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Specifications:

- DVD-Video

- Single-sided

- Dual layer

- Region 1

- Run time: approx. 177 minutes

- Subtitle: English

- Scene selection: Static menus

- Package: Keep case

Video Features:

- Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1

Audio Features:

- English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround

- English: Dolby Surround

- French: Dolby Surround

Bonus Materials:

- Theatrical Trailers (2)

- "A Filmmaker's Passion: The Making 
     of Braveheart" featurette

- Commentary by director Mel Gibson
 

Release Dates:

Theatrical Release:      May 1995

DVD Release:              08/29/00

Review Date:               08/23/00

List price:                     $ 30.00

On-line price:               $ 18.00

Pre-order price was:    $ 17.00

Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, 
     Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack

Director: Mel Gibson

MPAA Rating: R

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Movie: A+        Video: A        Audio: A        Extras: A-

Summary: Mel Gibson starred in, directed, and produced this awe-inspiring epic 
   and beautifully told story of William Wallace's legendary quest to fight for 
   Scotland's freedom.  As the winner of 5 Academy Awards and a huge theatrical 
   blockbuster, "Braveheart" speaks for itself.  The DVD quality is top notch, with a 
   good portion of bonus materials.  This DVD is an absolute must-have in every 
   DVD collector's library.  This is Mel Gibson at his best.

The Story

"Braveheart" is a story about William Wallace (Mel Gibson) and his struggle to lead his fellow Scotsmen to freedom from the grips of Edward the Longshanks, the king of England.  Mel Gibson directed this spectacular epic, that is as beautifully romantic as it is brutally realistic in depicting the hardship and sacrifices that were made while fighting for Scotland's freedom.  The battle scenes are simply exhilarating, allowing you to witness all of the gory and brutality of 13^th Century hand-to-hand combat.

This modern-day made, awe-inspiring, gut-wrenching epic will remind you the promise and glory of epic feature films.  If you've seen "Braveheart", chances are you've been waiting for this DVD for quite some time (like yours truly).  If you haven't seen "Braveheart", you're in for an extra special treat.  With that said, I will say no more about the plot... other than:

   "Freeeeedom!" 

Needless to say, the on-screen performances of all cast members were phenomenal.  I remain particularly impressed with performances by Mel Gibson, Catherine McCormack, and Sophie Marceau.

The Extras

In addition to the near three-hour epic movie, the DVD contains the following bonus materials: two theatrical trailers, a featurette, and an audio commentary by director Mel Gibson.

The 27-minute featurette, "A Filmmaker's Passion: The Making of Braveheart" is a documentary that explains what inspired Mel Gibson to make this epic film, the William Wallace legend, and the filming of Braveheart.  The featurette makes you appreciate Mel's phenomenal efforts as director, leading actor, and producer of this epic film.  The featurette includes appearances by various cast members, including Sophie Marceau, Catherine McCormack, and Patrick McGoohan.

The audio commentary of director Mel Gibson is very informative.  He talks about the various obstacles encountered during filming, how various cast members were casted, the real history surrounding the William Wallace legend and Edward the Longshanks' rule, and the research to reproduce 13^th Century Scottish dwellings.  Unlike many audio commentaries, Mel doesn't feel the need to incessantly talk, especially not over the film's dialogue.  You can actually listen to Mel's commentary while enjoying the film and most of its dialogue.  Finally, being the Mel Gibson that he is, he cracks some funny jokes during the commentary. 

The "Braveheart" DVD was originally planned for release in May 2000.  However, Mel Gibson wanted to be personally involved in the production of this DVD, so its release was postponed until August 29, 2000.  Having seen the quality of this DVD, and particularly the bonus features I just talked about, I'm glad it was delayed.

Video & Audio

The image quality of this anamorphic widescreen DVD is absolutely top notch.  The colors are accurate and saturated, and is true to the stunningly beautiful cinematography of the lush and spectacular Scotland landscape.

The Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound is well-balanced and effective, putting you in the middle of the action... from the pounding hooves of war horses at full gallop, to the slashing and weapon-clanging of the gory and supercharged battle scenes.  The musical score by James Horner (who later composed the "Titanic" soundtrack, which explains the similarity between the two musical scores) is hauntingly beautiful.

Recommendation

"Braveheart" is a winner of five Academy Awards^® including Best Picture 1995 and Best Director Mel Gibson.  That alone is enough said.  But I will add that "Braveheart" is one of my top five favorite movies of all time.  (And it's finally available on DVD!)  I give my highest recommendation to "Braveheart" and this DVD.  It is a movie not to be missed, and should be strongly be considered a part of any casual or serious movie/DVD collection.  At its current price, it is a steal of a masterpiece.  Mel Gibson and Paramount priced this for everyone to own.  So, if you only buy a handful of DVDs a year, do consider making "Braveheart" one of them.

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