Gary Tooze
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2000
- Messages
- 3,055
'Goin' Down The Road - DVD Review - Seville Pictures - To be released November 19th, 2002
The FULL review with screen captures is HERE
A highly praised film in 1970, "Siskel and Ebert" put it on their Top Ten list for that year.
"Don Shebib’s definitive 1970 film is about two young and uneducated Maritimers who leave the desolation of Nova Scotia and head for the legendary opportunities of Toronto. Even when contacts fall through and they are forced to spend their first nights at the Salvation Army, both men maintain an optimistic sense of adventure as they encounter offbeat characters in a variety of humorous situations. However, as their prospects begin to fade, optimism gives way to frustration and loneliness. The New Yorker’s Pauline Kael said: “...there is scarcely a false touch in Goin’ Down the Road; Don Shebib is so good at blending actors into locations that at times… one forgets that it is an acted film.” "
The DVD...
Director approved Seville Signature Collection DVD
Digitally mastered from the print restored by the National Archives of Canada
Commentary track by director Don Shebib
Commentary track/appreciation by Toronto Star critic Geoff Pevere
Booklet insert with introduction essay by Christine Ramsay; President of the Film Studies Association of Canada
Pierre Burton Interview with director Shebib ( 24:17 ).
Stills Gallery ( 15 individual black and white 4:3 stills )
Firstly, this is a miraculous piece of Canadiana that has proudly stood the test of time. Made on a shoe string with neo-realistic performances even a weathered 16mm print of this film ranks right up with early Cassavetes works (Shadows, Faces). Now it has been now been digitized mastered from the original print restored by the National Archives of Canada . Seville Pictures have not only done justice with this DVD presentation, but also maintained the undercurrent of realism and innocence by not "dolling up" the image excessively. The two seperate commentaries (director Donald Shebib and critic Geoff Pevere), I rate with some of the best I have ever heard. This is fresh, frank and honest testimony delivered in grass roots fashion, especially by director Shebib. I not only feel delighted to write a review of this DVD, but honored to share my feelings about the film. If there ever was a pioneering piece of Canadian New Wave, cinema verite or neo-realism, then THIS is it!... right down to the Bruce Cockburn soundtrack. The DVD has kept its rooted tones perfectly. The image quality is my no means immaculate and there is negligible edge enhancement down the right side, the colors are washed out but it only adds to its gritty charm. An glossy, over-restoration would seem inappropriate and I'm sure we are seeing it better than anyone did in the theater in the 70's. 5 out of 5!
Regards,
The FULL review with screen captures is HERE
A highly praised film in 1970, "Siskel and Ebert" put it on their Top Ten list for that year.
"Don Shebib’s definitive 1970 film is about two young and uneducated Maritimers who leave the desolation of Nova Scotia and head for the legendary opportunities of Toronto. Even when contacts fall through and they are forced to spend their first nights at the Salvation Army, both men maintain an optimistic sense of adventure as they encounter offbeat characters in a variety of humorous situations. However, as their prospects begin to fade, optimism gives way to frustration and loneliness. The New Yorker’s Pauline Kael said: “...there is scarcely a false touch in Goin’ Down the Road; Don Shebib is so good at blending actors into locations that at times… one forgets that it is an acted film.” "
The DVD...
Director approved Seville Signature Collection DVD
Digitally mastered from the print restored by the National Archives of Canada
Commentary track by director Don Shebib
Commentary track/appreciation by Toronto Star critic Geoff Pevere
Booklet insert with introduction essay by Christine Ramsay; President of the Film Studies Association of Canada
Pierre Burton Interview with director Shebib ( 24:17 ).
Stills Gallery ( 15 individual black and white 4:3 stills )
Firstly, this is a miraculous piece of Canadiana that has proudly stood the test of time. Made on a shoe string with neo-realistic performances even a weathered 16mm print of this film ranks right up with early Cassavetes works (Shadows, Faces). Now it has been now been digitized mastered from the original print restored by the National Archives of Canada . Seville Pictures have not only done justice with this DVD presentation, but also maintained the undercurrent of realism and innocence by not "dolling up" the image excessively. The two seperate commentaries (director Donald Shebib and critic Geoff Pevere), I rate with some of the best I have ever heard. This is fresh, frank and honest testimony delivered in grass roots fashion, especially by director Shebib. I not only feel delighted to write a review of this DVD, but honored to share my feelings about the film. If there ever was a pioneering piece of Canadian New Wave, cinema verite or neo-realism, then THIS is it!... right down to the Bruce Cockburn soundtrack. The DVD has kept its rooted tones perfectly. The image quality is my no means immaculate and there is negligible edge enhancement down the right side, the colors are washed out but it only adds to its gritty charm. An glossy, over-restoration would seem inappropriate and I'm sure we are seeing it better than anyone did in the theater in the 70's. 5 out of 5!
Regards,
