ORDINARY PEOPLE

 Robert Redford’s directorial debut with “ORDINARY PEOPLE” was nothing short of remarkable.  In fact, everything about this film is remarkable.  The visual compositions, acting, editing, music and so much more have helped make this film a true “American Classic”.  In over twenty years since its debut, the film has kept all of its original power. 

 Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton, and Judd Hirsch have never given better performances, and it’s hard to believe they ever will.  In one of the rare films to deal honestly with dysfunctional families, Hutton plays Conrad, a high school student trying to cope with surviving a tragic boating accident that claimed the life of his older brother, someone idolized by all that knew him. Making things harder is the fact that his mother can’t seem to even have one honest, warm conversation with him, and that she basically blames him for surviving when his brother was killed. 

The film’s pace is intentionally slow and deliberate, allowing for the audience to honestly reflect upon the sensational script and events unfolding before them. 

 PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is sharp, with excellent detail.  Colors are solid, however a little subdued in spots.  Contrast is fine, with deep blacks and greys.  The soundtrack, which is monaural, only offers limited fidelity range, especially in relation to the wonderful score. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.  The original theatrical trailer is also included.