DANCES WITH WOLVES: 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (1990, Blu-ray released January 11, 2011 – MSRP $29.99)
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Dances with Wolves is one of those films that kept passing me by through the years, no matter the effort I would put forth to catch it on the big screen or on TV. Thankfully, the new Fox/MGM 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray ended up at my door a few days ago, leaving no further excuse. And despite having to give over a fair portion of my Saturday to the film, it was well worth the wait.
“Kevin Costner stars in and directs this triumphant masterpiece written by Michael Blake, based on his novel. On Blu-ray for the very first time, this breathtaking 20th Anniversary Edition includes an extended cut of the film and all-new exclusive extras. Winner of seven Academy Awards®, including Best Directing and Best Picture, this modern classic tells the story of Lt. Dunbar (Costner), a Civil War hero who befriends a tribe of Sioux Indians while stationed at a desolate outpost on the American frontier. What follows is a series of unforgettable moments – from Dunbar’s tender scenes with Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), to the thrilling, action-packed buffalo hunt.”
I think I’ve held a grudge against Dances with Wolves for a lot of years, as I felt no film could’ve been more deserving of the Best Picture award in 1990 than Goodfellas. But after finally having the opportunity to see it, it’s clear that the film won the Oscar fair and square. It’s a marvelous, thoroughly enjoyable, epic ride through the old western frontier, even at it’s bloated four-hour run time.
The 20 Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is far from perfect, however. Don’t get me wrong, considering that so much film is packed onto one disc, it really looks great. But I can’t help but feel that it could look better. The transfer looks dated – quite often soft, without detail and lacking that film-like quality that the newest and best discs have – and could use a light restorative hand to clear up the blemishes that often plague the print it was culled from. My guess is that if the studio decides to go back to the negative and harvest the image at 4K for the 25th Anniversary we’ll see a much stronger presentation of the film. As it stands, Dances with Wolves has never looked better on home video. But like I said, it’s not perfect.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, however, is a stunner. As clear as the dialogue is and as immersive the atmosphere, it’s the incredible John Barry score that will leave you breathless here. Perhaps that’s just my sentimentality coming through, having only just lost the great composer this past week but his music sounds more dynamic and rich on this Blu-ray than I’ve ever hear it before.
The collection of special features is, for the most part, replicated from the 2003 DVD release of the film with a couple of new treats added in to spice things up. Both commentaries on the feature disc (most extras are housed on a dedicated, second disc) are worth listening to, packing tons of anecdotes and information into their run times, along with a few dull spots. I guess it’s tough to be compelling for four hours straight, even if you are a Hollywood superstar. Also, be sure not to miss the excellent “The Creation of an Epic – A Retrospective Documentary“, which clocks in at over an hour and interviews most of the main players in front of and behind the cameras. It’s split into seven parts but the handy “Play All” feature sets things right. The new interactive features are interesting but ultimately detract from the movie-watching experience, if you ask me (“pop-up” factoids are fun for a little while but grow tiresome before the half-way mark of a four-hour film.) The original theatrical cut is tragically absent from the set.
All in all, a strong showing but I look forward to what the studio can pull off on Blu-ray in honour of Dances with Wolves‘ quarter-century anniversary!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Disc 1:
- 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio Track
- Extended cut of film includes over 50 minutes of extra footage
- Commentary by Kevin Costner and Producer Jim Wilson
- Commentary by Director of Photography Dean Semler and Editor Neil Travis
- New Interactive Special Features:
- Military Rank and Social Hierarchy Guide (interactive)
- Real History or Movie Make Believe (interactive)
Disc 2:
- A Day In The Life On The Frontier Featurette (*new*)
- The Creation of an Epic Retrospective Documentary
- Original Making-Of Featurette
- Original Music Video
- Dances Photo Montage with Introduction by Ben Glass
- Poster Gallery
- TV Spots
[...] and somewhat wiser, but still haven’t seen the film. Much like my recent experience with the Dances with Wolves: 20th Anniversary disc, I’m looking forward to discovering a gem on this new Blu-ray [...]