Search - Dances with Wolves [THX] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Nudity, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children, Profanity, Western Violence Movie Release: 1990 DVD Release: 11/17/1998 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 3 hrs 1 mins Studio: Image Entertainment Members Wishing: 0 Genres: Western, Epic Western, Revisionist Western, Indian Western See Also: Dances with Wolves [DTS], Dances with Wolves [Widescreen Special Edition], Dances With Wolves [Fullscreen]

A historical drama about the relationship between a Civil War soldier and a band of Sioux Indians, Kevin Costner's directorial debut was also a surprisingly popular hit, considering its length, period setting, and often somber tone. The film opens on a particularly dark note, as melancholy Union lieutenant John W. Dunbar attempts to kill himself on a suicide mission, but instead becomes an unintentional hero. His actions lead to his reassignment to a remote post in remote South Dakota, where he encounters the Sioux. Attracted by the natural simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave his former life behind to join them, taking on the name Dances with Wolves. Soon, Dances with Wolves has become a welcome member of the tribe and fallen in love with a white woman who has been raised amongst the tribe. His peaceful existence is threatened, however, when Union soldiers arrive with designs on the Sioux land. Some detractors have criticized the film's depiction of the tribes as simplistic; such objections did not dissuade audiences or the Hollywood establishment, however, which awarded the film seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Kevin Costner - Lt. John W. Dunbar
Mary McDonnell - Stands With a Fist
Graham Greene - Kicking Bird
Rodney Grant - Wind in His Hair
Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman - Chief Ten Bears

Image Entertainment brings Kevin Costner's Academy Award-winning Dances with Wolves to DVD with a pristine 2.35:1 aspect ratio (enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs) that brings the film's lovely South Dakota vistas to life. Aside from the standard theatrical trailer and filmographies features, the only extra of note is the audio commentary with director and star Costner and producer Jim Wilson, who recounts personal recollections and production anecdotes. The film was clearly a labor of love for both men; it was made for $15 million, yet they worked hard to make every detail historically accurate, from hiring Civil War re-enactors for the early battle scenes to having Sioux Indian consultants on the set. Though the commentary was recorded nine years after filming, Costner and Wilson's memories seem fresh. This DVD does not include any of the extra scenes from the director's cut released on video, but otherwise does a fine job of bringing Costner's vision to DVD life. ~ Marina Chavez, All Movie Guide