Movie Info:
Writer: Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Oliver Stone
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen, Powers Boothe, Ed Harris, Bob Hoskins, EG Marshall, David Paymer, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Sorvino, Mary Steenburgen, JT Walsh, James Woods, Brian Bedford, Kevin Dunn, Annabeth Gish
Rating: R
Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: December 20, 1995
DVD Release Date: August 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon

Oliver Stone is one of those filmmakers that have two types of followings. The first following reveres him, thinking that he is not only an excellent filmmaker, but that the statements he makes are profound and thought provoking. Then there are the people that think Oliver Stone does the things he does because he is uneducated and unthinking. I am from the first school of thought. Movies like Natural Born Killers and Alexander rank high on my all time favorite movies list.

That being said, one of the things Stone is best known for is his political movies. JFK is a fan favorite whether you like Stone’s work or not. Likewise, many people enjoy the acting and storylines that are presented in Nixon. It is hard to not appreciate this movie. After all, it is filled with good actors and it offers a compelling story. Stone managed to get the best actors he could for the job and it shows in all the right ways.

The Nixon: Election Year Edition Plot
As you might expect by the name of the film and the subject matter, Nixon is about former president Richard “Tricky Dick” Nixon. The majority of the film concentrates on the political life of Nixon. At times there are moments of Nixon’s childhood that are discussed, but the majority of the film has to do with the 1 1/2 terms that Nixon is the president of the United States.

It is amazing to watch Anthony Hopkins in the role of Nixon. His mannerisms and actions are incredibly close to the real Dick, so ignoring the fact that Hopkins does not bare a true physical resemblance is easy. Hopkins was truly worthy of the award nominations that were sent his way. Also worthy of praise was Joan Allen. Allen not only received her first Oscar nomination for the role of Pat Nixon, but she also received several other nominations, as well.

It’s worth a mention to say that Allen and Hopkins are not the only standout performances here. Look for excellent acting from Mary Steenburgen as Nixon’s mother, Bob Hoskins as J. Edgar Hoover, and James Woods as HR Haldeman.

Clocking in at about three and a half hours on the director’s cut I have to say that there are no real weak parts to Nixon. The writing can make it seem like things are dragging at brief moments, but more often than not the story is engaging and well worth watching.

The elements of style flash across the screen, courtesy of Stone’s artistic vision. While I found these moments rather interesting, I am told that some people are not too fond of them. The biggest complaint is that these things happen or not for no apparent reason one way or the other. The way I see it is that the end result is phenomenal and that is all that matters.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
Anyone familiar with this film knows that Oliver Stone often likes to give a unique visual experience. The 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen video transfer looks good for the most part. In those clearly defined, sharp moments the DVD looks excellent, as it is meant to look. There are few moments where things are blurred or grainier than I would have liked, but for the most part this is a visual quality that is above average.

The audio for the film is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. The sound feels somewhat quiet at first, but as things pick up the volume will need to be adjusted. These adjustments are minimal though, so it is not too much of an annoyance. Most of the sound is up front due to the fact that this is a movie that is more dialogue than anything. Still a lot of use is given to surround channels for the score and the rare sound effects.

Visual:
Audio:

Bonus Features:
As this is a two disc set, there are special features available on both the first and the second disc of the Nixon Election Year Edition DVD. On the first disc, Stone fans get the chance to enjoy not one, but two audio commentaries. Both tracks are fairly interesting. The biggest problem is the huge gaps that arise between the talking. The dead space isn’t quite exciting to listen to, but the rest is worth a listen at least once.

There are two featurettes on the second disc that include “Beyond Nixon” and “Charlie Rose interviews Oliver Stone.” “Beyond Nixon” is a new featurette that is actually directed by Stone’s son, Sean. History buffs will enjoy this as it is largely about the history rather than the movie. In addition to the featurettes, there is an hour’s worth of deleted scenes, the original theatrical trailer, and a series of promos for Paramount, Miramax, and Disney DVDs.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
The biggest problem with this release of Nixon is that it is incredibly similar to the 2002 release. If you already own the 2002 release there is no reason for you to rush right out and get this one. However, if you do not own Nixon this would be an excellent option for you. If you haven’t seen the movie then I highly suggest that you pick it up.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Nixon, Election Year Release, Walt Disney Home Video, Richard Nixon, President, Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen, Powers Boothe, Ed Harris, Bob Hoskins, EG Marshall, David Paymer, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Sorvino, Mary Steenburgen, JT Walsh, James Woods, Brian Bedford, Kevin Dunn, Annabeth Gish