Donnie_Darko

Donnie Darko

Street date 3/19/02
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
2001 113 minutes

Credits:

Directed by Richard Kelly

Written by Richard Kelly

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jake Gyllenhaal .... Donnie Darko
Holmes Osborne .... Eddie Darko
Maggie Gyllenhaal .... Elizabeth Darko
Daveigh Chase .... Samantha Darko
Mary McDonnell .... Rose Darko
James Duval .... Frank
Arthur Taxier .... Dr. Fisher
Patrick Swayze .... Jim Cunningham

The Story:
I had been hearing a lot of good things about a thriller called Donnie Darko for a while. It was supposed to get a good sized theatrical release, but unfortunately did not due to the tragic events of September 11th. Understandably so, since a plot point of a jet engine falling from the sky and crashing into a house could be upsetting to some. The film did a very limited release, so a few people did get to see it on the big screen.

The film has a who's who of stars from Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle and one of my favorites, Mary McDonnell. The film also features a small part by Patrick Swayze as an inspirational speaker.

The story is about a troubled teenage boy who has visions of a demonic rabbit who's been telling him about time travel and about the end of the world, which is supposed to happen soon. There's more to the story, but I don't want to spoil it for you. I will say that it is a good movie, but viewers might want to watch the film more than once. I liked the storytelling, but there was a lot that I didn't pick up when I first watched it.

Picture:
Donnie Darko is a dark looking film, so don't be looking for a reference disc as far as color and brightness with this one. I'm not saying it's a bad picture, but it is a bit grainy. I'm assuming the film was meant to look this way because the color is fine, but with a mild haze over the top of it. It shouldn't take the enjoyment of the film from you though. The film is offered in an anamorphic 2:35:1 aspect ratio.

Audio:
The audio is offered in English 5.1 as well as English and French Dolby surround. I had no problems with the audio track. There was no distortion or pops. Channel separation was quite good and had a bit of LFE action as well. The great score and songs throughout the soundtrack get good treatment with this track.

Extras:
You get two commentaries as well as still galleries, no less than 20 deleted and extended scenes, a music video, a look at the time travel book featured in the movie, Patrick Swayze's infomercials and, of course, trailers and TV spots with the usual cast bios.

One of the commentaries has most of the cast in it and is a good listen if not just to have fun with it. They tell jokes and stories from the set. The other is with the director and Donnie himself, Jake Gyllenhaal. This is more of a one-on-one with the two of them talking about the shoot and what they wanted out of the film.

The deleted scenes were filler cut from the film more than anything else. It's still a good viewing. There is an optional commentary for the deleted scenes.

The Butler's Final Serving:
This disc is a very good presentation of a film that should have gotten a better release. It's original and very well made. Like I've said already, you do need to watch it more than once. I recommend at least a rental of this movie.

Out of four stars:
Film: ***½
Audio ****
Picture ***½
Extras ****