Media

Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - March, 2011

"Dances with Wolves" (Blu-ray) - Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Synopsis

During the America Civil War, Lt. Dunbar leads his troops into a victorious battle. He requests to be sent off to the western frontier where he sets up camp all alone.  Soon he has a visitor in the form of a wolf that he befriends and names Two Socks.  Dunbar also meets the local Sioux Indian tribe and discovers a white woman, "Stands with Fist" who has been raised by the tribe.  They fall in love and he becomes and honorary member of the tribe, adjusting many of his white-man ways to those of the Sioux.

Commentary

Dances with Wolves is, arguably, Kevin Costner's finest contribution to cinema history.  I have always loved this movie and its "epicness" in every sense - cinematography, acting, music, and, especially with this extended cut, length.  The film has great character development which leads to a very touching story.  You would have to be quite heartless to not feel something when watching Dancing with Wolves. MGM has released a beautiful blu-ray of this movie and I consider it a must own for any movie buff.

Technical

The video quality on this blu-ray is leaps and bounds above the old dvd copy I have. MGM has provided us with a very soft, but highly detailed, film-like transfer.  It feels like there is nothing between you and the movie.  The new DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 mix is a thing of beauty. John Barry's amazing score is reproduced wonderfully as are the intense gun shots, stampeding buffalo, and subtle sounds of nature.

Extras

Pretty much the same as the 2 Disc DVD special edition, consisting of: Audio Commentary, Featurettes, Retrospective Documentary, Music Video, Gallery, Trailers, TV spots.

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