Synopsis
World War II is in full swing. A constant stream of pilots is needed in Europe, and trainingfacility in Manitoba is helping meet that demand. Men from all over the world come here to bemolded, in six weeks, into pilots. Among them is Australian Russell Crowe. Living nearby isChristianne Hirt, whose husband has been overseas for two years. She and Crowe meet at adance, and despite good intentions and an awareness of how fleeting their time together is, theyfall in love.
…
A little treat this, for Winnipeg readers of this site, since this is a local production, and it’snice to see it get a wide distribution on a major label. There is nothing earth-shattering here, andthe dialogue is sometimes a bit obvious in pointing up the Big Messages, but the production isa warm-hearted one, and the story is performed with genuine feeling by all involved.
Audio
The 2.0 audio is engaging, if a trifle too enthusiastic. So, on the plus side, the environmentaleffects are very solid. The scenes at the training facility, for instance, are replete with the soundsof background activity, at just the right level to plunge you into the scene, but without drowningout the dialogue. Rear-to-front movement (and the reverse) is very good. On the debit side, thereis at least one instance of insanely surround dialogue, moving from inappropriate rear-speakerlocations to a wavering between front and back.
Video
The film looks okay, but not great, though this might have more to do with budgetarylimitations than transfer difficulties. Thus, the picture has a fluctuating level of grain, and isplague by a bit of speckling and dirt. The exterior colours and contrasts are very good, but someof the interiors look a bit drab. No edge enhancement that leapt out at me, though. The imageis sharp, and the aspect ratio is 1.85:1 anamorphic.
Special Features
Effectively zero: trailers for the feature and Master and Commander. The menu isbasic.
Closing Thoughts
Not a major release, but this small film is nonetheless treated with respect in terms of pictureand sound.
Special Features List
- Trailers
