre, leaves the picture looking a bit flat and very dated looking. If you are looking for an image that is sharp, vibrant and detailed, Rain Man is not the film for you, as is soft and flat. I do not know if this is how the film is supposed to look as I have not seen it in years in a theater. Whether the film is in the need of a major restoration I will leave to others. While Rain Man is not the best looking Blu-ray I have seen, it is such a great film that really deserves a look.

Audio  

For me, the real star on the audio front is the musical score which sounds fantastic. The music track is smooth and full with deep bass with excellent transparency and fidelity. The depth of the music is superb, as you are able to hear deep into the music, which is utterly three dimensional. Hans Zimmer’s original score sounds fantastic. The rest of the audio is good but not up to the level of the music.

The rest of the sound design is rather front heavy, with only occasional and subtle use of the surrounds. An immersive sound mix this is not. The overall fidelity is good although not quite up to that of the musical score, sounding a bit thinner and flatter than the music. The dialogue track is well recorded and well presented in the mix. Were it not for the quality of the music in this mix, it would rate no more than a 3.5 on a scale of 5. The fidelity of the music is so good to pull the overall score up to a solid 4.

Special Features 

The extras here are rather mundane in terms of originality. The extras include separate audio commentaries from director Barry Levinson, writer Barry Morrow and writer Ronald Bass. Also included is one deleted scene. There is the typical behind the scenes making of featurette entitled “The Journey of Rain Man”. For me, the best of the extras is the featurette “Lifting the Fog: A look at the Mysteries of Autism”, where experts in the field discuss autism, although not in the depth I would like. What is most interesting about this featurette is the interviews with two men with Autism, Joseph Sullivan and Peter Guthrie, who were the two men who formed the basis of Dustin Hoffman’s interpretation of Raymond. It is clear that Dustin Hoffman patterned his speech and mannerisms on Peter Guthrie. I also found the insights provided by Peter Guthrie’s brother into living with a brother with Autism. This is the one featurette which is well worth a look and is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts  

Rain Man is a great film featuring stellar performances by both Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. While not the best looking film on Blu-ray, the film is so good that it is a worthy addition to the collection of any film fan and is very highly recommended.

Film

Taking place in a rural town in Indiana Elsewhere centers around two polar opposite teens. Sarah is the girl next door; responsible, athletic, lovable, and inspired to make something of her life. On the other side of the spectrum is Jillian the rebel; an insensible and promiscuous vixen who longs just as well to get out of Goshen, Indiana. While Sarah hopes to take herself out every-town Jillian decides to post suggestive photos of herself on a social networking sight with the hopes that someone will find her and take her away from her life. Her plan soon backfires as she attracts an array of unwanted and creepy responses of suitors. Soon after Jillian goes missing and no one in the town seems to mind, except Sarah who is determined to narrow down who could be behind the apparent abduction of her good friend.

The thing that bothers me about a multitude of movies these days is that they could be so much better. The plot of Elsewhere could have been explored so much more diligently. Why do we as a society only shed a tear for the girl next door, not the troubled girl across the street? I understand this isn’t a documentary but so much more could have been done with this topic, which ultimately could have made for some good entertainment. But as it is this film still entirely lacks any originality and relies heavily on stereotyped characters that lack any real depth. With the characters at times being so overly unbearable I found this to be large in part because of the acting, which I have honestly come to expect from movies of this standard.

Ultimately, Elsewhere could have been much more entertaining with the some overall plot. Instead I found the dialogue redundant and the story traveled down all the expected avenues leaving the film utterly un-enthralling. If you were expecting a thriller then don’t be surprised when all you get is a talky film that really overstayed its welcome on my television set.

Video

Presented in 1080p 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded in VC-1 Elsewhere comes to Blu-ray with some truly poor results.  Detail is severely lacking with most shots looking so soft that detail is blurred out, hardly looking like it is high definition.  Color contrast fairs well, but flesh tones do seem very dull and not very realistic.  In many shots the characters faces went from realistic and glowing hues to ghostly white all in a matter of seconds.

The video quality here is simply horrid with most shots looking like a DVD transfer.  For fans of the film you should still nab this version as it does cost pretty much the same as the DVD.

Audio

Equipped with a 5.1 DTS and Dolby the audio presentation is better than the video, but still plagued with problems.  Right from the opening you can tell that you will be in for a very front heavy presentation.  The soundtrack tries to create a suspenseful atmosphere, but it simply fails coming off campy and extremely dull.  The overall experience is lacklustre, but could probably be blamed on budget rather than technical aspects.

For those who have already seen the movie you know what to expect.  For those who haven’t be prepared to listen to a very front heavy track.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary – A commentary with Director Nathan Hope
• Deleted Scenes – Six very weak scenes that do nothing to enhance an already bad movie.
• Photo Gallery
• Trailer

Final Thoughts

While there were some aspects of the film I didn’t mind, it was ultimately poorly played out. While a film like this could have been suspenseful and thrilling it turned out to be extremely talky and anti climatic. I have no doubt that Elsewhere will find an audience out there; I just refuse to be part of it. More disturbing than the execution of this film is the poor presentation of the Blu-ray disc which more closely resembles a DVD and does nothing for the fans in the extra feature department. Ultimately the disc was disappointing and I recommend you avoid the film itself, but would be an acceptable watch if you were hard up for entertainment.

After the disappointing few minute visit, which was clearly a publicity stunt on Nikki’s part, Dylan decides to sell some of his belongings and go with his friend to New York City to see Nikki again. Low and behold the football star with a heart of gold, Jason O’Malley, gives Dylan an abundance of spending money and a hotel suite to spend the weekend in. After some adventures incurred by Dylan and his two friends, he finally plans on tracking down Nikki at a nightclub.

The movie is fun at times and the characters are all very unique. Even the self-absorbed supermodel seems to have a conscience at times, and the hotshot football player is loveable and generous. The acting was believable for the most part, most notably by Michael Angarano who played a very convincing near death teenager. I found Cynthia Nixon to be annoying as ever, you might know her as Miranda from Sex and the City; the role just really didn’t seem to suit her.

With cameos from Ethan Hawke and Wyclef Jean, One Last Thing turns out to be a decent movie, which can be funny, emotional and dramatic at times. Essentially this is a chick flick, but it can be fun for anyone if you look past its oblivious themes.

Video

Presented in 1080i 1.78:1 aspect ratio, One Last Thing looks almost identical to Magnolia’s Blu-ray release of The Architect. Both look like they were made for TV, but both actually look quite impressive. The first thing I noticed was how well the details looked, especially facial detail. As good as they looked they were often a bit too soft to see them. Fortunately the print was in pristine condition and showed no artifacts and minimal grain. The films colors looked good, displaying some realistic flesh tones, but I often felt many outdoor shots were a little too bright. Shortcomings aside, Magnolia has done another commendable job with this release.

Audio

One Last Thing is given bot 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio tracks, but does not make full use of either of them. Rear channel support is weak and rarely used, giving the track a very flat feel. Fortunately balancing issues and notable audio faults, such as drop outs were know here to be heard. The audio track is average at best, but this is somewhat expected from a low budget film.

Special Features

A disappointing lack of features for any fan expecting a flushed out disc. We are given two lackluster features, both that often overlap one an other.

• Audio Commentary – Commentary by Director Alex Steyermark
• High Definition: One Last Thing Episode (1080i) – An interview with cast and director Alex Steyermark. The interview isn’t all that interesting but does offer a closer look at film production.

Final Thoughts

This is a hard movie to recommend because although good at times it ultimately lacks something. There are some interesting characters arcs, and even laughs at times but it was ultimately not my sort of movie. If you are into the kind of movie where you feel sympathetic throughout its entirety, you would like this one. If you are already a fan of the movie then the impressive video is sure to please you, but ultimately the lack of features brings it down and is only a sure buy for true fans, I would suggest a rental first for anyone else.

Special Features List

• Audio Commentary
• High Definition: One Last Thing Episode

The opening of the movie takes place during The Gulf War where Sergeant Raymond Shaw’s (Liev Schreiber) unit is ambushed by hostile forces. Several soldiers die and others wounded, with Shaw killing the hostiles and therein saving the rest of his unit. The story fast-forwards over ten years later where Raymond Shaw is now a state senator and soon to be announced vice-presidential candidate. Of course Shaw’s political advisors and his mother a fellow governor, Eleanor Shaw (Meryl Streep) use his army heroics as the main selling point behind his campaign – a true American hero. Meanwhile Major Ben Marco (Denzel Washington) another member of the same unit is being haunted with dreams of what happened, or didn’t happen. Upon investigation the story really starts to unravel as Marco begins to wonder if this incident even did happen, leading to the theory that a multinational company, Manchurian Global had brainwashed the unit and set it up to make Shaw look like a hero. Then things get really interesting as certain people begin to seem desperate to stop Marco from finding out any more.

The Manchurian Candidate turns out to be a really interesting movie, a truly fine political thriller. The story always keeps you guessing as what is going to happen next, and half the time the thing you least expect to happen does. The overall concept of the movie is a tad on the unrealistic side, but it also makes you wonder what really goes on behind closed doors. If you are a fan of thrillers or even political movies you will like this movie, especially if you think you would enjoy the combination of the two genres.

With a cast full of Academy Award nominees and winners you can be sure to expect some amazing acting. Meryl Streep is as believable as ever, at times I wanted to reach into the screen and wrap my hands around her throat, amazing as always. Denzel played a convincing role, one of his better. But the real treat for me was the underrated and always amazing actor, Liev Schreiber. Once and again he manages to steal the spotlight from A-List stars, with a very convincing role of a troubled and extremely conflicted vice presidential candidate.

This movie is very interesting and worthwhile watching at least once, at least for some great acting, including a small role by the always-impressive Jeffrey Wright. The Manchurian Candidate is a good film, and if you’re in the movie to hate some sinister characters and hold out hope for the underdog well doers, this movie is for you.

Video

The Manchurian Candidate was launched back in August on HD DVD and luckily Paramount has maintained the impressive transfer for this Blu-ray release. The 1080p 1.85:1 presentation is in great shape with no noticeable artifacts and minimal grain throughout. Flesh tones maintain a realistic look as do most of the films colors. The best looking scene has to be the climatic ending which takes place in Shaw’s campaign headquarters. The reds and blues really stick out here as does the amazing detail on the actors face. One encountered problem would be the apparent softness which appears several times throughout the movie. Had it not been for this, The Manchurian Candidate would have been near perfect. This aside, Paramount has done a great job with this presentation.

Audio

This disc is given a 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus as well as 5.1 DTS audio track, both providing mixed results. The track sounded good for the most part but I found it much too front heavy for a film that could have utilized other channels more frequently. I also found the dialogue sounding much too flat a few times throughout the film, which was disappointing to hear. However, when the dialogue heavy scenes weren’t flat they sounded superb, boasting great depth heard in top audio presentations. Had it not been for a few inconsistencies The Manchurian Candidate would have been one the best sounding dialogue driven titles to date.

Special Features

Paramount has included a good amount of special features, most that provide information into the films production.

• Audio Commentary – Commentary by Director Jonathan Demme and Screenplay Co-writer Daniel Pyne.
• Deleted Scenes – A set of five deleted scenes, none that really progress an already solid movie.
• The Enemy Within The Manchurian Candidate – A fourteen minute look of the films production. Includes interviews with director/producer Jonathan Demme discussing such topics as why they chose the global corporation was the new enemy.
• The Cast of The Manchurian Candidate – A look at the characters and the cast members who play them. Includes interviews with Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep . I found this feature very interesting as it adds some important incite into the characters.
• Outtakes – Two outtakes both featuring Meryl Streep. Nothing too interesting here, just some improvisation on her part.
• Liev Schreiber Screen Test – A three minute screen test featuring Liev Schreiber and Meryl Streep.
• Political Pundits with Optional Director Commentary – A discussion on Americas government, including voting and the war in Iraq. An interesting talk displaying many different views on these subjects.
• Theatrical Trailers

Final Thoughts

The Manchurian Candidate is one of the few remakes that manages to stand up to the quality of the original. This film is a gripping thriller that at times manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. This movie isn’t perfect but it is fun, and along with it comes an impressive video transfer as well as a decent set of features. This Blu-ray Disc is a sure buy for fans of the movie, and otherwise is a worthwhile rental for those of you who haven’t seen it.

Special Features List

• Audio Commentary
• Deleted Scenes
• The Enemy Within The Manchurian Candidate
• The Cast of The Manchurian Candidate
• Outtakes
• Liev Schreiber Screen Test
• Political Pundits with Optional Director Commentary
• Theatrical Trailers

The movie starts in the early 80′s where Yuri and his family came to the U.S from the Ukraine under rule of the Soviets. They open up a restaurant in Little Odessa, New York where Yuri realizes that there is something more for him out there, and after watching the attempted assassination attempt of a Russian mob boss he realizes that there is a major necessity that he could provide for people, guns. He partners up with his brother Vitaly, and begins selling arms, originally the M-16 rifles left behind in Lebanon by American forces.

Enter Ethan Hawk as Interpol agent Jack Valentine, the movies “good guy” who we secretly want to fail. Yuri is getting high up in the gun running chain, and Valentine is all over him, but is by the book and always predictable to Yuri. There are a few close calls but it seems that Orlov always prevails. Aside from living the life of a gunrunner, Yuri is a husband and a father trying to conceal the other parts of his life. During all this Vitaly fights a cocaine addiction brought on by remorse of who and what these guns go to. Things get even more complicated for Yuri when Interpol is closing in on him and his empire is constantly expanding, becoming the number one supplier of illegal arms in the world.

Simply put, this movie is great. I was immersed in it for its entirety. Basically as the story plays out you got a guy who has nothing, who is slowly piece-by-piece getting everything he ever wanted, including his dream girl. Throw in a brother with a conscience, and Interpol breathing down your neck and you got one impressive film. The dialogue is more intelligent than I expected, and is far from a typical action movie that I expected out of it.

Nicholas Cage, Jared Leto, and Ethan Hawk took this movie and ran with it, there characters were all passionate about their beliefs, and especially Leto as Vitaly who was much deeper and disturbed than meets the eye. Lord of War is an exceptionally great film, and another overlooked gem of 2005.

Video

Presented at 2.40:1 and encoded at 1080p, those of you who owned the SD edition will be happy to hear that the improvements are uncanny. Right from the start the obvious improvement of colors and detail is outstanding. The film is at times grainy, albeit intentional the consistency of the solid blacks and the lack of noise for the most part makes up for it. One scene in which Yuri sells his first gun is plagued by some obvious artifacts on the left side of the screen. Luckily this only occurs once throughout the entire picture. Ultimately, Lord of War is a fine video transfer, and probably the best we’ve seen so far from Lionsgate.

Audio

Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 EX Surround and 6.1 DTS-ES, Lord of War maintains a solid audio track. When the guns starts blasting off you’ll really hear, and feel it. The bass is deep and powerful almost knocking pictures frames off my wall. Rear channels were used well throughout the movie, never feeling flat. Balancing issues were non existent throughout the film, which was a pleasant surprise for an action movie. The soundtrack for Lord of War deserves an honorable mention as well, as it sure did sound good.

Special Features

The major disappointment of this disc is the lack of special features. It is what we have come to expect from Lionsgate, and isn’t much of a surprise.

Final Thoughts

Amazingly written, and impressively played out, this dramatic and sometimes comedic film touches on some very sensitive issues, without making political statements, instead keeping it clean and entertaining. The video is impressive, the audio is superb, the features are non-existent, but overall it still manages to be a solid disc. Based solely on the fact that this is such a likeable movie, I would suggest the Blu-Ray purchase, but if you’re into getting features, this isn’t for you.