directed by Frank Perry and Sydney Pollack
USA
1968
"I
saw this film once many years ago and now recently again as it has come to DVD.
In this last viewing I was most thoroughly impressed. A haunting, discomforting
story told with sporadic information brought inevitably to our attention as the
protagonist seems to be lost in the present though he is desperately
attempting to cling to the happier care-free times of his past. Adapted from
John Cheever's short story, Burt Lancaster plays Ned Merrill, an out-of-work
advertising executive who is in a veritable haze regarding his present circumstance.
He is intent to relive moments of his past, as if a man retracing the steps of
his flawed life. We learn details very
slowly about Ned; his prolonged absence from his social circle, his well-liked demeanor
and acquaintances from his past as he endeavors to swim across his neighborhood
in backyard pools scenically littered throughout Connecticut. The film was shot
entirely on
location. Considered, appropriately, one of the most beautifully shot films of
the 60's it also contains numerous subtle cinematographic gestures with the most
memorable being a bold horse reflected in Ned Merrill's eyeball. The film ends as a powerful,
haunting recession of memory with a dramatic score enhancing the final scenes.
There is a minimal amount of dialogue instead intent to convey
its many messages in Lancaster's body language gestures and facial expressions. I don't
understand why
this is not more recognized. I found it a unique and dynamic effort from Frank Perry and
Sydney Pollack." 
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Theatrical Release: May 15th, 1968 - USA
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DVD Review: Columbia Tri-Star - Region 1 - NTSC
| DVD Box Cover |
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CLICK to order from:
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| Distribution | Columbia Tri-Star Region 1 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 1:35:00 | |
| Video |
1.85:1.00
Letterboxed WideScreen / 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 5.7 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, French, Japanese, Korean and None | |
| Features |
Release Information:
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Edition Details:
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| Comments: |
As far as
bare-bones DVD presentations go this is a super DVD. A sharp, colorful, if
at times dark, anamorphic picture with true sound. This is done on a DVD-5
(single layer) but I think this film deserved some vital Extras as in a commentary or
interviews with cast crew etc.... anything. Its one of those motion pictures
that cries out for a deluxe set.. so much more so than say 'Lara Croft:
Tomb Raider'.
Still, I am thankful the picture and sound were done so well and give
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