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Revolutionary Road Blu-ray
Paramount Pictures | 2008 | 119 mins | Rated R | Jun 02, 2009
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Video
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Audio
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (less)
Subtitles
English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese (less)
Discs
50GB Blu-ray Disc
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Price
List price: $29.99  Amazon: $22.99 (Save 23%)
Third party: $11.50 (Save 62%)
Usually ships in 24 hours
User rating
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Movie
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4.2 |
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Video
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4.4 |
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Audio
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4.4 |
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Extras
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3.3 |
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Overall
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4.1
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Based on 8 user ratings
Playback
Region free
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Zeiram
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Jun 02, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 3
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Overall: 5
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Easily One of the Year's Best Films!
Bogey and Becall, Hepburn and Tracy, Martin and Lewis, Matthau and Lemmon, Pacino and DeNiro, Glover and Gibson, Chan and Tucker, Damon and Affleck, Travolta and Jackson, Smith and Jones and DiCaprio and Winslet. Yes, these are all examples of successful and famous screen pairings between actors. Of course, Leo and Kate's Hollywood stock sky-rocketed when James Cameron's epic "Titanic" first sailed its way into box-office history. Since then the two A-listers have appeared in a slew of varied and complicated roles; each with their own success and accolades to boot. Although they have appeared in only two films together Kate and Leo have established themselves as a memorable pair in cinema history.
"Revolutionary Road", director Sam Mendes' adaptation of Richard Yates' novel couldn't be anymore different than a film like Titanic. Nearly claustrophobic in its cinematic approach about the tumultuous turmoils of marriage, it tells the story of the "Wheelers"; a young and optimistic couple who eventually find themselves and their long-relationship painfully unraveling amidst the decay and grotesque facade of 1950s suburbia. Similar territory was also explored in Mendes' Oscar®-Winning film "American Beauty".
DiCaprio plays Frank, an underachieving business man who more or less doesn't know what he wants out of life. April, his wife played by Kate Winslet (in a dazzling performance) is nearly the opposite in that she pretty much knows what she wants out of life yet continually struggles to identify with her husband and the world around her. Suffice it to say, both are extremely complicated people who deal with the pitfalls of their relationships on a day-to-day basis. Because of this, there is not much room for black and white and the movie toils with many, many shades of grey (much to the audience's delight). Much of the arch of the film centers on the Wheeler's desire to move to Paris and start over. When Frank is drawn away by his ever-rising position at his place of work, he finds his interest to move abroad slowly waning. To complicate matters, once April becomes pregnant with her third child their dreams of going to Paris seem to become more and more thwarted by the cascade of tragic events. Combine all that with some startling direction from Mendes, gorgeous cinematography, a picturesque setting and haunting score and what you have is the makings of a classic and compelling domestic drama.
Revolutionary Road is incredibly focused in its determination to paint a truly unsettling portrait of two very different personalities who continually clash heads. Some of the movie is told through flashbacks of the Wheeler's during happy periods in their life; which makes the immediate harsh drama all the more involving and tragic. While Frank struggles with his own self worth and esteem, April also struggles with her inability to make Frank see things the way she him to see; or vise versa. The result is, for lack of a better description an excruciating verbal ballet of endless misunderstandings, emotional regresses and attacks (often physical, always complicated, compelling and never pretty). This is not "Terms of Endearment" or "Ordinary People" but "Saving Private Ryan" using words and suburbs instead of bullets and blood-soaked beaches.
Everything about Justin Haythe's painfully realistic screenplay is played out in shocking fashion and complexity by the film's two leads. DiCaprio is simply mesmerizing as Frank, a man who is always at odds with both himself and the world around him. His personality reeks of both cynical world-weariness as well as adventurous uncertainly. On the other hand, Winslet is like a ticking-time bomb waiting to explode. When she does explode it’s not at all pretty and can make one feel pretty rotten to the core. Her performance is a thing of rare beauty that few actresses of her generation (or any generation for that matter) could have acheived in my humble opinion. There is really no excuse to even like these two characters, yet somehow Mendes and the actors make them utterly convincing and sympathetic. One who calls themselves a human being cannot go through life without knowing at least some of the troubles that Frank and April go through. Their pain is even inspiring in some strange way.
Revolutionary Road is also an astute and subtle commentary on the 1950s and all of the politics and culture involved. The setting is another character in itself, which reeks of an Edward Hopper-esque manifestation of Americana's most depressing and turbulent battles of the human spirit. One of the stand-out roles comes from Michael Shannon (who received the film's only Oscar-Nominated performance). He plays "John Givings" a former mathematican while having been declared legally insane, just might be the movie's only sane person. The movie is not all dreary though, as there is the occassional light humor and sometimes violent romance (though still few and far between). Once the movie sets down on its point of no return it becomes obvious that a startling Greek tragedy is being set to Jazz music, classic cars and suburban households. Environments of corporate clean-cut executives who scurry around all day in large buildings reminiscent of Fred MacMurray's somewhat evil Mr. "Jeff D. Sheldrake". The characters in this film however are not evil or good but are real people who are seriously flawed, uncertain and passionate.
Revolutionary Road is a wonderfully acted Hollywood drama that sticks with you long after the credits roll even if you don't want it to. It features career best performances from its two lead actors, brilliant direction and writing. It is above all extremely entertaining; easily one of the year's best films. |
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eljay
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Jul 11, 2009
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Movie: 3
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: n/a
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Overall: 3
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A decent drama.
With the courtship bloom long off the rose, Frank and April Wheeler - to others' eyes, the perfect 1950s suburban couple - struggle to cope with their stifling and unfulfilling lives. Desperate to re-ignite the passion of their relationship and to allow them both to re-discover themselves, April proposes to Frank that they move to Paris, France - the city about which Frank had once waxed poetic and adventurous to April - and begin their lives anew. Enthusiastic at first, Frank becomes increasingly hesitant about forsaking the familiarity and security of his middle-class existence. Will April be able to change Frank's mind, or will his reluctance condemn her to a life of disillusionment and servility?
A little slow and a little spare at times, this was, overall, a pretty good drama with excellent performances by Winslet (a most wonderful and talented actress) and DiCaprio (who has become quite a solid actor). A nod to Michael Shannon for his role as the "observant schizophrenic".
The PQ and AQ were both very good. |
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surfdude12
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Oct 16, 2009
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Movie: 2
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Video: 4
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Audio: 4
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Extras: n/a
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Overall: 2.5
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unconvincing performance + unnecessary issues....
I seem to be in the minority here who was not convinced by Dicaprio and Winslet's performance. The first half of the movie especially, they went from meeting to being married in 2 seconds. For the first time in a while, I realized that Dicaprio is a one-dimensional actor: he makes a lot of the same actions with his eyebrows, arms and body in all his movies. Example: holding his arms out extended from his side and raising them up while he makes a point. He does this way too much in all his roles, to the point of it showing him being limited as an actor (ie. his box of tools being scarse). Winslet's performance was better, although their performance as a couple will only be as good as the worst of them. The second half was better (their performance), but overall i just was not convinced on their performance. another example on them deciding on moving, dicaprio says "its not what i want" then long pause before winslet exclaims "but it is what you want..." that made the cringe it was so unconvincing.
the other issue i had was the unnecessary inclusion of the barage of feminism issues, and in the 1950s of all eras. sure, 2009 would be great for this, but the 1950s? would a wife really be able to demand that the family make radical decisions, and if those demands arent met, declare all out war in the relationship? i'm no expert on the 1950s, but my guess would be that wouldn't be typical in a male-female role back then. for me, when a movie presents themes in an era that seem implausible for that era, i cant take the movie very seriously. |
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dj02bothell
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Jun 07, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 2.5
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Overall: 5
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Grossly true...very true...
This is IMO one of the year's best movie. A movie that just seems to be about fighting for 2 hours, but the sad thing is that this movie depicts the truth about relationships and what it can lead to. Kate and Leo were snubbed for the performances because i couldn't see anyone do better than this. The PQ was overall great, nothing to complain about but it just had some edge-enhancement on the bright day-light scenes but definately nothing too distracting. The AQ was pretty good too, lots of screaming and yelling in this film and the TrueHD got it's job done well. Every yell and scream sounds perfect, no distortion what so ever. This is a great movie and a solid blu ray disc, i definately recomend this to anyone. |
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rwojtalewicz
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Jun 11, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4
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Extras: 3.5
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Overall: 4.5
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Stunning performance by Kate and Leo
They say behind every successful man is a woman. What we have in this film is a controlling, dominating woman (Kate Winslett) driving a man (DiCaprio) not to succeed when in fact he has every ability within him to succeed, if only she'd encourage him more and build him up. Instead, she feeds off his failures by refusing to to talk about his problems at the job or talk about their crumbling marriage. That infuriates him. She retaliates by being cold and indifferent to his feelings and his apparent lack of success. He's looking for support and encouragement from her and yet she turns a cold shoulder. Yet he still tries to make her happy, and then complains to her that he can't thus generating a vicious cycle of arguing, shouting, and screaming. Then comes the lull between arguments. She's all over him and playing the submissive housewife. And then the cycle repeats itself. April longs for a change in their marriage. And just when Frank finds a submissive young lady at the office who bends to his every whim and desire, April (Kate) comes up with a plan to just drop what they're doing and move to Paris. She promises to support him by getting a job and he can just pursue what he's always wanted to do. In the 1950's such a role reversal was so unusual, that it's simply revolutionary. Revolutionary Road, also the name of the street that the couple lives on, thus becomes the metaphor for their moving to Paris. It sort of reminded me of Robert Frost's poem, The Road not Taken. They decide to do just that. Ok, that's enough spoilers. Watch the movie and the events that follow. It's a very powerful, moving, yet disturbing drama with equally powerful performances by Kate and Leo who put their all into the characters. Kate didn't get best actress in a leading role for this film, but instead got it for The Reader. Michael Shannon who played the character in the film who had been declared legally insane, actually gives surprisingly sane insight and understanding of the couple's dilemma. Michael was nominated by the 2008 Academy for best supporting actor, but of course and rightfully so that went award went to the late Heath Ledger.
The video PQ wasn't reference quality but was still quite above standard. The colors and lighting effects seemed to support the bright ups and the gloomy downs in the married couple's relationships.
What really matters in a film that's mostly dialogue driven is clear, distinct dialogue. It was exactly that except for some low whispering in a couple of scenes that were hard to follow, or perhaps my ears were still ringing from the loud agruments. LOL. Some of the soundtrack's 50s music was done well with a wide soundstage, presence, and depth even making the surrounds come alive. I wish the soundtrack all during the movie had more presence in the surrounds.
I recommend watching: Lives of Quiet Desperation and The Wages of Truth. Both are excellent presentations in the extra features.
To be sure this is an excellent film. Like fine wine it needs to be savored and meticulously sipped. This film is unlikely to be viewed again until I really get in the mood to watch it. With that in mind, I still think it's a great film for my collection adding more variety to my mostly action/adventure and sci-fi/fantasy. Some who are finicky about what they watch may want to rent first before buying. Either way renting or buying, I do recommend it highly. |
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Shanester
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Oct 07, 2009
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 3.5
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Overall: 4.5
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"I'M GLAD I'M NOT GONNA BE THAT KID"
Just like he did in American Beauty Sam Mendes does a masterful job of depicting the darker side of suburban everyday life. What does one do when they are trapped in a relationship of the mundane and boredom. Kate & Leo give terrific performances and the script is wonderfully written. Although set in 1955 the story is very contemporary. The supporting cast are also very strong. It's thaught provoking, intense and very provocative. Definitely one of the best films of 2008 that was largely overlooked for some reason.
The Blu Ray looks fantastic and brings the 50's to life. The audio is also crystal clear!
Highly Recommended!  |
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thekobrakais
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Jun 23, 2009
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Movie: 4
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: n/a
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Overall: 4
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drama at its finest..
revolutionary road is perfectly written, directed, scored, and acted. this movie defines what drama really is. it is incredibly difficult to stomach at times, but it sure does make for an intense movie. the blu-ray was one of the better transfers i've seen in awhile. the video was crisp and colorful and the audio, while not the type that will knock you out of your seat, plays very nicely throughout the film. the score is particularly well done and the other music featured sets the perfect tone. while a great movie, i can't imagine anyone wanting to purchase this and watch it over and over. it's not exactly uplifting. |
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Blu_Beast
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Aug 11, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4.5
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Best Movie Of 2008!!
"Revolutionary Road is a sobering reminder of how fleeting love can be when faced with the monotony of everyday life and the allure of forbidden fruit. It's a disquieting performance piece to be sure, but its real power lies in its unflinching script, its unsettling confrontations, and Mendes' searing direction. Thankfully, Paramount has given the film everything it deserves and more with an excellent Blu-ray release that features a striking video transfer, a stirring TrueHD audio track, and an impressive supplemental package. I can't say I'll ever have the courage to plow through the film again, but this disc will nevertheless earn a coveted spot in my personal collection." - Ken Brown
Perfectly stated. Its hard to get through. Its not hard because of the quality, but because the content. And with that being said I actually cant wait to view it once more. It is the most "real life" drama Ive ever seen. It easily should have won the best actor and actress Oscars, and should have atleast competed for best picture. Instead is wasnt nominated for any of those and only had a few nominations. My personal opinion is that it is a far better movie than Slumdog Millionaire which won or was at least nominated for almost every award. This movie is a must-see and no matter how you feel about the content there in no denying the realistic aspect of it. And it leaves you thinking about the movie long after viewing, which almost defines great cinema in itself. Highest Recommendation!! |
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