Columbia: Awakenings on DVD (1 Viewer)

[rhett]

Awakenings is a triumph of human spirit and a passionate look at miracles and their reprocussions. This is arguably one of the best films of the 90's, and De Niro's performance is amazing. He brings so much emotion and life to the character, even through his little nuances and facial expressions, that the audience can't help but feel truly touched by his performance. And Robin Williams is suprisingly (and thankfully) reserved in what is certainly his best performance as of late.
Awakenings was released on DVD in a bare bones edition as one of Columbia's first wave of titles, and deserves a much better version. The video is nicely presented, but looks all too much like the LD, and could use a nice restoration. The audio is very week, and Randy Newman's heart tugging score deserves to be heard in 5.1! But what this film really needs is extras. Considering it is based on a true story the extras could be endless.
Possible Extras:

• A Commentary with Oliver Sacks, of whom the film is based on.
• A commentary with director Penny Marshall and writer Steven Zaillan.
• A commentary with actors Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.
• A look at the real Leonard Lowe and the hospital that Oliver Sacks still works at.
• Interviews with the stars on how they trained for their roles.
• A featurette on the enigmas of catatonic studies.
• Iscolated score with Randy Newman commentary.
• Galleries, Trailers, TV Spots, etc.

Please Columbia, you have done such a good job with your re-releases of back catalogue titles so far (can't wait for Jerry Maguire!), so please do us fans a favor and give this film the release it deserves!

 

[rhett]

Any Awakenings fans out there? :frowning:

 

[Scott D S]

This is the one film I can't watch without bursting into tears, yet it's so good I can't turn it off!