Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie Review

An essential masterpiece from Richard Attenborough (Gandhi).

Cry Freedom is an inspirational true-story that explores both the darkness and light in humanity. The film focuses on the events of apartheid. Inspired by the books by Donald Woods, Cry Freedom is a powerful film exploring the chilling events that occurred during this era. Executive produced by Terence A. Clegg (The Jackal, Shadowlands), Cry Freedom is an important masterpiece.

Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) is the editor of a South African newspaper entitled the Daily Dispatch. Having written a number of articles regarding the South African black activist Steve Biko (Denzel Washington), Donald goes out to meet the man in person for the first time to discuss his activism. The two men soon discover that each has more in common than expected. Donald becomes inspired by the passion of Steve Biko to fight for black rights.

Steve Biko soon finds himself under the custody of the South African police during the events of apartheid. Murdered while in prison, the government seeks out Donald Woods to force him and his family to stay in the country without access to publish information regarding Steve Biko. As Donald becomes haunted by the events, the editor plans an escape plan for himself, spouse Wendy Woods (Penelope Wilton), and their young children. Donald fights against all odds in order to flee the country and tell the world of the story of Steve Biko.

Cry Freedom is an enormously powerful and inspiring true-story. The performances by the three leads are exceptional. Denzel Washington gives one of the most stirring performances of his entire career. The Malcolm X actor delivers a strong turn that helps cement the filmmaking as essential with his nuanced, thoughtful, and powerful role. Kevin Kline is similarly remarkable in the film.

There is something remarkably powerful about the role of Donald Woods in this story and Kline manages to bring this element to the screen with a clear dedication to the story. Penelope Wilton also graces the screen with her presence, enhancing the film, and performing in perfect unison with Kevin Kline. The end results are a fantastic ensemble cast.

The horror of apartheid.

The cinematography by Ronnie Taylor (Sea of Love, Gandhi) is exceptional. The film looks quite striking and has a lot of wide shots that showcase the beauty of the country while still focusing on the horrors of apartheid. The visuals seek to enhance the story and tell it in a way that is faithful and true to the events. The efforts by Taylor are remarkable.

The original music score composed by George Fenton (Ever After: A Cinderella Story, Groundhog Day) and Jonas Gwangwa (Drumbeats, Ulibambe Lingashoni) helps to heighten the emotions on display throughout. The score is evocative and beautiful. The music somehow manages to bring moments of grace and horror to the story: telling this tale through a mature prism.

Edited by Lesley Walker (Mamma Mia!, Emma), Cry Freedom is impeccably well-cut. The film is lengthy but no shot or frame seems wasted. The editing on the film makes the story all the more powerful and compelling. Walker did a fantastic job making sure the story was told well.

Another area of the film which impressed was the production design by Stuart Craig (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Cry Freedom has a strong production design that seems to keep the authenticity of the storytelling in place. Craig is one of the greatest production designers in Hollywood and the efforts here help to round out the production.

John Briley (Gandhi, The Warriors of the Rainbow) penned an outstanding screenplay for Cry Freedom that is one of the most impressive aspects of the film. Given the difficult subject, the storytelling is told with authenticity. Apartheid was devastating to far too many in South Africa – and the story reflects that. The script honors both Steve Biko and Donald Woods.

Directed by Richard Attenborough (Gandhi, Chaplin), the Jurassic Park star showcases his genius direction in every frame. Cry Freedom is an inspiring story – showcasing the heroics of Steve Biko and Donald Woods. Attenborough doesn't shy away from showcasing the horrors of the killings of black people in South Africa. For example, the scenes showcasing young children dying in the streets were horrifying and shocking. There is great empathy and compassion in the filmmaking as Attenborough explores the tragedy of these times. A masterpiece.

Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Cry Freedom is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The video presentation isn't unwatchable but it is also a far cry from a sparkling new restoration (and this is such a important film that one can't help but wish for a 4K remaster). The Blu-ray presentation uses a dated transfer of the film that shows its age.

The scan utilized is just decent: colors look a bit less robust than ideal. The scan looks faded and worn. The master shows dirt and minor specks on the print. On a positive note, there were no glaring issues with major print damage to report. Cry Freedom seems like a perfect candidate for a new, thorough restoration effort. Unfortunately, Kino has opted instead for a decent high-definition presentation. Worthwhile, but it could be better.

Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features a DTS HD Master Audio 2.0 audio presentation. The audio fares a little bit better than the video presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The dynamics are still a little inconsistent: the audio presentation is no showstopper and seems to have a somewhat subdued soundstage when it comes to sound effects. A decent audio presentation.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Eddy Van Mueller

Cry Freedom Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:43)

The Blu-ray release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The January Man (HD, 1:29), Consenting Adults (SD, 1:50), and Mo' Better Blues (SD, 2:42).

Cry Freedom Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Attenborough (Gandhi) directed a masterpiece with Cry Freedom. Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline deliver two of their career-best performances. Exploring the horrors of apartheid, Cry Freedom is an essential masterpiece.

Unfortunately, the Blu-ray from Kino is only a modest high-definition presentation. The film could use a new 4K restoration and an in-depth supplemental package exploring apartheid. Hopefully one day Criterion (or another label) can give an even more definitive presentation. As it stands, the release is worth owning for fans (until something better comes – fingers crossed).