Search - Walkabout [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Brief Nudity, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1971 DVD Release: 05/06/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 40 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 34 Genres: Adventure, Adventure Drama

The contrast between modern, urban civilization and life in the natural world lies at the heart of Nicolas Roeg's visually dazzling drama Walkabout. In broad outline, the plot might resemble a standard fish-out-of-water tale: two city children become stranded in the Australian outback, and struggle to find their way back to civilization with the help of a friendly aborigine boy. But Roeg and screenwriter Edward Bond are concerned with far more than the average wilderness drama, as a shocking act of violence near the story's beginning makes clear. This is particularly true in regards to the relationship between the white children and the aborigine boy, who ultimately develops a troubled romantic attraction towards the older sister. Obviously intended as a statement on the exploitation of the natural world and native cultures by European civilization, the film nevertheless maintains an evocative vagueness that usually -- but not always -- favors poetry over didacticism. Most importantly, the film's justifiably acclaimed cinematography is likely to sway even those who find fault with the film's narrative and message. The shift between the sterile city images and the truly stunning, beautifully composed Australian landscapes provide the film's single best argument, making the film a vivid and convincing experience. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Jenny Agutter - Girl
Lucien John - Brother
David Gulpilil - Aborigine
John Meillon - Father
John Illingsworth - Husband

This Criterion Collection DVD edition of Nicolas Roeg's Walkabout isn't quite up to the Criterion Collection's usual high standards. Perhaps the print used for the DVD is the best the company could find, but the digital compression artifacts that litter the screen at times and the overly grainy texture of the visuals make for a huge disappointment. The picture jumps and shakes far too frequently during key scenes, becoming quite distracting at times. Despite the technically inferior transfer, the 1.77:1 widescreen presentation is filled with images that impress and shock. It's a testament to Roeg's ability to present startling imagery that the subpar digital transfer doesn't detract from the movie's visual majesty. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Audio is also a bit weak; the movie simply doesn't sound as dynamic as it should. Supplementary material consists of a feature-length audio commentary track, the long and short versions of the movie's theatrical trailer, and a scene selection menu. The commentary, featuring Roeg and star Jenny Agutter, is quite informative and worthwhile; it's interesting to learn what was going through Agutter's mind during the difficult film shoot, as she placed herself in the hands of Roeg's artistic sensibilities. A "Commentary Index" allows instant access to all of the DVD's 27 chapters via commentary-specific captions. Similarly, the "Chapters" feature allows access to the same chapters via captions relating the movie's content. The theatrical trailers are dated, condescending, and mildly humorous. It's unfortunate that =Walkabout didn't fare better technically, as the DVD is otherwise quite good. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide