The theatrical trailer, which has been included here, suggests a truly "epic-like" and emotionally sweeping adventure/drama.  Director Shekar Kapur has created some battlefield compositions that really felt breathtaking, when watching the trailer on a big screen. Unfortunately, with exception of a few moments, "THE FOUR FEATHERS" drags around at a snail's pace, and making matters worse, all of the film's intended "surprises" are telegraphed long before they occur.

Kapur has proven that he can actually create stirring and heart-pounding moments, but only for moments at a time.  He should stick to making great trailers, or even commercials, and hand the reigns of directing feature films, to someone else.

The film begins in 1875, when parts of the British government were arguing for a stronger presence in Sudan.  Harry Faversham(Ledger) and his soccer playing buddies are soldiers, and all appear ready to travel overseas for battle.  But, Harry has just proposed to his longtime girlfriend, "Ethne"(Kate Hudson) and feels he has even more to live for, thus deciding he doesn't want to go. A subplot which doesn't work has his best friend, Jack Durrance(Wes Bentley) secretly in  love with Ethne from afar.  Harry resigns his commission, causing his friends and fiance to send him "four feathers," each one symbolizing their contempt for his cowardice.

Alone and tired of being labeled a coward, Harry decides to prove himself, and help his friends by taking the trip to Sudan on his own. Along his dangerous journey, he meets and befriends an African, Abou(Djimon Hounseau), a Muslim willing to risk his life to help him. .    

Kate Hudson is absolutely horrible here.  While she was "ok" in "ALMOST FAMOUS," I'm convinced that the real credit for her performance was due to Cameron Crowe's brilliant direction. Her acting will cause viewers to cringe here! The script is problematic as well. Harry's ability to make a complete and seemingly "sudden" change towards being courageous doesn't seem at all believable. The film is far too slow for its action-oriented aspirations, and the drama is far too derivative to keep one interested for its 150 minute running time.

PARAMOUNT has preserved the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  A pan & scan version is available separately, but the cropping would ruin the one truly great thing about the film, its stunning imagery.  The transfer is beautiful!  Colors alternate between being vibrant and subdued, when intended. There's great depth in every scene, and the contrast is perfect. This is an extremely well-polished image.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

PARAMOUNT has presented a DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 mix.  This is an aggressive soundmix, with numerous surround and directional effects.  The .1(lfe) track is certain to work out the best subwoofer. The musical score is also impressive and well complimented through all speakers. The dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

Director Shekhar Kapur provides a running commentary, and it's still surprising to find he doesn't realize the film's gigantic problems.  He's actually quite intelligent, making his limited directing abilities that much more disappointing.

PARAMOUNT has included numerous featurettes, "eight" in all.  The best, "THE BATTLE OF ABOU CLEA" explores the film's biggest battle scene. Unfortunately, it's far too short, leaving one wishing more time had been devoted to this at the expense of the less interesting featurettes. 

There are two trailers included, "FOUR FEATHERS" and the long-delayed "THE CORE."