Search - The Lathe of Heaven on DVD

Content Advisory: Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1980 DVD Release: 08/29/2000 Format: DVD Edition: Restored/Remastered SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 40 mins Studio: New Video Group Members Wishing: 12 Genres: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller

Based on the novel by Ursula K. LeGuin, The Lathe of Heaven is a special-effects lover's smorgasbord. Set in futuristic Portland, Oregon, the film stars Bruce Davidson as a man prone to fantastic dreams. When these dreams start coming true, only Davidson at first is aware of it: "my dreams changed everything that came before them-and nobody knows it but me!" Well, that's not entirely true. Davidson's psychiatrist Kevin Conway proves beyond doubt that Davidson's dreams are coming true. Unfortunately, Conway is of an avaricious nature, and he fully intends to harness Davidson's subconscious for his own gain-all the while convincing himself that he's doing it for the good of Mankind. Advertised as PBS' "first major" made-for-TV movie, The Lathe of Heaven premiered January 9, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Kevin Conway - Dr. Haber

The Lathe of Heaven, the first movie made for public television, comes to DVD, and while the film has a historical significance, the disc doesn't match that. Granted, everything about this disc must be taken in context. First, made in 1979 on a thread-bare budget, the full-frame televised image shows the signs of age and the fact that the original filmed elements are no longer available. The best source New Video could find is full of scratches, ghost images, and grain. Colors are generally washed out and detail is at times nonexistent. The sound, which uses the original two-channel mono track, is at times slightly distorted, though generally the dialogue is understandable. Unfortunately, sound effects and music don't come off nearly as well, and the lack of any auditory depth is persistently evident. As for extras, a fine interview by Bill Moyers with author/creative consultant Ursula K. Le Guin is certainly worth watching. She's intelligent, well spoken, and provides insight about her writing and this production. The only other supplement is a text-based biography of Le Guin. As mentioned, this disc has to be taken in context. Is the video and audio elements below par? Absolutely, by today's standards, but when making a judgment on quality, other factors have to be considered. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide