The Graduate is probably one of the more quintessential movies of the 60s probably featuring some of the best direction, not to mention editing, ever with incredible pacing and blocking. Combine that with perfect casting from Dustin Hoffman as an unlikely leading man to the nuanced performance by Anne Bancroft, this is one hell of a film that holds so well today.
The Graduate
– The Criterion Collection –
(1967)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Romance
Criterion Collection | PG – 106 min. – $39.95 | February 23, 2016
Date Published: 02/09/2015 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 4.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Benjamin Braddock (DUSTIN HOFFMAN) has just finished college and is already lost in a sea of confusion and barely contained angst when he becomes sexually involved with a friend of his parents’, the indomitable Mrs. Robinson (ANNE BANCROFT), before turning his attention to her college-age daughter (KATHARINE ROSS). Quick Hit Review: Mike Nichols’ poignant and often funny, even hilarious, film The Graduate is a classic, and one with staying power. There are so many reasons why it has stood the test of time in spite of having an almost 50s-like appeal but with the flare of the 60s sex comedy while also making it generational.
It was also a star-making role for Dustin Hoffman who embodied charming innocence playing a young man who has no clue what to do with his life post college, a feeling that no doubt transcends generations and generations to come. Anne Bancroft nearly steals the entire film, a three dimensional character whose personality, at least from the exterior, switches from the first half to the second. And Katharine Ross almost gets lost in the shuffle between Hoffman and Bancroft but she too turns in great performance. I’ve now seen The Graduate 3 or 4 times over the years and although it’s not quite perfect in terms of the story (Ben’s stalkery behavior is a bit off-putting), but the characters are so well fleshed out and the direction pitch perfect that it easily overcame any minor shortcomings. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 5.0/5 |
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The single-disc release comes with a foldout essay booklet with chapter listings on inner flap. From what I can tell, all of the features from the “Special Edition” have been ported over: Audio Commentaries – Two tracks are included, the first with Director Mike Nichols and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and the other, recorded in 1987, by film scholar Howard Suber. Both obviously offer different perspectives with the first being more of a casual conversation and the other a lecture. Buck Henry and Lawrence Turman (24:56; HD) is a new interview, filmed in early 2015, between the screenwriter and producer as they look back on the project. Dustin Hoffman (37:50; HD) is another new interview with the actor reflecting his work on the movie and the story of getting the role. Sam and Mike (26:13; HD) – Widow of legendary editor Sam O’Steen, Bobbie O’Steen, examines the work of her late husband and colleague, through an analysis of key scenes from The Graduate, and discusses his collaboration with director Mike Nichols. Students of The Graduate (25:58; HD) – This documentary, filmed in 2007, features filmmakers (including the late Harold Ramis), critics, and historians discussing the cinematic achievement and ongoing influence of The Graduate. Mike Nichols and Barbara Walters (15:34; HD) is an interview that aired on NBC’s “Today” show on July 29, 1966, between Nichols and Walters talking about his career in comedy, theater, and film. Paul Simon and Dick Cavett (5:29; HD) – Here we get an excerpt from the April 9, 1970, episode of “The Dick Cavett Show,” singer-songwriter Paul Simon chats about the Simon & Garfunkel music used in the film. Rounding things out, we get Screen Tests (13:18; SD) and the film’s Theatrical Trailer (3:46; HD). |
VIDEO – 5.0/5 |
| The Graduate is the latest release from The Criterion Collection and is yet another slam-dunk. The movie has been given a great restoration from the original 35 mm film into a 4K transfer. Colors are brilliantly bright throughout and detail is amazingly sharp. There is some natural film grain but it only adds to the film-like appearance. There were no instances of dust marks or scratches which makes this, without comparing it to the MGM Blu-ray release, the best this film has ever looked. |
AUDIO – 4.75/5 |
| The movie comes with a PCM 1.0 track and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, both of which are incredible though I chose to watch it with the 5.1 channel option. Not only are the dialogue levels crisp and clear but the film really comes to life with Simon & Garfunkel’s memorable music that worked so well with the movie even if they weren’t specifically written for the film. |
OVERALL – 4.5/5 |
| Overall, The Graduate is probably one of the more quintessential movies of the 60s probably featuring some of the best direction, not to mention editing, ever with incredible pacing and blocking. Combine that with perfect casting from Dustin Hoffman as an unlikely leading man to the nuanced performance by Anne Bancroft, this is one hell of a film that holds so well today, transcending generations. The Blu-ray released through Criterion Collection is another home run with amazing video and audio transfers and a fine collection of bonus material. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.