Mrs. Miniver
directed by William Wyler
USA 1942
Wartime melodrama with William Wyler's deft
directorial touch of realism interspersed with sympathetic and lovable
characters. Winner of multiple awards this film may feel quite dated to modern
viewers, but regardless, it is a very worthwhile viewing experience with
everlasting themes of respect, community and familial bonding. Characters are
shown with subtle flaws enhancing their realism and the story is one of
consequence and drama probably touching on memories of many individuals who
lived through similar tribulations of World War II. Being aware of the period
this film was made it showed a prevalent 'shot-in-the-arm' feel for the Allies
and although, not treating the topic politically even-handedly, it did not
overindulge to allow generalizations. I say immerse yourself in the cinematic
power of William Wyler and sip from the fountain of a divisive moment in
humanity that we can hope has vanished forever.
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DVD Review: Best Collection Video - Region 0 - NTSC
| DVD Box Cover |
CLICK to ENLARGE
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| Distribution | Best Collection Video Region 0 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 2:10:56 | |
| Video |
1.33:1.00
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.10 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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| Bitrate: |
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| Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) | |
| Subtitles | English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and None | |
| Features |
Release Information: |
Cast overview, first billed only: Greer Garson .... Kay Miniver Walter Pidgeon .... Clem Miniver Teresa Wright .... Carol Beldon Dame May Whitty .... Lady Beldon Reginald Owen .... Foley, Storekeeper and Air-raid Warden Henry Travers .... Mr. Ballard, Station-master and Bell-ringer |
| Comments: |
This DVD is a bootleg. Most probably made in Taiwan where the copyright issues have a shorter time length (25 years I believe). Although not illegal in Taiwan, it is so in cultures that respect international copyrights. Until the studio produces a proper DVD of this fine film I will review this one that I found at my local Asian mall. The film has no official start (no credits or title). It simple jumps into the first scene (Mrs. Miniver debating boarding a bus or returning to make a purchase). The ending is similar with no rolling credits or even "The End" title appearing. We hear the ending theme music and then a black screen. This is as unforgivable as the piracy issue of the DVD in my eyes. But we press on... the sound is true and the image is not totally flawed, in fact, it reminds me of a well-done VHS tape. Certainly this is slightly higher grade than you might find on television. The image is hazy and soft, but it is at least consistent throughout the presentation. I assume it was ported from a laserdisc, but I don't really know. There are only 4
chapter stops and this represents the Main menu screen of the DVD. You
have the choice of three subtitles, but after viewing the English it
could only be used as a comedic offering not dissimilar to Woody Allen's
"What's Up Tiger Lily". As expected the dialogue is incorrectly
translated almost as often as it is correct. The only real issue this
DVD has in its favor is that it is without competition. There are no
other "Mrs. Miniver" DVDs out there. Do I recommend it... no, of course
not. But if its is listed for $5 in your local Asian Mall, it is at
least better than a VHS tape and the subtitles could be turned on as a
party gimmick.
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| DVD Release Date:
1999 Keep Case Chapters: 4 |
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