Green Mile, The (UK)

The Green Mile was marketed as a pseudo-sequel to the Shawshank Redemption. Like "Redemption" it is based on a story by Stephen King, directed by Frank Darabont & based in a USA prison (several of "Redemption`s" cast also have minor roles), but it`s mood is rather different...

The film has more of a supernatural element to it and "feels" more like a Stephen King film.

Also while "Redemption" was about eeerm redemption and hope, this is about hopelessness and the inevenitability of death, so consequently has a downbeat, rather dark feel to it.

As a result, fans of Redemption`s "feel good" factor, may be disappointed or even slightly depressed by this film (though it does contain humourous moments).

Having said that, this is a very good film and is both superbly acted, directed and full of memorable moments. But it`s just not the same sort of film as the Shawshank Redemption...

The picture quality is fine, much of the film is set in dim prison cells with guards in black uniforms, so there isn`t much colour. But the transfer is clean and sharp.

The soundtrack has lot`s of dialogue and so there isn`t too much to show off your surround sound. But the orchestral soundtrack is pretty good.

The extras are worth watching once, but nothing special. A brief documentary, which doesn`t reveal too much, but does have a few interesting comments from the director and Stephen King.

In summary, a very good film (deserving of it`s Oscar nominations) full of quality acting and memorable moments. But, it`s dark/downbeat feel may not be to everybody`s taste, so rent it before you buy.

Slow and overlong. It has it`s compeeling side though.

The Green Mile is an astounding film. The screenplay, acting and direction is a joy to behold. Directed by Frank Darabont who previously directed the excellent Shawshank Redemption, it tells the story of John Coffey who may or may not have killed two little girls. He finds himself on death row under the supervision of two kind hearted guards, and one evil bastard. Tom Hanks gives a great performance but is overshadowed by oscar nominated Michael Dunn Clarke. The film is full of awe inspiring moments ( The first time I saw Coffey bring Mr Jingles back to life I knew I was in for something special). The Green Mile is the kind of film that reminds you why you loved films in the first place, being a film buff and watching everything there is can lead to a certain complacency, but now and again a film like the Green Mile comes along and makes you ache for a film that will make you feel the same way. Sadly this doesn`t happen too often. If every film was as good as the Green Mile there would be no need for sex. The transfer is not too colourful as most of the film takes place in a death row cell, however the picture is sharp and flawless. The sound is as good as you could expect for a film of this genre. Now to the extras theres a documentry, and theatrical trailer, while this might not be a lot ( not for the likes of Columbia Tristar anyway) its hard to imagine what else they could of put on this film, the only thing drastically missing is a commentry by Mr darabont. All in all this is a must have disk.

This 3 hour masterpiece is even better on 2nd viewing.
I`ve already reviewed the region 1 disk about a year and a half ago, but I now got a chance to buy the region 2 disk for pennies.
The 2 versions are almost identical.
The story is beautiful, the acting is superb (Duncan excels in particular) and everything feels just right.
The video transfer is very good. There aren`t any compression signs and the dark scenes reveal a great level of details.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is also very good. While there aren`t that many split surround effects, the surrounds are nicely used, mainly for ambiance.
The menus are animated with sound.
The extras include a 10 minute behind the scenes featurette, but that`s it. Too bad.
Bottom line - a superb movie. Don`t miss this one.