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The Movie:
A controversial and very interesting documentary that was originally released in 1975, "Hearts and Minds" likely takes its title from the statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson that the main aspect of whether or not we would win the war in Vietnam would "depend upon the hearts and the minds of the people who actually live out there." "Hearts and Minds" explores the history and issues behind the war by providing interviews and archive footage with members of both the US and Vietnamese governments, as well as American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians.
The film takes the unusual and appreciated approach that only the participants and their thoughts are given the focus - discussions are not underlined or altered by additional voice-over. The film is often deeply disturbing look at how the war affected all sides - one Vietnamese civilian builds coffins for children, stating that he has lost seven of his own. Later in the film, we see a Vietnamese father emotionally destroyed over the loss of his daughter, who was simply going about feeding the family animals when she was killed. The film also views the losses from the American side; one soldier talks about losing his friend the prior day, while another comes to the conclusion that he doesn't really know what he's fighting for. We hear from several soldiers who were terribly injured in battle, even one - a previously active and athletic individual - who was paralyzed in an attack.
The first half of the film provides a detailed exploration of both sides that is troubling, touching and moving, but the latter half of the film is deeply saddening. Several former soldiers who were injured in the war who found themselves cheered on as the war began returned home to find a country that wanted to forget - the film ends with a protest by Veterans who arrived home to find that they did not have jobs. "Hearts and Minds" is a perfect title for a film that seeks to show how the hearts and minds of so many people were devastated and torn apart by the horrible events that occured. The documentary won the Best Documentary Oscar in 1974.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Hearts and Minds" is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen - as noted in the booklet, this new high-definition transfer was created on a Spirit Datacine from the Academy Film Archive's restored 35mm interpositive under the supervision of director Peter Davis and cinematographer Richard Pierce. The documentary itself, which uses different archive footage and other materials, looked about as good as I'd expected it would. Sharpness and detail are generally solid, as the majority of the footage seemed consistently crisp and clear.
Although the newsreel footage is understandably a bit rough at times, the new footage generally looks very good - aside from a speck or two now and then, the picture appears fairly clean. The MTI restoration system, used on quite a few recent Criterion efforts, likely removed as much wear as possible. Edge enhancement is not present, nor were any instances of pixelation. Colors (some of the footage is black and white, some is color) are generally fine looking, although can appear slightly faded. Overall, a very solid transfer.
SOUND: "Hearts and Minds" is presented in mono sound and restoration tools have been used. Although there are no instances of hiss or distortion, the audio still can seem rather thin and rough at times. Although the audio does show its age occasionally, the film's sound is still easy to listen to.
MENUS: Basic, non-animated menus.
EXTRAS: Aside from an excellent booklet that provides essays about Vietnam, there is also an audio commentary from director Peter Davis. The commentary continues the experience that the film provides - Davis not only discusses a lot of technical elements of putting the documentary together, but he also provides some thought-provoking discussion of the historical background and how he was trying to show the events.
Final Thoughts: A shocking, fascinating and powerful documentary, "Hearts and Minds" is an superb look at an absolutely terrible event. Criterion's DVD is rather light on features to be part of their $39.99 Special Edition line, but the documentary is still certainly recommended viewing.
Film Grade
The Film ****
DVD Grades
Video 83/B
Audio: 80/B-
Extras: 83/B
Menus: 80/B-
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