Search - The Apostle [Collector's Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations Movie Release: 1997 DVD Release: 08/19/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 14 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 11 Genres: Drama, Psychological Drama, Religious Drama See Also: The Apostle

Devout Pentecostal preacher Eulis "Sonny" Dewey (Robert Duvall) of New Boston, Texas, has a lovely wife (Farrah Fawcett) and two children. But not only has Jessie been cheating on him with a younger minister, Horace (Todd Allen), she has pulled a few strings to gain control of his church. Sonny goes into a violent rage, attacking Horace with a bat during a softball game. With Horace in a coma, Sonny leaves town on a bus, headed east for a new life. He changes his name to E.F., baptizing himself as "The Apostle" to God. Arriving in the black community of Bayou Boutte, Louisiana, he meets Brother Blackwell (John Beasley) who helps him start anew. E.F. works as a garage mechanic and preaches on the streets and a local radio station owned by Elmo (Rich Dial). He leads the community in remodeling a rundown church and gains supporters as he seeks his own salvation. In sorrow from the deaths of both his mother (June Carter Cash) and Horace, he encounters more problems when a racist (Billy Bob Thornton) attempts to drive a bulldozer into his church. Eventually, Jessie finds out where he's living and informs the police. Duvall wrote, directed, and financed this exploration of the evangelical world, shown at the Toronto Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Filmed in Texas (Denton County, Collin County, and Dallas) and Lafayette, Louisiana. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Robert Duvall - Eulis "Sonny" Dewey/The Apostle E.F.
Farrah Fawcett - Jessie Dewey
Miranda Richardson - Toosie
Todd Allen - Horace
John Beasley - Brother Blackwell

It's always a treat to see a smaller film receive the special edition treatment, which is exactly what Universal has done for Robert Duvall's powerful film The Apostle. The image, which is framed at the aspect ratio of 1.85:1, is presented nicely, with strong colors and solid blacks. There are signs of shimmering which might have been reduced if an anamorphic transfer had been used, but sadly, that is not the case. Still, the image is rather strong and not a disappointment. As for the sound, there is a Dolby Digital surround track that is primarily centered up front, and rarely uses any of the outer speakers, though for a film like this, it is hardly a surprise. As for the supplements for this "collector's edition," they are not abundant, but that is made up in the overall quality of what is presented. The main point of interest is a commentary track from director/writer/star Robert Duvall. This is one of the better commentaries out there as Duvall's love of filmmaking, acting, and the subject matter is evident. There are no gaps as he keeps pace with the film and offers plenty of valuable information on making this personal film. A real plus is a 27-minute documentary on making the film, including interviews with the main cast and crew members. While some of the information is repeated in the commentary, it is still a fascinating look at this production. Finally, this disc contains a nice soundtrack presentation consisting of an interview with the charming Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman and his video for "I Will Not Go Quietly," plus the theatrical trailer and the usual array of production notes and cast biographies. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide