Search - Out of Africa on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1985 DVD Release: 02/29/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 41 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 34 Genres: Drama, Period Film, Biopic [feature], Romantic Epic, British Empire Film

Out of Africa is drawn from the life and writings of Danish author Isak Dinesen, who during the time that the film's events occured was known by her married name, Karen Blixen-Flecke. For convenience's sake, Karen (Meryl Streep) has married Baron Bor Blixen-Flecke (Klaus Maria Brandauer). In 1914, the Baron moves himself and his wife to a plantation in Nairobi, then leaves Karen to her own devices as he returns to his womanizing and drinking. Soon, Karen has fallen in love with charming white hunter Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford), who prefers a no-strings relationship. A woman who prides herself on her independence, Blixen finds herself unhappily in thrall to a aloof man -- and doubly unhappy for living out such a cliché situation. Although Redford received a lion's share of criticism for his too-American performance, Streep has rarely been better, and the film's perfectly measured pace is offset by David Watkin's stunning location photography. The movie was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 7, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sydney Pollack, Best Adapted Screenplay for Kurt Luedtke, and Best Cinematography for Watkin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Meryl Streep - Karen Blixen-Finecke
Robert Redford - Denys Finch Hatton
Klaus Maria Brandauer - Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke
Michael Kitchen - Berkeley
Malick Bowens - Farah

The DVD for the big Oscar winner of 1985, =Out of Africa, is a nice package from Universal, though maybe a bit short of their "Collector's Edition" label. The image, which is framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, is very nice. Colors range from muted to strikingly vivid and are reproduced exceptionally well on the disc. Detail, for the most part, is strong, without a significant amount of distracting elements. The sound, which utilizes a 4.1 English track, is basically centered upfront, only using any surround material sparingly. Still, John Barry's wonderful, Oscar-winning score comes across with strength. As for extras, they might be considered a little light for a special edition. The disc does have a commentary track from director Sydney Pollack, which is detailed about the production and its challenges. In addition, there is a nice 50-minute documentary entitled "Song of Africa" with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Beyond that there are the standard production notes, cast and crew information, and theatrical trailer. A missed opportunity would have to be the exclusion of Barry's music on an isolated track. Fans of this film shouldn't be disappointed, though, in what is offered. Overall, the quality is there to see. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide