DVD News

The Motorcycle Diaries DVD Details

By James Wray Dec 15, 2004, 4:30 GMT

Directed by Walter Salles (Academy Award(R) nominee for "Central Station") and executive-produced by Academy Award(R) winner Robert Redford (Best Director for "Ordinary People"), "The Motorcycle Diaries" stars three of today's hottest young actors: Gael Garcia Bernal ("Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Bad Education"), Independent Spirit Award nominee (Best Debut Performance) Rodrigo de la Serna, and Mia Maestro ("Alias").

Based on the inspiring real-life story of a brave trip across a continent on a motorcycle, the film follows the thrilling and life-changing journey of two young men, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna and Alberto Granado, all across Latin America. Surprising and exciting destinations await the two best friends -- one of whom, Ernesto, later became known to the world as "El Che" Guevara. "The Motorcycle Diaries" DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP and the VHS at $23.98 SRP. Pre-order close date is January 11, 2005 for the DVD and VHS.

Extend the Journey, With In-Depth Bonus Features

The DVD's bonus features include extensive extras that provide insight into the true-life stories of the two young men, the background of the film, the development of the characters, and the production which brought people together from all over the world:

Deleted Scenes

The Making of "The Motorcycle Diaries" -- An in-depth featurette taking audiences through the cast and crew's journey making this extraordinary film.

A Moment with Alberto Granado -- A reminiscence by the real-life motorcycle rider of the adventure he shared 50 years ago with his friend Ernesto.

Feature commentary with director Walter Salles

A Moment With Gael Garcia Bernal -- A conversation with the red-hot star of "Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Amores Perros," "El Crimen Del Padre Amaro," and "Bad Education"

Tomo Uno with Gael Garcia Bernal

Music of the Road -- An interview with Latin Grammy Award(R)-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla ("Amoros Perros," "21 Grams," "The Insider")

"The Motorcycle Diaries," which world-premiered to a standing ovation at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, follows an inspiring journey of self-discovery and traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary heart. The rich and complex human and social topography of the Latin American continent is unveiled in all its glory as two friends experience life at its fullest. The film, directed by Walter Salles ("Central Station," "Behind the Sun"), is adapted by Jose Rivera from the journals of two real-life young Argentines, Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara de la Serna -- the latter of whom would become "El Che."

In January 1952, Ernesto (played by Gael Garcia Bernal) is a 23-year-old medical student specializing in leprology. Alberto (Rodrigo de la Serna), age 29, is a biochemist. The two men bid goodbye to their families and to Ernesto's girlfriend Chichina Ferreyra (Mia Maestro). Flush with a romantic sense of adventure, they pile onto Alberto's 1939 Norton 500 motorcycle (nicknamed "La Poderosa" ["The Mighty One"]). The aging bike carries them farther and farther away from familiar and comfortable Buenos Aires surroundings, to surprising and exciting destinations. The two friends become as close as brothers.

Over the course of eight months and 8,000 miles, what starts out as a lark becomes a profound journey of discovery, not only of themselves but of a continent filled with infinite sorrow -- and infinite hope. From homeless miners to riverboat prostitutes, from lepers to prosperous gentry, Ernesto and Alberto discover an affinity for humanity within themselves, and a determination to change the world.

Full technical details in our database. You can also check out our review of the movie and various media here.