Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgård, Casey Affleck
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 126 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars
When it comes to re-releasing films on Blu-ray for different anniversary’s I am always skeptic. This 15th anniversary edition re-release definitely delivers the good. This film incorporates some of the best performances in the last 15 years easy. It was nominated for nine Oscars at the 1998 Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor). It won Best Original Screenplay for Ben and Matt (which launched their careers), and Best Supporting for Robin Williams. I would have to say revisiting this film that it still holds up and really entertains. No matter how many times I’ve seen this film I still enjoy it. If do not own this film on Blu-ray, this would be the time to pick it up for sure.
While the 15th Anniversary Edition of “Good Will Hunting” doesn’t boast any new changes in the audio and video department. It still delivers the same impressive presentation from the previous release. Lionsgate presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. For a film that is 15 years old, it looks good with its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer. Since the film is rather quiet and reliant on dialogue the 5.1 audio track works well with the film’s fast paced chatting. This releases comes in a Blu-ray keepcase and has a slipcover. Although, it doesn’t comes with the digital copy though like the previous release.
There are two new retrospective features have been added to this 15th Anniversary release, both which are very impressive. “Reflecting on a Journey: ‘Good Will Hunting’ 15 Years Later” is the first one and runs over an hour long. It is a great retrospective look at the film. There is great coverage from Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Gus Van Sant, Robin Williams. I was very impressed with the cast/crew’s updated involvement on this feature. “Matt Damon Remembers ‘Good Will Hunting'” runs just under 20 minutes and features Damon reflecting on the role and its effect on his career.
Ports from the previous releases include a really great audio commentary with director Gus Van Sant, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon discussing the movie. It is a must listen for all fans. There are 20 minutes of deleted scenes available with optional commentary from Van Sant, Damon, and Affleck. “Production Featurette” features interviews with the cast/crew within footage from the film. “Behind the Scenes” is a short montage of footage put again Danny Elfman’s score. There is a music video for “Miss Misery” by Elliot Smith. “Academy Awards Best Picture Montage” is a short clip from the event. Lastly the theatrical trailer is included.
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