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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

 

directed by John Hillcoat
Australia 2005

 

The 4K UHD of The Proposition is reviewed HERE

 

Facing a dilemma of justice, Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) gives the outlaw Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce) a proposition: Locate and kill his psychotic older brother Arthur (Danny Huston) in order to save his younger brother from hanging on Christmas day.

While The Proposition is Australian in any way possible, it is one of the most valuable contributions to the western genre since Eastwood’s Unforgiven. It is in one way unique, given both the Australian context, yet universal in the way it addresses the conflict of letters of the law versus justice and in doing the right thing. As such, it portraits the human psyche facing justice and revenge, showing us both sides of the coin and the consequences.

Enriching these motives, the outback and primitive rural settings helps isolating the psyche by pure contrast. Man is alone with himself and his choices.

Within the context of the story, the question of morality is centre. What makes an officer of the law propose such a proposition? Is it moral to do so? Will the actions in its wake be moral? Is justice moral? Does the goal justify the means by which it is achieved? Is morality part of justice at all?

Adding to this, everything is camouflaged by despair. Not just the proposition by Stanley, as he has no guarantee of Charlie and his actions, but also in the mise-en-scene of his home, where his wife (Emily Watson) does what she can to maintain the Victorian lifestyle, by serving English breakfast and tea using china, and by importing a Christmas tree. Again, thru this, the film asks, if despair causes man to create illusions, and in length of this, is law and order an illusion?

Elevating the story, actors Guy Pearce, Danny Huston and Ray Winstone gives perhaps their best performances to date. They become not only their characters, they become signifiers of the films motifs.

The Proposition is an incredible strong and brutal contribution to the western genre and of the best films of the year. Not to be missed.

Henrik Sylow

Poster

Theatrical Release: May 11, 2005 (Cannes Film Market)

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Tartan - Region 2 - PAL

Big thanks to Henrik Sylow for the Review!

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Distribution

Tartan

Region 2 - PAL

Runtime 1:39:06 (4% PAL speedup)
Video

2.40:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 7.76 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate

Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital Australian, 5.1 Dolby Digital Australian, DTS Australian
Subtitles English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Tartan

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.40:1

Edition Details:
• Audio Commentary by Nick Cave and John Hillcoat
• ...
• Disc 2:
• Making of The Proposition (27:11)
• Meet Cast and Crew (1:26:16)
• Interview with Guy Pearce (13:35)
• Interview with Danny Huston (7:33)
• Original Trailer (2:10)

DVD Release Date: July 17, 2006
Keep Case

Chapters 16

 

Comments The 4K UHD of The Proposition is reviewed HERE

NOTE: A Blu-ray edition of The Proposition is reviewed/compared HERE.

A stunning transfer. While there are, when zooming-in on stills, minute signs of compression artefacts, they are not visible during playback. The colours are true to the theatrical version, strong and rich details, and deep blacks.

Sound is our standard 2.0 / 5.1 / DTS, as expected from Tartan. Audio is very strong, especially the DTS, which allows the sound stage to expand.

Additional material begins with an audio commentary by writer Nick Cave and director John Hillcoat. It is a very good, yet modest and quiet commentary, noting upon mise-en-scene, thematically elements, scenery, acting and so on.

Disc two has two exclusive UK interviews with Guy Pearce and Danny Huston, a making of featurette, and a feature length meet cast and crew. The latter is extremely good, full of comments by cast and crew, and with detailed looks at production.

 - Henrik Sylow

 



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DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

 

 

Distribution

Tartan

Region 2 - PAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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