TNMC
This site’s design is only visible in a graphical browser that supports web standards, but its content is accessible to any browser or Internet device.
Hearts and Minds: Criterion Collection
Movie: 10/10
This is one of the best, most thought provoking documentaries I’ve ever seen. Winner of the 1974 Oscar for Best Documentary, Peter Davis’ Hearts & Minds follows the events surrounding the Vietnam War. We get a look at the racism, the media "brainwashing", the war aspect (with interviews with Generals on both sides of the conflict). The film also reminded me a lot of Apocalypse Now. The look of Apocalypse, when looking at this documentary, is really authentic and many of the moral dilemmas are the same. The film may look a bit dated by today’s standards, however the look is not what is important here. It’s the issues that the film raises. Who was brutal? The Americans or the Vietnamese? Having a grandfather who fought in Korea I began to wonder what his experiences may have been like compared to those in Vietnam. Not only does the film cover the events in Vietnam, but the events in the United States as well. Davis’ documentary haunted me and it’s so good that Criterion found a gem like this and is bringing it to modern generations.
Video: 8/10
Enhanced widescreen. Very clear and fresh, at times it has it’s grit, but the flick is from 1974. The transfer is a new high definition digital one, supervised by the director and his cinematographer. Very good looking.
Audio: 7/10
Not bad but not great. It’s mono and everything is clear, but something just seemed to be missing in quality. It’s not bad, not bad at all, just not as good as some other mono tracks. (I think it’s hard to judge mono due to the fact that today we’re all used to Dolby Digital 5.1 or 6.1.)
Extras: 7/10
Criterion doesn’t load the disc down like they did with In the Mood for Love or 8 1/2, but what is here is really good. There is a commentary with the director (very interesting and like the film, thought provoking) and Davis is far from boring. There is also a really good 32 page booklet included with tons of essays and pictures. That’s about it here. I think another commentary by a film critic or student or something would have been nice. Maybe even one with a soldier or something.
Overall: 8/10
Again, Criterion does a great job with their DVDs, they pick a great film and include some really good extras. I strongly suggest that that everyone sees this film because it’s impact is haunting. Thank you Criterion for giving me the opprotunity of seeing this film.
What do you think? Talk about it on the Forums
