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White Squall [1996]


RRP: £8.99
Our Price: £5.63 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

It's a pity this ocean-going adventure wasn't fully appreciated during its theatrical release in 1996, if only because its climactic storm sequence (hence the movie's title) was awesome on the big screen and inevitably less impressive on video. Mixed reviews also curtailed its box-office potential, but as you might expect from Ridley Scott--the director of Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise--this is a beautifully photographed movie that will thrill anyone who is drawn to the romance and danger of the open sea. The story is a rite-of-passage adventure for a group of high school boys, who spend their senior year as the crew-in-training on the Albatross, a sailing vessel skippered by an experienced sailor and schoolmaster (Jeff Bridges) who teaches hard lessons of teamwork and individual responsibility. As they sail to the tip of South America and back, the young men face many challenges that will shape their character, in addition to the carnal pleasures of shore leave in exotic ports of call. It's a traditional story, and Scott doesn't bring anything particularly new to this sailboat variation of Dead Poets Society and Scent of a Woman. But as a coming-of-age drama White Squall is professionally crafted and filled with vital energy, featuring a talented cast of newcomers (led by Scott Wolf of TV's Party of Five) who rise to the demands of this rousing and life-changing adventure. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com


So-so film, dreadful DVD transfer
Review date: 2008-01-15 Rating: 4 out of 10

I owned this film on laserdisc - who remembers that format? - when it was first released. I thought it to be one of Ridley Scott's least interesting films - more or less an inferior retread of Dead Poets Society, in the vein of the equally unoriginal Dangerous Minds and Scent Of A Woman. There is a bit of eye-candy in the experience, though; both the landscape and the comely boys are rather easy on the eyes. And Ridley Scott knows how to compose his shots. So far, so average.

This DVD version of the film, however, is a cropped print of the original 2,35:1 original. My original laserdisc version offered less resolution, but the picture was immensely better. The DVD version is cropped down to about 1,85:1, i.e. standard 16:9, and it feels claustrophobic - and it's not supposed to. Avoid this release - wait for a better one to come along.

If you consider the film important enough.

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Reviews


1 star for DVD quality
Review date: 2007-08-28 Rating: 2 out of 10

It's a great film by Ridley Scott, the ship and scenery being one of the main characters of the film. Unfortunately all the beauty of the ship and sea, and spectacular scenery is overshadowed by the poor (very poor!) quality of the DVD.

My main complaint is about the graininess of the film, as well as missing additional features - no additional audio versions, no subtitles, no commentaries and nothing from "behind the scenes". Pity... This film deserved much more than this.

If you're willing - I suggest you wait for another improved version.


Loved it
Review date: 2005-11-18 Rating: 10 out of 10

This isn't the type of film I would ever usually think of watching. The only reason I did was because I couldn't sleep one night while it was on TV, so I ended up watching it, and I'm so glad I did!
It's such an amazing film. It's not only about the ship, but about the relationships the boys build and the fears they overcome. The dolphin scene was horrible, but on the DVD I can skip past it, so thats OK.
It's a very sad film too, and it's good that you can feel such empathy with the characters. All of the boys do a great job in this film, I absolutely loved it!
And I'm usually a chick-flick kinda girl!
Anyone considering watching this definitely should!

White Squall
Review date: 2004-06-01 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film got slated by many critics, but I think it's great. You are taken through the life of one adolecent male making friends and relations of young men of his age and trying to get on in the world. It is a long film, yet it is not felt as you watch it. The acting, the direction and the photography are outstanding and you are taken through many emotions. If you want a deep and meaningful film, then this is the one for you. Ryan Phillippe steals the show on many occassions and quite rightly so, yet all the young men work off each other very well. Jeff Bridges is always outstanding in all that he does, this film is no exception. Well worth the five stars in my opinion.

Good film , Sad ending! ; (
Review date: 2004-04-08 Rating: 8 out of 10

I love this film! It is very inspirational to me! The ending is a killer for emotional people as once again Ryan Phillipe is killed of at the end of the film.I have bought this film and I encourage you to do the same.Its a shame for you to miss out on such an excellent film.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Scott Wolf
Caroline Goodall
Jeremy Sisto
Jeff Bridges
John Savage

Creators:
Jeff Bridges (Primary Contributor)
Caroline Goodall (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Sony Bmg
Manufacturer: Sony Bmg
EAN: 0743214589298
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2003-03-31
Universal product code (UPC): 743214589298
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Running time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1996-02-02
Language: English (Original Language)

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