6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.4 |
A young man leaves Ireland with his landlord's daughter after some trouble with her father, and they dream of owning land at the big giveaway in Oklahoma ca. 1893. Filmed in 70mm.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Thomas Gibson, Robert Prosky, Barbara BabcockRomance | 100% |
Melodrama | 33% |
Western | 28% |
Period | 14% |
Epic | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.20:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: DTS 2.0
BDInfo
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
UV digital copy
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Although other films have made the attempt to master the same moves as epic cinema of old, 1992’s “Far and Away” was perhaps the last effort to come the closest to a David Lean-style spectacle without employing sizable help from CGI. Director Ron Howard’s throwback feature doesn’t achieve iconic status, but it’s fine entertainment overall, exploring a classic tale of immigration and desire, set against the backdrop of the American Dream. Even with a few hiccups in storytelling, the production satisfies a sizable amount of its goals, hitting beats of romance and tragedy while stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman bring reassuring star power to the picture, allowing Howard to find his sense of sweep as the movie makes its way to a wonderfully widescreen conclusion.
The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation reflects a traditional Universal Blu-ray effort. Using what looks to be an older master, the viewing experience doesn't bring out the vibrancy and texture of the feature, remaining merely serviceable when Howard's visuals deserve a fresh scan. While excessive DNR isn't found here, there is some mild filtering, with sporadic haloing and a throttling of filmic qualities. Fine detail isn't top-notch, but facial particulars have some texture, and the grime and grit of the Boston sequences carry dimension, while the expanse of the West is open for inspection. Colors are adequate, great with costuming and the naturalistic highlights of the outdoors, offering bold greens and blue skies. Skintones do register a tad flat at times, but largely remain stable. Black levels aren't overwhelmingly expressive, solidifying on occasion, especially with heavy fabrics and evening sequences. Excessive softness is present during nighttime adventures, but this is an intentional choice. Considering my last viewing of the movie was on a non-anamorphic DVD, the BD is an obvious upgrade, but limitations remain for a feature that prides itself on visual potency.
The 5.1 DTS-HD sound mix doesn't have the verve an event film like this should bring to home theaters, but the basics are covered comfortably. Surrounds aren't utilized in full, keep calm for much of the picture, housing a few atmospheric impressions and scoring fullness. Directional activity is minimal at best. Dialogue exchanges are secure with a frontal crispness, maintaining accents and emotional speeds without distortion. Yes, even Cruise is intelligible. Crowd activity is nicely defined, with swells and nuances in good shape. Williams's score is agreeably preserved, retaining sharp instrumentation and feeling, reaching big at times while developing a deep sound and wide reach. Low-end isn't consistently active, but explosions and gunfire bring some boom, while the thunder of the land race is serviced with an appealing rumble.
"Far and Away" endured its share of criticism during its initial release, with some dismissing the film as simplistic and derivative. Indeed, this isn't "Lawrence of Arabia," but the production has a hunger to reclaim the lost art of epic moviemaking, using boldly defined feelings and tensions to master a matinee atmosphere that's often a joy to watch take shape. "Far and Away" isn't for cynics, providing an authentic rush of experience that makes the effort feel huge, even when it details the smallest interests of the heart.
2015
1939
1930
1949
2012
2005
30th Anniversary
1994
Warner Archive Collection
1956
Fox Studio Classics
1928
Warner Archive Collection
1947
1988
2015
2009
Fox Studio Classics
1947
50th Anniversary
1973
Warner Archive Collection / Includes German-Language Alternate Version
1930
2005
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1943
Limited Edition to 3000
1959
2004