Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich
Studio: Universal 61106236 [Release date: Feb. 17, 09]
Video: 2.40:1 anamorphic/enhanced for 16:9, 1080p HD
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; French DTS 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Extras: “Partners in Crime: Clint Eastwood and Angelina Jolie” featurette on the making of the film, “The Common Thread: Angelina Jolie becomes Christine Collins” profile of the real life character”, U-Control features = Picture-in-picture interactive cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, “Los Angeles: Then and Now” explores the visual history of L.A. comparing the 1920s to today, Archives – Images and documents on the real life individuals portrayed; BD LIVE features
Length: 2 hrs. 22 min.
Rating: ****
Eastwood has directed a compelling and believable account of an unforgettable true story. In 1928 Los Angeles, while single mother Christine Collins is at work supervising telephone operators, her young son vanishes with no trace. Months later the L.A. police reunite mother and son to much press hoopla, but he isn’t her son. Christine begins an unending quest to find her son and in the process exposes a world of corruption in the Los Angeles police department. She is ably assisted by a Presbyterian minister- broadcaster (John Malkovich). Collins’ quest results in grave dangers to herself but she never lets up on her efforts to bring her son back. Being Eastwood, there is no turning away from some very disturbing scenes, and humor is not part of the story, although the prissy Malkovichian reverend offers some smiles.
Excellent acting by all concerned. A plot line with many twists and turns. Obvious attention to detail in recreating late ‘20s Los Angeles. The Blu-ray transfer is good and the many extremely dark portions of the image will test your display’s contrast ratio. The hi-res surround field was effectively used in some scenes. By the way – and this is a option to encourage – the special features are all in 1080p HD!
– John Sunier
