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The Movie:
Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" was one of his most popular early efforts as a director, before going towards weaker fare like the recent relationship drama "Story Of Us". "Stand By Me" is based on the Stephen King short story "The Body", where a group of young friends set out to find the body of a missing teenager. Along the way, they talk about growing up and the problems in each of their lives, and find out more about life than they ever have before.
It sounds fairly simple, but it's done remarkably well. It's also performed very well by the group of young actors, including River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell, Cory Feldman and Will Weaton. O'Connell's first performance is quite funny at times, and the other three are able to play the drama not only well, but very naturally. The only way that I feel the film does step slightly into being corny is the narration; it's not a major complaint, but the way its written reminds me more than a bit of the narration from the "Wonder Years" TV Show.
Other than that, it's a very well-written film that is nicely paced and with great characters. One of the best recent films about growing up.
The DVD
VIDEO: Much of the film was shot in an intentionally soft, hazy look and the DVD presentation shows that. The outdoor locations that the film was shot in do look quite good, but still aren't terribly detailed due to the film's look. Sharpness is okay; the film's soft look is rendered well here, not terribly sharp, but not soft enough to begin to look hazy or begining to lack clarity. Detail is fair, and flesh tones generally look natural and accurate.
I didn't notice anything too problematic with the presentation by Tristar. A couple of trace amounts of pixelation and one or two minor marks on the print used are all that I noticed while watching the film. The print, for a film that's now about 14 years old or so, is in solid condition.
Colors are warm and natural, especially many of the outdoor sequences, which contain a number of deep dark and light greens of the trees and grasses. This isn't a stunning looking film, but the presentation is the usually high quality that Tristar offers.
SOUND: The film is presented with its original mono soundtrack. Certainly don't go in expecting much with the limitations of mono, but the general quality is very good. I didn't find any instances of distortion or other similar flaws, and although the soundtrack is extremely basic, clarity is very good. It's mostly dialogue, which sounds clear and easily understood.
MENUS:: Menus are non-animated, but music plays in the background of the main menu.
EXTRAS:
Commentary: This is a commentary from director Rob Reiner who, again, isn't one who talks all the way through the track, but he definitely does talk more here than he did in his track for the awful "Story of Us". "Stand" seems more special to the director, and much of the film seems to bring back memories of the director's similar childhood. He also talks about working with the film's young actors, who he was impressed with then and still is now. Not a great commentary, but a nice addition to listen to to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the movie.
Walking The Track: The making of "Stand By Me" is called a featurette on the box, but the 37 minute presentation would better be described as a full documentary on the making of the film. The newly done documentary is quite excellent, bringing back many of the stars and crew involved with the film, including Richard Dreyfuss, Stephen King, Rob Reiner and others. The interviews are powerful and emotional, and really bring an impressive insight into the movie and the events of the production. For fans of the movie, this is a must-see.
Also: Talent files, trailers for "Karate Kid" and "Fly Away Home", "Stand By Me" music video.
Final Thoughts: Fans of the film really will be pleased with the two major extra features - a good commentary and a great documentary.
Film Grade
The Film B+
DVD Grades
Video 85/B = (340/400 possible points)
Audio: 81/B = (324/400 possible points)
Extras: 85/B = (255/300 possible points)
Menus: 80/B- = (160/200 possible points)
Value: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1328/1600
DVD GRADE:B/83%
FILM GRADE: B+
DVD GRADE: B
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