LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
It’s not likely that any major movie studio today would make this massive yet intimate biography of one of the more enigmatic players on history’s stage of the early 20th century. Sony/Columbia Picture’s 50th anniversary release of this world-class epic based on the real life WW I era exploits of T.E. Lawrence is a feast for the mind and the eye. Labor intensive, frame-by-frame, restoration of the 65mm film (that’s 8.8 million pixels per frame) is breathtaking and is more pristine in its stunning clarity than at its London world premiere. Shot on location in Jordan and specifically made for the giant screen, no home theater can do it justice, but the largest LEDs like the Sharp 90 inch screen begin to give a feel of the majestic scope director David Lean intended. The impeccable cast is top-lined by Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, Omar Sharif and of course “introducing” Peter O’Toole as Lawrence, the flamboyant British officer who lead rag-tag Bedouin tribesmen on guerilla raids against the occupying Turks (which eventually lead to the downfall of the Ottoman Empire). The question of who Lawrence really was and how he saw himself persists. Did he really think he was a divine figure destined to unite the Arabs and “give” them freedom? No matter, this magnificent 227-minute film is as relevant today as it was during the times of Lawrence — perhaps even more so. The great disc extras are carried over from the previous DVD release. Exclusive to the Blu-ray is a wonderful conversation with newly retired Peter O’Toole. (And no, O’Toole did not win a Best Actor Academy Award© for his extraordinary portrayal of Lawrence, even though most people assume he did.) This is one for the digital home libraray. Sony. Blu-ray.
MINDS IN THE WATER
I was moved by the powerful story of pro surfer Dave “Rasta” Rastovich’s journey from passive observer to focused activist in protecting whales and dolphins from worldwide commercial slaughter. Five years in the making, and with locations as varied as Australia, the Galapagos, Japan and Chile, the film captures key moments in Rasta’s life as he works with filmmakers, musicians, journalists, eco-pirates and others in spreading the gospel that we are all connected and share the gift of self-awareness whether in the water — or on land. Director Justin Krumb’s inspiring documentary deserves the widest circulation and is a timely reminder that in many unexpected and not so obvious ways, we are indeed one family on a very small planet and must halt our mad race to self-destruct. Nice bonus features include additional footage and an interview with the director. Evergreen Oasis Entertainment. DVD.
BRAVE
Pixar Animation Studios beautifully rendered 3D adventure looks even better on Blu-ray than on the big screen! The hard to resist story follows feisty, headstrong Merida as she seeks to determine her own future only to release an ancient curse and create chaos in her ancient Kingdom. Terrific character design and sly voice work add to the breathtaking production art that makes ultra real a fantasy world of old Scotland. Generous bonus material includes commentaries, making-of and alternate material, all add to the fun of this Ultimate 5 Disc 3D Collector’s edition. Disney. Blu-ray.
THE DUST BOWL
Documentarian Ken Burns takes a look at America’s greatest environmental catastrophe in this engrossing two-part, four-hour depiction of “how human blindness to the balance of nature” destroyed the farmlands of the Great Plains during the 1930s. Vast prairies were turned into deserts and the hopes of heartland Americans were swept away by deadly dust storms that ravaged the landscape. The documentary is loaded with rare film footage, unpublished photos and the eloquent accounts of some of the survivors. The songs of Woody Guthrie add immensely to the poignancy of this heartbreaking chapter of American history that could have been avoided. Peter Coyote narrates and the bonus material includes additional eyewitness stories, revealing footage and a look at the legacy of the dust bowl. PBS. Blu-ray.
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