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Beautiful Mind, A Starring:
Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris
Director: Ron Howard
Rating: PG-13
Review
Posted: 7.1.02
By
John Teves.
A
Beautiful Mind
stars Russell Crowe in an astonishing performance as brilliant
mathematician John Nash; on the brink of international acclaim
Nash becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. Now, only his
devoted wife (Jennifer Connelly) can help him in this powerful
story of courage, passion and triumph. Facing challenges that
have destroyed many others, Nash fought back; he triumphed over
decades of hardship and tragedy, and received the Nobel Prize in
1994.
A
Beautiful Mind
is a brilliant film. The characters are realistically gaunt and
the film offers a distinct strength of writing and notable
acting performances. A
Beautiful Mind isn't about mathematics; it's about
human brittleness and the ability to prevail over it. This film
truly defies the common
Hollywood
tact of desire and romance. While the analysis of Nash's mind
and disease are absolutely engaging, it is the devotion between
Nash and Alicia that serves as the film's impulsive substance.
>Read
Angelo's Film Review!
A
Beautiful Mind
appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on this single-sided,
double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9
televisions. Picture looked remarkable. Sharpness seemed
spotless. There were inconsiderable signs of edge enhancement;
jagged edges were eye-catching, but not a major concern; I found
no signs of obscurity.
The film was crisp and
precise. There were visible spots of grain at times, but again,
not enough to exhibit concerns. Colors were vivid; black levels
always came across deep and solid; shadow detail was distinct.
Overall,
A Beautiful Mind
displayed an often effective representation.
The film is presented in Dolby
Digital 5.1 - The film offered a moderate forward emphasis;
music displayed a reliable stereo presence, while effects
created a decent cut. Dialogue came across normal and discrete.
Some good ambiance appears through music and general background
effects.
Split
surround convention is limited at times but nonetheless it adds
occasional substance to the track. Effects were plain and
precise, and they appeared unclouded and strong. In any event,
A Beautiful Mind
provided a solid Dolby Digital undergoing
Extras:
Commentary by director Ron Howard
Commentary by screenwriter Akiva Goldsman
Disc 1
Feature film
Deleted scenes - with optional director's commentary
Disc 2
A Beautiful Partnership: Ron Howard and Brian Grazer
Development of the Screenplay
Meeting John Nash - The Nash Theory of Equilibrium
"Accepting the Nobel Prize in Economics"
"The Process of Age Progression"
Storyboards to final feature comparison
Creation of special effects
Scoring the film
Inside A Beautiful Mind
Academy Awards Reactions: Best Picture, Best Director, Best
Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay
A Beautiful Mind soundtrack
Should you rent it or buy it?
A Beautiful Mind
provides a perpetually engrossing piece that also shines due to
a stellar presentation by Russell Crowe. The DVD offers a very
positive picture and sound plus worthy extras. If you really
like the film, then you wont be disappointed by the DVD
presentation. Even if you dont normally care for this type of
sensible film, A Beautiful
Mind warrants a look nevertheless. Highly
recommended.
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