JEREMIAH JOHNSON

Robert Redford took a real chance in making Jeremiah Johnson. Although the plot, a man leaves civilization for a life in the mountains, encountering indians, wild grizzlys and the elements, has some of the traditional makings of a western, there's very little traditional about this film. Writers John Milius and Edward Anhalts's script deals with nature and a love of the wilderness in a way which few films have before or since. Never before available in its theatrical scope, its 2.35:1 ratio is well suited for DVD. Viewers have the choice to choose between letterboxing and P&S, each on different sides of the DVD. This option and the quality of the presentation should leave viewers with little hesitation in choosing the widescreen format. Director Sydney Pollack does a commendable job in creating alternate moments of awesome beauty and great suspense. Still, the film's not perfect and suffers due to its pacing at times. The soundtrack has been remastered for the English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, and there are some moments where these effects benefit the film. The significant benefit of this track relates to the magnificent score. An overture has also been included, coinciding with a wonderful mountain view, having as much to say about the wilderness that was once America as the film does itself.

Included with this DVD are a theatrical trailer and a documentary that gave this reviewer the sense of nostalgia for when Hollywood was actively making its own documentaries "Behind the Scenes," and before "Entertainment Tonight."