Color of Freedom,The (DVD)

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---

Similarly, from Gloria´s perspective, we don´t see her transformation, either. How does this woman go from believing God doesn´t want the races to mix to accepting presents from Mandela in a couple of years? How do her values, such as they are in the beginning of the film, not rub off on either of the children? Is there no argument when the elder Brent joins his father on "Mandela duty"? It´s a symptom of the film biting off more than it can chew. The script is only able to paint in the broadest strokes possible without any real time for the detailed work the subject matter deserves. (Haysbert´s Mandela is also a victim here.)

This one reservation-admittedly, a big one-shouldn´t detract attention from an otherwise important, powerful, mesmerizing film. Our knowledge of the eventual outcome doesn´t destroy any of the tension, especially when James seeks out the banned Freedom Charter. There´s an odd comfort to know the man will survive the story, so we can be less apprehensive for him and let ourselves become more involved in him.

"The Color of Freedom" never preaches or moralizes to the audience as other films with this subject matter might be tempted to do. None of the characters deliver the centerpiece speech of the film as one might expect, espousing their own particular viewpoint. This isn´t a political film in the usual sense; it is a character drama set in a political time period. That´s where the finished production excels: not telling us what to think and, therefore, treating the audience like three year olds.

VIDEO:
The 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer is stunning to look at. Cinematographer Robert Fraisse creates a highly stylized picture from beginning to end, rich in contrast and fine details. Colors don´t pop, but it seems as though there are dark outlines around every object. It is with these outlines everything is given a certain zing. Otherwise, blacks are deep, if a bit overpowering, in dark scenes while there is a very fine layer of grain evident in the light.

AUDIO:
Two standard audio options here, English 5.1 and 2.0. Neither jumps out of the speakers and both require absolute attention to accurately decipher the South African accents. The 2.0 version is a touch louder than it´s counterpart, though the added volume doesn´t hinder or help the dialogue. Hissing and any other telltale audio issues don´t pop up, either. English and Spanish subtitles are included.

EXTRAS:
Opening the disc are three trailers for current Image releases: "Numb," "The Air I Breathe" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Also included is this film´s trailer (1:49). The only other supplement is a half hour vintage newsreel piece about Mandela and the larger fight against apartheid called "Remembering Mandela!" It runs a half hour in length, containing interviews with people who knew him and, more importantly, his philosophy on going to prison for his beliefs.

PARTING THOUGHTS:
Even with its flaws, "The Color of Freedom" deserves to be seen. Not only as a historical document, but also as warning about how cruel human beings can be to others. Riveting performances by the three main characters as well as a narrative which draws us in despite its flaws serve to create a production woefully underseen in its original run. Thanks to this DVD, another solid affair from Image Entertainment, hopefully a bigger audience will get a chance to experience an important-and well made-film.

---

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---