Search - Hilary and Jackie [Widescreen/Fullscreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Profanity, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1998 DVD Release: 07/20/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 1 mins Studio: Polygram USA Video Total Copies: 1 Genres: Drama, Medical Drama, Biopic [feature], Family Drama See Also: Hilary and Jackie

Perhaps inspired by the success of biopics like Shine and Amadeus, this film based on a true story -- and a book (entitled -A Genius in the Family) -- also focuses on the destructive forces of being a musical genius. Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré are gifted sisters who grow up in England in the 1950s and compete for musical accolades and love. Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) is a talented flutist, but it's her younger sister, Jackie (Breaking the Waves' Emily Watson), who is the musical "genius" cellist. The film follows their sibling rivalry in musical competition and romance. Though extremely close as children, it is younger sister Jackie who eventually becomes the international star, marrying top pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Hilary marries her true love, Kiffer Finzi (David Morrissey), and settles in a beautiful country home with her two children. But who is jealous of whom? Hilary receives an unexpected visit from Jackie, asking her sister for a chance to live a normal life and to sleep with Kiffer. Later, Jackie suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the sisters strive to repair the emotional damage of their long-standing rivalry. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide

Emily Watson - Jacqueline Du Pre
Rachel Griffiths - Hilary Du Pre
James Frain - Daniel Barenboim
David Morrissey - Kiffer Finzi
Charles Dance - Derek Du Pre

Anand Tucker's Hilary & Jackie comes to DVD with two different pictures. The widescreen 2.35:1 transfer preserves the original theatrical image and is preferable to the standard full-frame 1.33:1 picture. English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. French subtitles are accessible, and both soundtracks are closed-captioned. Supplemental materials include filmographies, cast and crew biographies, a theatrical trailer, and a "making of" featurette. The intense performances of the two female leads -- the best aspect of the film -- contain as much power and conviction on the small screen as they did in theaters. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide