To Kill A Mockingbird (DVD)

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Audio:
The two-channel, Dolby Digital monaural soundtrack is likewise superb in its vivid detail, rendering every word clear and intelligible. Mono may not be the height of sonic sophistication these days, but it does its job with commendable ease, and, frankly, one could hardly ask for more, given that the film has little need for surround sound or even two-channel stereo information.

Extras:
What's more, Universal have included on their dual-layer disc a wealth of supporting material, including a wonderful ninety-minute documentary titled "Fearful Symmetry," which itself is worth the price of purchase. Divided into twenty-four chapters, not only does the documentary trace the filming of the movie but it provides a fascinating, insightful, and poetic look into the real South pictured in the story and the real-life characters who inspired the book and film. In addition, there are numerous cast and production notes, an optional audio commentary with director Robert Mulligan and producer Alan Pakula, a theatrical trailer, and a remarkably generous thirty-nine scene selections. English and French are the spoken language options, with English and Spanish subtitles.

Parting Thoughts:
For me, one of the most poignant scenes in all of cinema is when young Scout meets the shy Arthur Radley for the first (and only) time and says, "Hey, Boo." The words and the shot--Scout fearful with wonder and excitement, Arthur pressed against a wall, hiding in the shadows--couldn't be more simple. Yet I've watched (and read) the scene probably a hundred times over, and it never fails to affect me anew each and every time. This is great filmmaking, and the movie deserves a place among the best movies ever made.

Fortunately, too, the folks at Universal are no longer asking a premium price for the disc, but even at twice the cost, it's worth every cent. "Mockingbird" is endearing, heartwarming, tragic, uplifting, and, ultimately, inspiring. Movies don't get any better than this. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of the classic novels and classic films of the twentieth century.

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