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Continuing with our series on the newest screeners available, we have a look at the Criterion cut of Peter Weir's The Last Wave.
THE LAST WAVE
Movie: 7/10
The story starts out with an apocalyptic rain and hail storm that comes out of nowhere. This plays a role in the subplot of a larger picture. We meet Australian lawyer David Burton (Richard Chamberlain) who takes the case of a local tribal figure, who is accused of the murder of one of his own tribal members. Burton's strange dreams start to play a part in the plot and the rain keeps on falling. That's the story in a nutshell, kind of bizarre, but very unique. Weir does a nice job of adding a surreal quality to the film and makes every detail mean something. The only complaints I have is that the film's tone is a little dated and the whole voodoo thing isn't for everyone. The people I watched the film with lost interest very quickly after the voodoo and dreams came in. Ohh well, I thought it was a decent flick. (Not for everyone though.) Nice direction and acting, the story is also very interesting.
Video: 8/10
As of all Criterion's stuff, this is very well-done. Widescreen (anamorphic) and nice looking. Not a lot to gripe about. Some of the effects and all do look a tad dated though.
Audio: 8/10
5.1 or stereo, very nicely done. (Again, Criterion is always very nice.)
Extras: 4/10
Kind of disappointed here. Criterion always does a fairly decent job covering all the bases. We do get a very nice interview with Peter Weir and the film's trailer. Not bad stuff, but not enough. What about a commentary? A documentary? I would have liked to know more about the voodoo aspect of the story! Give us a little more Criterion, you're the best DVD company around!
Overall: 7/10
Not a bad flick, very solid transfers, a little extra light though. Worth a viewing!
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