All the President's Men [Blu-ray] Reviews

The Feature: 4.5/5

A break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Office Complex in June of 1972 leads Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) to a political scandal that not only alters their careers but rattles the nation's political consciousness. As the two men doggedly pursue each lead from the initial crime, a picture begins to form that points to the culpability of not just low-level Republican party members but close advisers in President Nixon's administration. It's a controversial - and dangerous - story, and one that's hard to sell, even to their executive editor, Ben Bradlee (Jason Robards). But as Woodward and Bernstein build their case - aided in large part by Woodward's deep background source "Deep Throat" (Hal Holbrook) -  the truth, and the responsibility to publish the story, become irrefutable. Though they never would have guessed where the investigation would take them, they also have no idea the investigation is just beginning.

Coming less than two years after the resignation of President Nixon and the publication of Woodward and Bernstein's book detailing the Watergate Scandal, Alan Pakula's "All the President's Men" seems like it would have suffered from a uninterested public, tired of the story and wanting to move on. But there's something to be said for a well-crafted film, and one that skillfully maintains a level of intrigue and mystery despite the major plot points being so well known. It probably doesn't hurt that the web of deceit and the lengths of Woodward and Bernstein's investigation were so intricate. One could probably study the scandal for years but still never grasp it all, and over three decades later the story - of both the scandal and the development of two largely untested reporters - continues to fascinate. Having seen the film a few times now, it definitely whets the appetite for a better understanding of events (especially as it just covers the first seven months of the scandal). So much so that I for one have just found the next book to add to my nightstand.

Video Quality: 4/5

Audio Quality: 4/5
Dialogue in the mono DTS-HD Master Audio track is consistently clear and intelligible. Vocal characteristics are nicely detailed with no instances of hiss, noise or other age-related issues. Though listed as a single-channel track, player stats indicate two active channels, both of which I assume are identical.

Special Features: 4/5
The extras include all the items from the 2006 two-disc special edition DVD and offer a solid look behind the production along with some interesting archival pieces.

Commentary by Robert Redford: Redford provides a measured but thoughtful commentary, touching on various dimensions of the production. His most interesting observations center around real life figures of the story, having worked with them closely throughout the project.

Telling the Truth About Lies: The Making of All the President's Men (28:22, SD): Details how Redford influenced Woodward and Bernstein's book, steps toward developing the book into film, and challenges of the production, in particular the reticence of real life figures and studios to make the movie. The piece also spends some time on the requisite subjects of cinematography, production design, casting, direction, and reception. Narrated by Hal Holbrook and produced in 2006.

Woodward and Bernstein: Lighting the Fire (17:54, SD): A look at the significance of Woodward and Bernstein's Watergate investigation - its legacy and influence on the journalism industry. Narrated by Hal Holbrook and produced in 2006.

Out of the Shadows: The Man Who Was Deep Throat (16:21, SD): The man behind the "Deep Throat" alias, and the importance of protecting journalistic sources. Narrated by Hal Holbrook and produced in 2006.

Pressure and the Press: The Making of All the President's Men (10:05, SD): 1976 electronic press kit covers the film's development and production.

5/27/1976 Dinah! with Jason Robards (7:10, SD): Robards and Shore briefly discuss their reaction and public reception to the film on Shore's daytime TV talk show. Unfortunately the clip ends before Shore shares her theory on Deep Throat's identity.

Theatrical Trailer (2:51, SD)

Collectible Book: The nicely produced book-that-is-the-packaging includes cast and crew biographies, background on the production and numerous photographs.

Recap
The Feature: 4.5/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 4/5
Overall Score (not an average): 4.5/5

Warner Home Video turns in a fine audio and video presentation for an engaging political thriller based on all-too-real events. The special features include all the items from the last DVD special edition, making the total package the clear choice for first-time purchasers. For those who already have the title on DVD, it should make for a worthwhile upgrade given the appropriate price point.