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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 2.35:1
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • English: Dolby Digital Stereo
  Subtitles
  • None
  Extras
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Featurette
  • Behind the scenes footage
  • Interviews
  • Alternate ending

A Walk to Remember

Magna/Magna . R4 . COLOR . 102 mins . PG . PAL

  Feature
Contract

A Walk to Remember? Some walk then! OK, now that may be a bit of a harsh way to start off a review, but there are just two things that really annoy about this film, and it just has to be said! It’s not a bad film per se, but rather a teen drama that aims high and almost reaches its goal, save for two things holding it down. It’s such a pity too, as these two things are vital to the development of the plot. Sure, the novel may be paced slightly differently with these events occurring further on down the track, but they're just not established in this film.

Mandy Moore shoots further onto the silver screen in this film, and is beautifully stunning to watch. She plays her role extremely well, even though the characters aren’t the deepest, but she still pulls it off without screaming “pop artist” too loudly. Shane West blooms on-screen as the hardcore cool guy at school, adding real heart to the film, as well as boyishly stunning good looks - but who's looking anyway? The film focuses on these two characters, Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter played by Moore and West respectively. Jamie is the daughter of Reverend Sullivan (Peter Coyote from E.T. and Erin Brockovich), she isn’t the queen of the prom and she really doesn’t care. Landon, on the other hand, is the usual high school guy who really doesn’t care about anything or anyone, especially himself. However, after an initiation prank goes wrong, Landon’s punishment is to help out around the school, including tutoring students and acting in the school play. This causes Landon to pay attention to Jamie, and he obviously falls for her, but this love that he feels will test his faith in himself, and also teach him a lesson that he will never forget.

The following paragraph contains fairly large plot spoilers, hence the fact you can’t read it. If you have seen the film and want my opinions, highlight the text block with your cursor to be able to read it. If you don’t want my opinion of these two annoying things, as mentioned above, then skip this paragraph, continue reading, and have a nice day. OK, so you want to know what really pissed me off then? Well, the first of these things occurs shortly after the first dinner scene where Jamie and Landon are about to kiss. It appears as if they have known each other for a really short time (as in one date) and then Landon says “I love you” – it's really fast and out of place if you ask me. It just seems too soon and simple for this line to come out. Then we hear the news that Jamie has leukaemia, resulting in the line, again from Landon, “Will you marry me?” On hearing this a shoe was nearly thrown at the television set and a really large groan of anger was released, as this just seems really out of place for two 18 year olds. If only love were that simple... *sigh*.

But anyway, for teenage girls who want a perfect chick flick for their next slumber party this is definitely a winner, and for those out for a decent night’s entertainment, again this takes the cake. For an adult romance, don’t even think about it... in that case the disc serves better as a coaster. But don’t walk past it, just give it a go and take it for what it’s worth – a teen drama, but a great one despite some hiccups.

  Video
Contract

The video transfer is presented in its original theatrical aspect of 2.35:1 and is enhanced, as you would come to expect with recent releases. Magna Pacific have really picked up their quality after a rough and rocky start. Just look at one of their first releases, Scream (the full frame one), which looks terrible compared to today’s standards. But then look at their pile of recent releases, all stunning and exceptional including Amelie, Series 7 and Reservoir Dogs. Magna Pacific have really created a name for themselves on the Australian DVD market, and are now shooting ahead as one of the best local authoring and distribution companies.

Colours are superb in all respects, with healthy skin tones and vibrant colours. Blacks are solidly mastered, with a deep yet clear shadow definition. No signs of low level noise can be seen at all, and posterisation effects are kept to an absolute minimum, with nothing becoming even remotely distracting.

Detail levels are remarkably high, with excellent clarity and a razor-fine sharpness. Film artefacts are non-existent, and only the darker scenes get washed with an ever so fine wash of grain. Compression related artefacts are kept to a minimum, including very little in the way of aliasing. The beauty of the image is incredible, and it's one that is simply gorgeous to watch.

  Audio
Contract

Two Dolby Digital audio tracks have been included, both English, with one taking advantage of 5.1 surround sound, and the other in stereo. Both tracks are equally suitable to the genre of film, with the 5.1 track that little bit higher up due to the extra four channels. Mind you, saying this, the surround and subwoofer channels barely make a noise, and when they do chirp in it is with ambience rather that aggressiveness. But hey, it’s a drama! However, the subwoofer does get a fair go during the few action scenes such as the opening sequence. Dialogue is clear throughout the film, with subtitles not required at any stage – and it's a lucky thing too, as none have been included on this disc.

The soundtrack to the film is filled with pop songs here and there including four from Mandy Moore, as well as a collection from a group called Switchfoot and also a rockin’ tune by the New Radicals called Mother, We Can’t Get Enough.

  Extras
Contract

The 16:9-enhanced menus are animated with various audio clips from the soundtrack looping in the background. From the 'Extras' page you gain access to four options. The behind the scenes featurette runs for 12:27, and is an unstructured presentation with on-set production footage. The trailer is exceptional, as it tells the premise of the film without giving away many of the surprises along the way. The trailer is presented in the full frame aspect with a duration of 1:22. Mandy Moore’s documentary A Day on the Set with Mandy Moore is, duh, a 4:46 look at Mandy’s day on set. It's rather simplistic and promotional, but fans may benefit from it. The interviews feature discussions with Mandy Moore (Jamie Sullivan), Shane West (Landon Carter), Peter Coyote (Reverand Sullivan), Daryl Hannah (Cynthia Carter), Adam Shankman (director), Denise Di Novi (producer) and Hunt Lowry (producer). The total duration of the interviews is 15:30, and they are an informative insight into the characters of the film.

  Overall  
Contract

A Walk to Remember is generally a very good film that's easy to watch, but the two lines discussed above really stuff it all up, and inspired this reviewer to want to throw something at the TV. The video transfer is stunning, as we are quickly coming to expect from Magna Pacific, with suitable audio quality and a sufficient swag of extras to keep die-hard fans excited. The only thing that could be added for the fans would be music videos by Mandy Moore, but more importantly of the other acts that make up the soundtrack. But hey, for the girls' next slumber party, this walk will be one you'll have to remember.


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      And I quote...
    "A Walk to Remember? I'd rather not... well, two key lines in the film at least..."
    - Martin Friedel
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Philips DVD 736K
    • TV:
          TEAC EU68-ST
    • Speakers:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Centre Speaker:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Surrounds:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Audio Cables:
          Standard RCA
    • Video Cables:
          standard s-video
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