The Man in the Moon (1991)
Starring: Sam
Waterston, Gail Strickland, Tess Harper, Reese Witherspoon, Jason London, Emily
Warfield
Company: Twilight Time
My Review and Thoughts:
My Rating: 5 out of 5
I was super-duper excited hearing this was coming to Blu-ray.
I love this movie, always have. I first saw it when it first came out and it
struck my heartstrings and left a lasting impression on my young mind. I was 12 when it came out and now I am 38 years old, how time has passed. It’s amazing
when you look back at cinema that you saw for the first time, when it came
out, especially those that leave a lasting mark and you realize your old. Or you’re
getting old. I can’t believe this movie is over 20 years old.
I think what really stands out, not just the story, the
young cast of amazing actors but the ultimate powerhouse behind the direction.
None other than Robert Mulligan. If you call yourself a movie buff, or film
lover and you don’t know Robert Mulligan you might want to question that statement
of movie buff. Robert gave us the one and only, To Kill a Mockingbird. He
mastered such greats as Summer of 42 (1971), the often overlooked and weird
southern gothic style horror film, The Other (1972) (Which might I add is a
personal favorite, if you have not read the book do so. It’s amazing.) The Man
in the Moon was his last film and I think he left an amazing final statement.
The Man in the Moon is a coming of age drama. What also
makes a statement for movie lovers is that this was the debut of Reese
Witherspoon as an actress in a feature film. The movie is set in 1957. You are
introduced to one of your main leads Dani Trant, played by Witherspoon. She is a
14-year-old girl in Louisiana. Her and her sister Maureen are best friends.
Dani enjoys swimming in her neighbor’s pond. There one day she meets a young
handsome boy named Court Foster which might I add is played flawless by a very
underrated actor Jason London. At first, they butt heads but then end up liking
each other.
Dani in her young mind knows she is in love with Court Foster. Soon
the friendship blossoms and both go swimming at night together because Court is
super busy during the day. To make a long story short Dani goes in for a kiss.
Court pushes her away and rejects her calling her a little girl. The next day,
Dani is angry and ignores Court. The rejection sparked anger in her. But soon
they become friends and during one swimming session Dani and Court do kiss.
This being Dani’s first kiss from a boy is special. Sadly, Dani realizes she
cannot have Court. She notices the instant eye contact and love at first sight
stare from her sister Maureen toward Court and Court sends the same reality.
Soon Maureen and Court are fast in love. Dani is saddened and notices Court continuing
to push her away. The story unfolds out a love of a girl toward a young man she
can never have. A coming of age reality that sparks every emotion that one can
have in the triangle of life. Soon a tragedy takes place and the emotional
reality for young Dani comes full force as she learns about life’s lessons.
Also starring the ever-wonderful Gail Strickland who in my
viewpoint never has gotten the stardom or limelight she deserves. Mainly a
Television actress, but also a feature film performer. Her character of Pauline
in the movie Bound for Glory, is flawless and which might I add is also a Twilight Time Special
Edition Release. In The Man in the Moon she plays the character of Marie
Foster, like always to a golden ticket of perfection. Amazing like all her
other work. She has a stardom to her. She can bring emotions to life and make
you believe them through her many wonderful performances, no matter how small or
big.
Another fantastic choice by Twilight Time. Highly Praise
this film. Sweet, tender and very emotional. A wonderful flawless coming of age
film.
Audio/Video:
My Rating: 5 out of 5
No flaw here. Very seldom do I see anything wrong in this
department. Twilight Time does an amazing job creating wonderful outlets to
wonderful films. Perfect imagery and vibrant color and crisp clear sound
quality.
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 2.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
1991 / Color
Extras:
My Rating: 1.5 out of 5
Isolated Music Track: The Man, behind the music is an
amazing composer, music producer and musician, James Newton Howard. He has done
well over 100 films. Still maintaining a complete brilliance to this day. He has
been nominated 8 times for the Academy Awards. He has mastered so many flawless
film scores under his belt from Pretty Woman, The Prince of Tides, The Sixth Sense,
Nightcrawler (2014), Flatliners, My Girl, Alive, The Fugitive (1993), and so
many others. It was great having this special feature.
Original Theatrical Trailer
Overall:
Another example of how to treat a film. A great Blu-ray transfer.
A perfect coming of age film. This is a wonderful product to own and praise.
Priceless Blu-ray of High quality importance. Beautiful transfer to High
Definition 1080p clarity. One great special feature. Highly Recommended.
INFO:
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beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions
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