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Rated: PG
Starring: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, et al.
Director: Sydney Pollack Review
Having seen this film countless times, each time appreciating it more, I
consider it to be one of the top two ever made, second only to Lawrence of
Arabia.It is Meryl Streep's film, and she should have had first billing --
she does a brilliant job of bringing Karen Blixen to life. Klaus Maria
Brandauer is excellent as the unfaithful husband, although Bror Blixen was
reported to be more charming than Brandauer portrayed. As lovers go,
Robert Redford is a perfect woman's fantasy, and the chemistry between
Redford and Streep is unequaled but for Casablanca (Bergman and Bogart).
The only disappointment for me is that Blixen/Dinesen's story of events is
Hollywoodized -- her book, Out of Africa, tells much more of the story and
it is certainly accurate in comparison. The widescreen version is great --
the viewing ratio makes for only a slight black letterboxing, hardly
noticeable, and the digital enhancement of the picture and sound makes for
a superb quality. Great viewing.
----------- The transfer of OUT OF AFRICA
is gorgeous on this newly released DVD. The African sun is bright and the
detail is crisp -- very important since the scenery is practically a third
character in this Oscar-winning "Best Picture" from 1985. I
really enjoyed "Song of Africa", the documentary created for this DVD
release. Not mentioned in the DVD's technical specs, this documentary
features several cut scenes not included in the film (except in a network
television showing). Example: the subplot of the servant boy with the bad
leg whom Karen Blixen heals. There are a few Redford-Streep scenes there,
too, which ended up on the cutting room floor (a last dance among Karen
Blixen's packed-up home; a made-up story on safari.)
Also, the documentary features incredibly funny and
entertaining tales told by Meryl Streep. She is a great mimic -- listen to
the sound effects that woman can make! At times hilarious and reflective,
she shares stories about the making of the film (the story of a tethered
lion she was supposed to whip is particularly funny). Conspicuously absent
(just like in THE WAY WE WERE DVD) is Mr. Redford's point of view.
Also interesting is screenwriter Kurt Luedtke's tales of the script. It is
fascinating to learn about the genesis of classic moments. Wait til you
hear how he came up with the idea of Streep getting her hair washed by
Redford. (Then listen to Streep's hilarious story of the Hippos in the
river!) Also revealing is composer John Barry's interview. His scoring of
Blixen's desert march is interesting -- music can really shape a scene!
OUT OF AFRICA is one of my favorite films. The widescreen version on this
DVD is a great presentation! Definitely one for your collection! Thanks,
Universal and Sydney Pollack for putting together a great package.
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