Loaded with some decent special features, a remastered picture and better sound, Legends of the Fall – Deluxe Edition will please fans of the star studded epic story of a family’s struggle against each other and a changing time.
The movie, which stars Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Henry Thomas and Julia Ormond, follows the lives of the Ludlow family during the 1900s – including their struggles, tragedy, and self-destruction.
Although the film is about the entire family, and the woman that comes between the brothers, it focuses on Pitt’s character Tristan – the wildest of the three sons. It follows the character from his early days as the “hero” of the family to the chaos of World War I and his fall following the death of his youngest brother – Samuel (played by Thomas).
Pitt is extremely good in the Tristan role, and shows that he can act when surrounded by other talented actors, a good director and a great script. He does an excellent job of showing the natural charm and charisma of the character in the opening of the film, and then Tristan’s spiral downward towards the film’s ending.
Director Edward Zwick combines several elements, including romance and action, to show Tristan’s fall following World War I, and he never seems to try and redeem the character.
In the beginning, we see Tristan riding up on a horse to meet the rest of the happy family, but by the film’s ending he is alone in the wilderness. Along the way, we see the character fall in love, but not to keep the “bear” inside him asleep – which leads the character to even more tragedy. Unable to remain happy in his life, Pitt does an excellent job of showing the despair and isolation that follows Tristan throughout the film.
Even with the focus of the movie being on the Tristan character, it remains a good ensemble piece with solid performances from Hopkins, Quinn, and Thomas. All of the actors bring their characters to life and illustrate different personalities that help each stand out next to Pitt’s Tristan.
Following his character’s heart attack, Hopkins, who plays the retired Col. William Ludlow, proves that he doesn’t need to be able to speak to deliver an impressive performance, and even adds some laughs to somewhat depressing film. He commands the attention early on in the film, but loses much of the father’s bluster as his family destructs around him.
Pitt does a good job showing Tristan's isolation and despair
Quinn, who plays the eldest brother Alfred, shows how his character is a complete opposite to the character of Tristan. This helps the two characters work well as mirrors for each other, and adds to some of the tension in the love story involving Ormond.
Thomas also adds a sort of innocence to the three brothers, and it only seems logical how his death would shatter a family that was so close. He is the youngest of the three brothers, and seems the most naïve
The film also combines elements of a great love story with decent action to please both a female and male audience. The plot is truly epic as it covers the entire story of this family, and the hardships they endure. It also does a great job of showing the merging of the past with that of the modern day. This is seen in scenes where the family rides in a car, but also on horseback; or in scenes featuring the town still using dirt roads, but crowded with businesses and cables.<!--page-->
Hopkins loses his bluster toward the end
If the film has a weak spot, it is the Susannah Fincannon Ludlow character that is played by Ormond. She arrives at the Ludlow home already engaged to Samuel, but Pitt and Quinn quickly find themselves also falling for her. After Samuel’s death, the two brothers fight over her, and she eventually tears the family apart. Ormond delivers a good performance in the role, but the character is never really fleshed out to be anything more than just a love interest for Quinn and Pitt. She spends most of her time crying, and tends to become annoying towards the film’s ending.
The Deluxe Edition DVD comes with special features that will please any fan of the movie. They include three deleted scenes; a production design featurette; an original featurette; commentary with Zwick, Pitt and other members of the film’s crew; and isolated score highlights.
The three deleted scenes add a little more background to Tristan’s experience in the war, and the aftermath of his breakdown - where he scalps several German soldiers. The scenes show him being taken to an asylum and then making his way to his grandfather’s home following his release.
During the two featurettes, Zwick and other crewmembers discuss what went into the production of the movie, and how they worked to illustrate the merging of the past with that of the modern society in the 1900s. The actors talk about their characters, reasons for wanting to do the film, and the overall experience making the movie.
The commentary with Zwick and Pitt follows along the same lines as the two special features. The two discuss how they went about making sure the three actors were believable as brothers; what steps were taken to make sure everyone was safe when the grizzly bear was on the set; and their reasons for getting the film made.
The three actors are believable as brothers
The Deluxe Edition also includes a 24 page Movie Scrapbook that details the actors, directors and writers of the movie. The booklet gives some more detailed background on the story, and what it took to bring it to the screen.
Overall, Legends of the Fall – The Deluxe Edition is something fans of the movie will truly enjoy. The film’s picture and sound are sharper; and the special features give you a good insight into what the cast and crew went through to bring the movie to the screen.
The Deluxe Edition may not appeal to people who have seen the movie and didn’t like it, but I recommend the DVD to anyone who hasn’t taken a chance on the film. Zwick does a good job combining elements of action and romance, and the cast delivers solid entertaining performances.
Legends of the Fall – The Deluxe Edition is available for pre-order at Amazon for a Nov. 29th release. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD’s database for more information.
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