Conrack is an uplifting drama featuring a different kind of performance from (1970s) Jon Voight and also has some solid work from the supporting roles.
Conrack
(1974)
Genre(s): Drama
Twilight Time | PG – 106 min. – $29.95 | March 11, 2014
THE MOVIE
Plot Outline: Martin Ritt directs and Jon Voight stars in Conrack, based on Pat Conroy’s memoir about his difficult if uplifting days as a teacher on a remote island off the coast of South Carolina. The idealistic young Conroy (VOIGHT) finds a largely illiterate population of black children, ill-equipped for life in the outside world, he determines to help them, combining love, energy, and sheer imagination in an extraordinary effort to pique their beginning interest in life off-island. A classic tale of pedagogical rescue, gorgeously photographed by John A. Alonzo, and featuring a score by John Williams.
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5
This bonus material is pretty limited with only an Audio Commentary by Film Historians Paul Seydor and Nick Redman (who is a staple on the TT commentaries), an Isolated Score Track and the Theatrical Trailer (2:41; SD).
There’s also a nice 6-page essay booklet.
VIDEO – 3.5/5
Twilight Time releases Conrack onto Blu-ray presented in its original 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and a fine looking 1080p high-definition transfer. The picture isn’t amazing nor does it really pop off the screen, but it appears to be clear and fairly sharp. I did notice a couple dust marks but nothing substantial or distracting.
AUDIO – 3.75/5
The disc includes a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track which effectively conveys clear dialogue with other elements, albeit limited, staying pretty flat. Still, it’s a solid upgrade over the DVD release.
OVERALL – 3.5/5
Overall, Conrack is an uplifting drama featuring a different kind of performance from (1970s) Jon Voight and also has some solid work from the supporting roles. The Blu-ray released by Twilight Time offers up good audio and video transfers while the bonus features are limited but the commentary track is well worth checking out.
Published: 03/12/2014