Schindler’s List

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

 

By: The Dweeb

 

 

DVD Features Video: 1.85:1 Black and White Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1 Voices from the List The Shoah Foundation Story with Steven Spielberg Theatrical release:11/30/1993 DVD released on 3/09/2004 by Universal Running time of 196 minutes Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson Director: Steven Spielberg Plot: The film presents the indelible true story of the enigmatic Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi party, womanizer, and war profiteer who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. It is the triumph of one man who made a difference, and the drama of those who survived one of the darkest chapters in human history because of what he did.

 

 

Steven Spielberg has always been a master at telling a story on film, be it Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Minority Report, Jaws, Close Encounters, the list is almost endless. By far his greatest accomplishment has to be this movie, Schindler’s List, one of the most powerfully emotional stories ever to be put on screen. Working with one of the darkest periods in all of human history was not easy for the cast and crew, but Spielberg felt compelled to honor the memory of the many millions who perished and suffered at the hands of the Nazi’s. In the process he crafted an impressive film, and probably one of the most important films of all time.

Before watching this DVD, I had only seen this movie once before. I knew what to expect this time around, yet it was still very difficult to watch again. I couldn’t go through it in one session, it took me 2 nights and afterwards each night I felt emotionally drained. It’s hard to believe that something so evil like this actually happened, and really not that long ago in terms of human history. Much of the imagery is disturbing and painful to watch, but this film can be used as a teaching tool for future generations to see. The memory must be preserved.

Spielberg could not have done this of course without a stable of top rated actors giving the performances of their careers. Liam Neeson portrays Oskar Schindler, a clever business man who always gets what he wants, by whatever means necessary. In the beginning, he was just a greedy man, using the Jews to make him a rich man. By opening a factory in Krakow, he doesn’t realize that he is saving the lives of many Jews. He confides to his wife that someday, people will think of Oskar Schindler, and what he had great things he had done. At the time, his thinking was more along the lines of being some kind of entrepreneurial hero, not the savior of the Jews. When the Nazi’s begin to implement ‘The Final Solution’, and start shipping them off to death camps, Schindler’s priorities change. Against his better judgment, he squanders what’s left of his fortune to buy the lives of as many people as he can and move them out of Poland. By the end of the film, he had atoned for all his past transgressions, even though he thought he could have done more. Liam portrays him with a quiet strength. He is a chain smoking, drinking and womanizing smooth talker but if you cross him watch out! There’s a giant under that suit.

Opposite Schindler is the SS man in charge, Amon Goeth, brilliantly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. He is ruthless, evil and treats his captives like yesterdays garbage. Without wincing, he kills without reason, just to make a point about something trivial. Throughout the whole film, he couldn’t be bothered with his command, sent there to baby sit this atrocity. He too is a conflicted character, sometimes his humanity peeks out from his temper and disdain. During scenes you would think he will have mercy on someone, but that’s just not his style. Schindler points out to him that he is like an emperor, misusing his power and status.” Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don’t. ” In the end, justice is served to Amon.

Caught in the middle is Schindler’s right hand man Izthak Stern, played by the great Ben Kingsley. He is all business, and jokes from Schindler don’t seem to stick. Stern is the brains behind the entire Schindler operation, doing the paper work, the accounting, and organizing who will work in the factory. Stern doesn’t show an ounce of emotion throughout the film, not until the very end. He acts like a mouse, scurrying from one corner to another. Gathering all the cheese into one corner for Schindler you might say. Ben is a first class dramatic actor, and this film is probably some of his best work.

This is the first time Schindler’s List has been made available to the DVD format, and it’s about time. Even though it is a lengthy film, why they chose a dual layer flipper format on one disc instead of a 2 disc edition is beyond me. Quite annoying to have to be careful not to scratch either side! The picture, shot in black and white, is clear and crisp. They did an excellent job transferring this movie to digital format, the soundtrack is quite exceptional.

In the extras department, there isn’t much on this release. This is probably the only case for having a film stand on its own, without any extra padding. It speaks for itself. There are two supplements included only, both of them lengthy. The documentary about the making of the film is quite interesting and there is also a promotional piece about the Shoa Foundation that Spielberg created during the making of the movie. Simple is probably the way to go in this case.

Schindler’s List is a remarkable film about an amazing story of the human will to survive, and should be a part of everyone’s DVD library.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BUY IT!!