I think if most people look back, they can name films that had an impact on them. In some cases, there is a deep and emotional part of a person that identify with a particular character or storyline, while in other cases they simply contain scenes so jarring as to be indelibly printed un their memory. I have a handful of movies that contain one or the other but I’m only going to touch on one particular film here because of its recent re-release onto DVD. 1978 saw the original theatrical release of Michael Cimino’s “The Deer Hunter.” It was Cimino’s biggest successes as his follow-up “Heaven’s Gate” was such a financial flop that it all but killed his career. But the “The Deer Hunter” is such a strong piece of work that it immediately quells any question of his ability to direct. On the surface, the film appears to be a Vietnam War film. Well at least that’s what the old trailers might have led people to believe. But that is far from accurate. What this film really succeeds in doing is showing the effect the war had on a group of average American families.

The main brunt of the story takes place in the town of Clairton, Pennsylvania and focuses on a group of friends before, during and after the conflict.

The first part of “The Deer Hunter” introduces us to the main characters, Michael (Robert DeNiro), Nick (Christopher Walken) Steven (John Savage) and Stanley (John Cazale). We view their lives as friends and family through scenes of weddings, bar gatherings and an all important hunting trip. Soon after, the first three are drafted into service, sent to fight, are eventually captured and finally escape. But the men who went in are not the same men who came out. They experienced horrors that affected them deeply. The ones who make it back have to re-enter their lives and it is by no means easy. The scenes that take place during the conflict only take up a short time of the entire film, which is why it is not really a war movie.

The reason this film had such an impact, aside from the phenomenal performances by all the leads but for one particular scene that stands out. One of the friends disappears and is sought out by another. He travels back to Vietnam to find him. When he does, the scene is so incredibly gut-wrenching and shocking that I’ve never forgotten it. I know there are a few readers that have not seen this film, so I won’t give anything away here, but suffice to say… if you see it I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

Universal is releasing a brand new DVD which looks and sounds worlds better than its earlier release. Plus, you get a few nice extra features (though by no means enough). First up is a great Commentary by legendary cinematographer Vilmos Szigmond, who is questioned by film journalist Bob Fisher Szigmond has a very thick accent, but I had little trouble understanding his comments. There are also a handful of deleted scenes, which were not processed so they are watchable, but not great. You’ll also find some video of the Acceptance Speech for Best Picture (the film won five Academy Awards) and an episode of “Anatomy of a Scene.”

I’m actually surprised that I’m not writing more about this “The Deer Hunter”, but there’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. It sits very high on my list of favorite all-time films and I cannot begin to recommend it enough. If you don’t have a copy on DVD, then this is the one to get. The only thing missing is a long documentary feature, which this film richly deserves.

Directed by: Michael Cimino
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Christopher Waken, John Savage
Extras: Audio Commentary with Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, Acceptance of Best Picture Award, Anatomy of a Scene, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Production Notes, Original Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 2.0
Studio: Universal
Release Date: 9/6/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give The Deer Hunter an A.