Search - Shine on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Brief Nudity, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1996 DVD Release: 07/16/1997 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 45 mins Studio: New Line Home Video Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Psychological Drama, Biopic [feature] See Also: Shine

The true story of a gifted Australian piano prodigy, this biographical drama was nominated for seven Oscars, with actor Geoffrey Rush winning for Best Actor. Rush stars as David Helfgott, a pianist with a history of mental problems. As a fragile boy genius at math, chess, and piano, David is driven hard by his overbearing father (Armin Mueller-Stahl), a tyrant who forbids him to accept a scholarship offered by the great violinist Isaac Stern. Although he studies briefly in London under tutor Cecil Parks (John Gielgud), David has a nervous breakdown after performing Rachmaninoff's daunting "Piano Concerto No. 3" (known as the "Rach 3"). Years later, the adult David keeps up a steady patter of nervous stammering at all times and has been reduced to playing in a bar. Through a friend, he meets astrologer Gillian (Lynn Redgrave), and falls in love with her. With Gillian's help, David embarks down the road to regained fame and mastery of the "Rach 3." The international popularity of Shine caused a sensation leading to a musical tour for Helfgott, whose performances were less adroit than many audiences expected, sparking criticism that writer-director Scott Hicks had exaggerated his subject's talent for dramatic purposes. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Armin Mueller-Stahl - Peter Helfgott
Noah Taylor - Teenage David Helfgott
Geoffrey Rush - Adult David Helfgott
Lynn Redgrave - Gillian Helfgott
John Gielgud - Prof. Cecil Parks

Shine, the passionate and intelligent story of pianist David Helfgott, is presented with a DVD that is equally sharp. One can't help notice the image, which is anamorphic and framed at 1.85:1. Unquestionably it's a reference quality transfer, with distinct, vibrant colors, and blacks that are deep and show no signs of breaking down. This film has never looked better, and it's entirely noticeable. The sound, which utilizes a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, is equally impressive. Audio is strong and clear, and while the surround speakers are seldom used, the different elements, from speech to music, are perfectly realized. While the supplements aren't extensive (the movie is on one side of the disc, while the extras are on the other) they are thoroughly appropriate. The main highlight is a question and answer session with the always well spoken director Scott Hicks. He discusses a number of relevant topics, from thematic elements to casting. Also included on the disc is Geoffrey Rush's Golden Globe acceptance speech and the theatrical trailer, which, surprisingly, is shown in a different aspect ratio of 2.35:1. All in all, this is a fine disc from New Line, for an equally wonderful film. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide