Whenever studios release Special Editions of certain films it makes me cringe to think how old I’m getting. Just this week, Paramount is re-releasing a couple of films directed by Peter Weir, one of which is “Witness.” When the DVD came in, I took a look at it and the first thing I noticed was that it was officially 20 years old! My memory banks still recall when the film first came out and let me tell you the thought that a 20 years old film came out after I graduated high school really makes me feel my age. What does all of this have to do with the actual DVD release? Absolutely nothing, but I do enjoy a good ramble every now and then. So now to the point of the matter, which is Paramount’s DVD release of “Witness.” On the off chance you actually haven’t seen it, the film stars Harrison “Indiana Jones / Han Solo” Ford as Philadelphia detective John Book. His life is turned upside down when the murder of an undercover narcotics agent is ‘witnessed’ by a young Amish woman (Kelly McGillis) and her son (Lukas Haas).

He is assigned to enter the world of the Amish, who to this day still spurn the modern conveniences of life, choosing to live without cars or even electricity, in order to protect the lives of the only two people who can help solve the crime.

I hesitated using my little Harrison Ford joke above, because I know that while he doesn’t hate being associated with those two character icons, he’d certainly rather be thought of for his varied body of work. Most of the films he has been involved with have been terrific, with the occasional clunker thrown in, and “Witness” falls high on the ‘terrific’ rung of the ladder. I’ve never really been a fan of Kelly McGillis, but this is the one film I thought she was really good in, and the chemistry between her and Ford really clicks. Lukas Haas was extremely young when he worked on this film, and though I never thought of him as a great child actor, liked most of the films he’s been in. This one and “The Lady in White” are easily the best of the lot.

This new DVD makes up for the version released years ago (when DVD was still young) by adding a 5-part documentary on the making of the film. It is a very well-produced piece that leaves almost no stone unturned and includes some brand new interview footage with Weir. The most surprising inclusion however is new interviews with Ford, whom I wouldn’t have expected would have had the time to get involved with a project focusing on a 20 year old film.

“Witness” is one of those films that I’m always telling people they should see, and after watching it again recently, stand by that recommendation.

Directed by: Peter Weir
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas
Extras: Between Two Worlds: The Making of Witness, Deleted Scene, TV Spots, Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 2.0
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 8/23/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give Witness: Special Edition an A.