"REVOLUTIONARY ROAD" pairs the two leads from the most successful film of all time(TITANIC) back for the first time since. While it didn't do well at the box-office or even with OSCARS, (Di Caprio is brilliant!) it's a fantastic film that should stand the test of time and be considered a classic decades from now. Director Sam Mendes craftsmanship lends his personal stamp to "REVOLUTIONARY ROAD" in a manner which makes it appear made for himself. While more serious in atmosphere than "AMERICAN BEAUTY" it's no less beautiful or profound. 
 
While differing in various aspects from the great Richard Yates novel, it was adapted from, the script feels completely faithful in its overall atmosphere and insight.  Although it serves as a cautionary tale about relationships, their development, beauty, sufferings and potential for complete self-destruction, it's poignant and feels honest in scene after scene!  Di Caprio and Winslet play the two leads, and the narrative provides brilliant exposition without ever feeling false or unnecessary. Although the story takes place in the late '50s its examination of a relationship is just as important today.  Mendes demonstrates an eye for finding beauty in things one typically takes for granted, in a way few directors manage, and there are moments every bit as beautiful as the floating bag sequence of "AMERICAN BEAUTY," along with music no less stirring. Mendes also shows he's one of the few gifted directors marrying great imagery with great storytelling and an appreciation for the higher intelligence he expects from an audience. "REVOLUTIONARY ROAD" is poignant, disturbing and beautiful, all at once, and shouldn't be missed!
 
PARAMOUNT has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 blu-ray and 16:9 enhanced dvd. Mendes has given an intentionally soft look to the film's design, but it still feels natural throughout. So, the resulting composition, even with some grain, marries vivid colors, stunning detail and soft lighting for a stunning picture. It's unusual and astounding to find an image with so much depth, yet with soft filters!  BRILLIANT! The blu-ray image pushes the colors to a point of vibrancy that is never quite reached with the standard resolution of the dvd. The fine detail of the suits and hats of a basically all-male workforce coming down the stops of a train station isn't exactly lost on dvd, but it doesn't create nearly the impact found on the blu-ray, as just one example.
 
PARAMOUNT has provided a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix for the blu-ray and standard Dolby Digital 5.1 for dvd.  As with his previous masterpieces, "AMERICAN BEAUTY" and "ROAD TO PERDITION," the Thomas Newman score is its own character here, and it's perfectly presented through select and sometimes "all" speakers at just the right moment. Ambient effects are well utilized but restrained, with the heavy emphasis on dialogue being front speaker focused. Both mixes offer impressive fidelity, however the lossy mix does a better job with bass in the few moments it's utilized. Some minor nuance effects are also better balanced on the blu-ray mix over that of the dvd.
 
Both formats offer a great commentary with Mendes and the scriptwriter. Even those casual fans of the film or novel should enjoy the intelligent discussion and insight offered here by one of the few truly great directors out there.
 
A featurette, "LIVES OF QUIET DESPERATION: THE MAKING OF REVOLUTIONARY ROAD" covers a broader scope of the film's production than most featurettes and is extremely well made.
 
A deleted scenes segment, running almost a half-hour, offers its share of scenes unnecessary, alongside some that seem brilliant and that should've arguably been left intact.  Both of these supplements are offered in full HD on the blu-ray format.
 
An exclusive featurette is offered on blu-ray only, examing the novelist behind "REVOLUTIONARY ROAD," and shoudn't be missed.