Search - On Golden Pond on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Profanity Movie Release: 1981 DVD Release: 05/20/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 45 mins Studio: Live/Artisan Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Melodrama, Reunion Films, Family Drama See Also: On Golden Pond [Special Edition]

There's little that happens in On Golden Pond that isn't thoroughly predictable from the start, but the film is blessed with so much star power, charm and honest sentiment that everyone in the audience is willing to ignore the cliches and go the distance. In his last film, Henry Fonda plays Norman Thayer, a cranky 80-year-old retired professor, making his annual pilgrimage with his wife Katharine Hepburn (in her only teaming with Henry Fonda) to their New England summer cottage. Their solitude is interrupted when the couple's daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) arrives with her fiance Bill (Dabney Coleman) and his son Doug McKeon in tow. It takes a while, but Jane Fonda and Coleman, about to go on a vacation of their own, persuade Henry Fonda and Hepburn to take care of McKeon. Henry Fonda and the kid dislike each other from Square One, and it looks as though this summer (which may very well be Henry Fonda's last) will be a depressing experience. Gradually, Henry Fonda and McKeon grow to love one another; their bond is strengthened during a near-fatal accident while fishing. It is through the warm relationship between Henry Fonda and the boy that the old man and his daughter Jane Fonda are at last able to display affection towards each other--the first time they've done so in years. Gorgeously photographed by Billy Williams, On Golden Pond is a wonderful valedictory for Henry Fonda, who died not long after the film's completion; Katharine Hepburn has less to do, but few can do so much with so little. Academy Awards were bestowed upon Henry Fonda, Hepburn, and screenwriter Ernest Thompson (who adapted the film from his stage play). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Katharine Hepburn - Ethel Thayer
Henry Fonda - Norman Thayer Jr.
Jane Fonda - Chelsea Thayer Wayne
Doug McKeon - Billy Ray
Dabney Coleman - Bill Ray

Originally released on DVD by Live Entertainment (later renamed Artisan Entertainment) in 1998, and a fine disc in its own right, this re-release adds plenty to make this an even better version. Unlike the initial release, though, this one provides an anamorphic transfer in the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it's never looked better. Billy Williams' gorgeous photography shines in every respect, from the naturalistic lighting to the amazing golden hues. Fortunately, a few scratches on the print are hardly noticeable and not enough to create a distraction. Grain is also kept to a minimum. The remastered 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is also new, but you would be hard pressed to notice much of a difference from the optional two-channel surround track. The 5.1 track is a little more full, but certainly doesn't show off the capabilities of multi-channels. As for supplements, a charming, though all too short, tribute to the life and career of Katharine Hepburn is included, as is an exceptional documentary on the film's production, particularly the work of Williams. Through interviews with the cinematographer himself and many others involved in the production, a clear understanding of the photography and the crew's love of this film can be found. Finally, a commentary track from writer Ernest Thompson is included, in addition to one by director Mark Rydell, which was on the original DVD release. Both men provide plenty of anecdotal information, which is worth listening to and helps make this disc all the better. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide