| CAST AWAY: 2 DISC EDITION |
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| Year: 2001 Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy, Chris Noth Region: 2 Price: �17.99 - �24.99 Director: Robert Zemekis Running Time: 138 minutes Chapters: 28 |
| One of the ultimate character driven films possibly of all time, this ship wreck (in this case plane wreck) story kicks off with Fed Ex delivery man Chuck going about his business as he chases deadlines and makes sure packages get where they should be on time. During the festive period, he is flying home to be with his fiancee and family, when, in a spectacular piece of bad luck (and a pretty spectacular crash sequence) Chuck is washed up on a desert island with no company except an assortment of Fed Ex packages (which, in some of the most amazing loyalty to his employer's and their customers, he doesn't open until later). After searching his new home from home and accepting he might have to wait a whiel for rescue, Chuck begins adapting to life alone as a modern day Robinson Crusoe - the part of Friday being played by a blood stained volleyball nicknamed Wilson, who, over the two and a bit hours, becomes as much a part of the film as Chuck. Filmed in two sections, the second half of the film shows Chuck four years later,existing off the island for food, water and shelter. But will Chuck ever make it home? And will his wife remember him? All can be found out at the end. The ending did seem a little too long when I first saw this at the cinema, I thought a good end point may have been Chuck deciding to leave the island and attempting an escape, but...this is Hollywood, and the chance for some good old smooching and a romantic subplot should not be ignored. All in all, an amazing study of a man isolated and left totally alone. |
| EXTRA FEATURES Disc one features a commentary by the director and various crew members, which is good considering the fairly meaty running time. Disc two houses some good solid extras as well, though. A near 50 minute interview with Hanks from an American chat show, and features focusing on the location, the Wilson character, special effects, survival techniques and an HBO First Look documentary all prove worthwhile viewing, although there is some repetition of material in the various features. There is also a photo gallery and a comprehensive storyboard comparisons gallery for those who like looking at pictures. |
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