Frost Nixon – Watergate Interview (Original 1977 Sessions/Umbrella
Entertainment/Region Zero/PAL)
Picture: C Sound: C Extras: C Interviews: B+
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD can only be operated on
machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region Zero/0 PAL format
software and can be ordered from our friends at Umbrella Entertainment at the
website address provided at the end of the review.
The Ron
Howard film Frost/Nixon was one of
2008’s most underrated films and it stands on its own very well, but it is even
more impressive when you see the actual interviews. Umbrella Entertainment in Australia has
issued the whole series of them on the new DVD Frost Nixon – Watergate Interview hosted by Frost from the 1977
masters. They run 80 minutes, attracted
a reported 50 Million viewers in the U.S. alone and was Nixon’s attempt at
rehabilitating his image, but that backfired.
Few knew Neo-Conservatism was ahead, but also shows Nixon in rare form
for better and worse.
It
becomes an interesting character study of both men, both on their guard, off
guard and the result is a bizarre chemistry like no interview we have ever seen
before or will ever see again. I
remembered the interview when it was new and wondered why Nixon would agree to
do it after his fall, but now seeing it again, he had nothing to lose and
everything to gain. The result was
failure for himself, but also added yet another chapter to his classic
persona. Frost proved he was not just a
safe fluff personality and was set for life.
Now you can see how this happened.
The 1.33
X 1 image is a little aged as Frost used equipment that was good, but not
great. Still, this looks good enough
throughout and is like little analog video you have likely seen before in its
unusual quality. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Mono is consistent, but a little low in volume and you should be careful of the
levels you play it at. Extras include a 16
minutes behind the scenes featurette and introduction, both with Frost.
As noted above, you can order this PAL DVD import
exclusively from Umbrella at:
http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/
- Nicholas Sheffo
