MovieFreak.com - Far From Heaven DVD Review

Far From Heaven (2002)

Starring: Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert
Director: Todd Haynes

Rating: PG-13

Studio: Universal

Review Posted: 4.08.03

Spoilers: None

Reviewed by John Teves

Originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

Synopsis

A Connecticut housewife (Moore) finds herself dealing with her husband's (Quaid) infidelity (she finds him with another man) and the racial tension that epitomized the late 1950s at the advent of the Civil Rights movement in America. As a coping mechanism, she develops a friendship with her African-American gardener (Haysbert), who's full of sage wisdom.

>Read Sara M. Fetters' Film Review!

The Video

FAR FROM HEAVEN appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on this single-sided, dual-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. As one might expect, yet another wonderful transfer from Universal Studios. Sharpness was excellent. The film remained crisp and distinct. I saw no signs of softness. Jagged edges caused no issues, and there were no signs of edge enhancement.

As for the print, I the image looked clean and fresh. The colors looked vivid and flamboyant; this was such a sensational color palate. I’ve never seen so many colors portrayed in a film - absolutely sensational. Black levels were deep and rich, while shadow detail was clear and thick. Overall, the video transfer of FAR FROM HEAVEN was absolutely gleaming; a solid presentation.

The Audio

FAR FROM HEAVEN is presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS track. Not surprisingly, it featured a very active soundfield for both versions of the film, with the DTS track having a deeper bass response. All five channels presented a masterful ambience that worked well for the film. Dialogue remained natural and warm at all times, and I noticed no signs of edginess from the audio track. Music was lively, and the score showed accurate range. Overall, the audio track for FAR FROM HEAVEN worked very well for the film.

The Extras

- The Making of Far From Heaven
- "Anatomy of a Scene" Featurette
- Feature Commentary With Director Todd Haynes

- A Filmmaker's Experience With Julianne Moore and Todd Haynes

Overall

FAR FROM HEAVEN is virtuoso filmmaking at its best. This film is extraordinary; the film grabs hold of the domineering oppression of the era. Director Haynes took a risk inventing this film because most viewers cannot help but to approach this material with a "modern day" frame of mind. People are not shocked to see two men kissing or to witness a potential romance between a white woman and a black man; instead Haynes sickens his viewers by the reactions of the characters and how they deal with prejudice and homosexuality of their time.

The DVD provides a colorful transfer with a good audio track and reasonable extras. FAR FROM HEAVEN may not appeal to all, but for those of you who enjoy classical films, FAR FROM HEAVEN is worth the time. Highly Recommended.

Film Rating: 4 out of 4

DVD REVIEWS BY JOHN TEVES:

- 8 Mile

- Army of Darkness: Boomstick Edition

- Blue Crush

- Bourne Identity

- Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

- Empire

- Eye See You

- Ghost Ship

- I Spy

- Maid in Manhattan