“A History of Violence” is brilliantly crafted and is easily one of the best American films of 2005.
he DVD is presented in a 1.85:1 ratio. The transfer does wonderful justice to Peter Suschitzky's cinematography. There is nothing to complain about here. Colors come out rich and bright, images are crisp and clear, black´s are dark and contrast comes out as it should. All in all this is a solid transfer.
Audio
English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby stereo soundtracks are presented. The 5.1 makes great use of the set up as needed. Music comes through in all speakers but doesn´t overwhelm. Sound effects come through sharply as does the dialogue, mostly pumped through the center channel. There was no noticeable distortion anywhere. New Line has presented a fine audio mix to accompany a fine video transfer.
Extras
David Cronenberg is present for a very interesting audio commentary where he discusses the various thematic elements he was seeking to explore in the film. He offers great insight into the film, the film making process, his actors and he does it all with great analytical touch.
"Acts of Violence" is a wonderful hour long documentary that features on-set footage and interviews with various members of the cast and crew. The doc is broken up into 8 parts that come out to be just over an hour long. The whole thing is very interesting and entertaining, offering up a wonderful look at the making of the film and the thematic elements, all from various perspectives. It´s much better than your average behind the scenes doc and well worth a watch.
"Violence´s History" is a very brief look at the film's harsher international version versus the American version which boils down to a few seconds of gore.
"Too Commercial for Cannes" takes the viewer to Cannes for the premiere, and offers an interesting (though much too brief) look at the film´s reception. Cronenberg and his stars are on hand for the film´s screening.
"The Unmaking of Scene 44" is a quick look at the filming of the DVD´s only deleted scene offered as an extra (appropriately titled scene 44). The scene itself is classic Cronenberg, a dream sequence involving Tom and Fogarty.
Also included are the film´s trailer and a DVD-Rom Script-to-Screen feature that allows the viewer to watch the film as they read script. It´s a nifty little tool, which allows a closer look at some the omitted portions of the script and how certain aspects where eventually interpreted.
Film Value
While not perfect, the film cleverly draws its audience into the graphic nature of violence and the way it subsequently affects the film´s protagonists. Some people might ignore the drama developed by Tom´s actions, but Cronenberg handles the drama in such a way that is very effective; it doesn´t come across as melodramatic or soap opera-ish. Everyone closely connected to Tom is changed or, at the very least, forced to look the consequences of their actions. The idea that violence breeds more violence and whether or not the vengeful instinct for destruction is imbedded in human DNA is in the heart of almost every scene. The film suggests that there is always more bubbling up just underneath the surface. What Cronenberg delivers is much more than what might be expected from the film´s B-movie set up. "A History of Violence" is brilliantly crafted and is easily one of the best American films of 2005.
Audio
English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby stereo soundtracks are presented. The 5.1 makes great use of the set up as needed. Music comes through in all speakers but doesn´t overwhelm. Sound effects come through sharply as does the dialogue, mostly pumped through the center channel. There was no noticeable distortion anywhere. New Line has presented a fine audio mix to accompany a fine video transfer.
Extras
David Cronenberg is present for a very interesting audio commentary where he discusses the various thematic elements he was seeking to explore in the film. He offers great insight into the film, the film making process, his actors and he does it all with great analytical touch.
"Acts of Violence" is a wonderful hour long documentary that features on-set footage and interviews with various members of the cast and crew. The doc is broken up into 8 parts that come out to be just over an hour long. The whole thing is very interesting and entertaining, offering up a wonderful look at the making of the film and the thematic elements, all from various perspectives. It´s much better than your average behind the scenes doc and well worth a watch.
"Violence´s History" is a very brief look at the film's harsher international version versus the American version which boils down to a few seconds of gore.
"Too Commercial for Cannes" takes the viewer to Cannes for the premiere, and offers an interesting (though much too brief) look at the film´s reception. Cronenberg and his stars are on hand for the film´s screening.
"The Unmaking of Scene 44" is a quick look at the filming of the DVD´s only deleted scene offered as an extra (appropriately titled scene 44). The scene itself is classic Cronenberg, a dream sequence involving Tom and Fogarty.
Also included are the film´s trailer and a DVD-Rom Script-to-Screen feature that allows the viewer to watch the film as they read script. It´s a nifty little tool, which allows a closer look at some the omitted portions of the script and how certain aspects where eventually interpreted.
Film Value
While not perfect, the film cleverly draws its audience into the graphic nature of violence and the way it subsequently affects the film´s protagonists. Some people might ignore the drama developed by Tom´s actions, but Cronenberg handles the drama in such a way that is very effective; it doesn´t come across as melodramatic or soap opera-ish. Everyone closely connected to Tom is changed or, at the very least, forced to look the consequences of their actions. The idea that violence breeds more violence and whether or not the vengeful instinct for destruction is imbedded in human DNA is in the heart of almost every scene. The film suggests that there is always more bubbling up just underneath the surface. What Cronenberg delivers is much more than what might be expected from the film´s B-movie set up. "A History of Violence" is brilliantly crafted and is easily one of the best American films of 2005.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]17662[/release]