I’m still working my way through all of the films available on Blu-ray that star Denzel Washington. The film I’m taking a look at here is from 1993 and based on the novel of the same name from author John Grisham. It also stars a certain Julia Roberts, so without further ado here’s The Pelican Brief blu-ray review.
- The Pelican Brief (1993)
- Genre: Political Thriller
- Directed by Alan J. Pakula
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 1
- Released By Warner Bros
- Blu-ray Released: 9 March 2009
Plot
Following the assassination of two Supreme Court justices a law student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) decides to investigate their killings and writes a legal brief detailing her theory on why they were killed. This brief ends up in the hands of FBI and ultimately the President’s aides. Furthermore it’s creates a real panic, could it be that Darby Shaw has hit the nail on the head?
Style / Direction
The films directed by Alan J. Pakula whilst the cinematography is handled by Stephen Goldblatt. Make no mistake this is an incredibly well written and acted film but it’s also excellently made from a filmmaking point of view. The pacing is just about perfect which is extremely important for a film lasting 141 minutes.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by James Horner.
Acting / Characters
Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington are both sensational in this tense and gripping telling of John Grisham’s outstanding story. In many ways this film highlights just how good Julia Roberts can be given the right role. As for Washington he rarely disappoints, this time he plays an investigative journalist for the Washington Herald and again it sees him on top form.
Cast
- Julia Roberts as Darby Shaw
- Denzel Washington as Gray Grantham
- Sam Shepard as Thomas Callahan
- John Heard as Gavin Verheek
- Tony Goldwyn as Fletcher Coal
- James B. Sikking as FBI Director Denton Voyles
- William Atherton as Bob Gminski
- Robert Culp as President
- Stanley Tucci as Khamel
- Hume Cronyn as Justice Rosenberg
- John Lithgow as Smith Keen
- Anthony Heald as Marty Velmano
- Cynthia Nixon as Alice Stark
- Jake Weber as Curtis Morgan / Garcia
- Ralph Cosham as Justice Jensen
- Casey Biggs as Eric East
Conclusion: The Pelican Brief (1993) Film Review
For a film to hold your attention for 141 minutes it needs to be really good and boy oh boy is The Pelican Brief good. In fact its outstanding, the two central characters played by Roberts and Washington make for compelling viewing. Add in a fabulously complicated yet brilliant storyline from author John Grisham and the result is a political thriller that became an instant classic.
If you have never seen this one make sure you add it your list of films to see.
If you enjoyed my The Pelican Brief blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: The Pelican Brief Blu-ray Review
The films from 1993 and therefore would have no doubt needed some work, thankfully the picture quality is excellent and therefore well worth upgrading from DVD. On the extras side there only the theatrical trailer which is a little disappointing however the most important thing for me will always be picture quality first, extras second.
Extras
- Commentaries
- Fighting for Care
- Behind the Scenes
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Pelican Brief (1993)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: BASIC
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase The Pelican Brief (1993) On Blu-ray
The Pelican Brief (1993) is available now on blu-ray.
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The Pelican Brief (1993) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s The Pelican Brief blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: The Pelican Brief (1993) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Pelican Brief (1993)
Duration: 141 mins
Director(s): Alan J. Pakula
Actor(s): Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, James B. Sikking, William Atherton, Robert Culp, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Genre: Political Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A fabulously complicated yet brilliant storyline from author John Grisham brought to life by Roberts and Washington.
Pros
- Great Story
- Top Acting
- Excellent Picture Quality
Cons
- Not Many Extras
