Revolutionary Road – Blu Ray Review

The Film:

Whether it’s the 1950s or now, some people have been fighting the notion of the American Dream. There are these set expectations of finding a good job, getting a house, raising a family, that seems normal, and seems like if one isn’t abiding by that, one is unsuccessful. It’s probably the conformity that type of world brings to people, that eases them into a shell that fits nicely. But these preconceived notions kill dreamers.

Sam Mendes‘ brilliant adaptation of the Robert Yates novel, explores these ideas, while being anchored by perfect performances and a great score. Winslet has never been better, even though she won the Oscar for The Reader, DiCaprio is in fine form too, but its the film’s exploration of chances taken and chances missed, love, and harbored feelings that is what makes it haunting. The film can be polarizing I think to an audience. It’s not a feel good movie, it tackles and shows tough situations, perhaps more so than most films. The film focuses on the American Dream, but the dark side of that idea, in almost every step these characters take. It’s easy to say the film doesn’t show happiness much, but in fact the film let happiness peek itself in and around the melancholy. These characters want to be happy and yet, they are not. It’s the conflicting nature of what is “settling down” that forces tension to spill over.

Revolutionary Road shows the weight of the American Dream and how it can crush dreamers. But aren’t we allowed free will and can’t we make decisions? The American Dream and how it stifles these characters dreams, just might be all in there heads. Why can’t they do what they want? I think this is where the film is extraordinary; it offers no villains, no rights and wrongs, just what ifs. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control, and the first thing to be affected seems to be love. I’ve been there.The Wheelers (Winslet and DiCaprio) are ideal; everything from their beautiful appearances, to the house they own, their kids, the neighbors love them and idealize being like them. The neighbors are caught in their little world of these set expectations. When the Wheelers announce they are leaving for Paris, these people are questioning why and don’t seem to understand. That’s surface level; we all want to do what we please, go where we want, and you can see it in these characters eyes. We all want to be dreamers, and at the very end when Mrs. Givings (Kathy Bates) is offering her negative opinion on the Wheelers (after she famously talked them up) and her husband turns off his earing aid to not listen to her, is the scene that sums the film up. Understand that, and you’ll appreciate Revolutionary Road. Don’t? Well, I pity you.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: Paramount offers the film in a splendid high def transfer and audio. The film uses a lot of warm colors, and that is faithfully created here. It’s bright, colorful, detailed, all of which equal a great high def transfer. The audio is dialogue heavy, but has a warm presence to the track. The score swells in each speaker and at times, when appropriate some slight bass and surround activity. The track does what it has to, allowing this world feel alive.

Commentary: Sam Mendes is joined by the screenwriter for a soft spoken, but highly informational track. Due to the nature of the subject matter, the novel, and the production, we’re given a great track. Due to Mendes low delivery, one might want to be more alert for this track. All in all, a good listen.

Lives of Quite Desperation: The Making of Revolutionary Road: Shot in HD, this is a good piece, running 30 minutes, that offers us all of the key actors and production crew and their thoughts on the film, the making, and the themes. I was worried this was going to be yet another fluff piece, but it’s a well-informed making of with good bits of information and behind-the-scenes footage.

Robert Yates: Wages of Truth: Shot in HD, this documentary, running about a half an hour, focuses on the life and work of the author of Revolutionary Road. Featuring interviews from his biographer, his daughters, and colleagues, we’re given a nice look at the man. More than just a primer course, there’s enough detailed information to be thorough. This is a must watch.

Deleted Scenes: You can watch these with or without the optional commentary from Mendes. There’s a good assortment of material here, most are good bits like further character conflict and introductions. One can understand why they were deleted, but they are worth watching. Stuff like the flashback sequences to each of their fathers are really good.

Trailer in HD rounds out the extras.

Conclusion: A polarizing film, with great performances and direction. Paramount delivers in all accounts with high def bonus material, and a solid looking/sounding Blu Ray, making this a solid watch, whether it’s a rental or a buy. Drama fans will love this.

Rating: