Mr. North (1988) Blu-ray Review

Thorton Wilder was an American playwright and novelist. During his illustrious career he received three Pulitzer Prizes and a U.S. National Book Award. He wrote such novels as 1927's The Bridge of San Luis Rey 1948's Ides of March, 1967's The Eighth Day and his final novel published in 1973 Theophilus North.

15 years after Mr. North's publication the story was brought to the big screen. The film would not only be based on Wilder's novel but feature a cast of screen legends. Now MGM have released this film on Blu-ray so physical media fans can enjoy this film for years to come.

When young Yale graduate Theophilus North (Anthony Edwards, ER) settles in Newport Rhode Island, he charms the elite with his ability to heal with an unusual energy. But as North gains a reputation as a savior, he simultaneously endures the wrath of the local doctor, who labels him a charlatan. Suddenly this gifted newcomer must defend his honor, before his unique talent sparks a backlash that lands him in jail!

Danny Huston directs his vision of the novel Mr. North to the big screen and it is a quirky, heartwarming family adventure. The film's run time is 90 minutes. Now at that short of a run time there is going to be a lot of the source material that would have to be cut. For Wilder purists that would be a problem. But I think it's a good run time, especially if you are going to sit down with the whole family and watch.

Anthony Edwards perfectly portrays the title character, but the supporting cast is simply amazing as well! We see such familiar faces as Robert Mitchum (Cape Fear), Harry Dean Stanton (Alien), Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family, Addams Family Values), Mary Stuart Masterson (The Stepford Wives), Virginia Madsen (Swamp Thing), Tammy Grimes (Destry), David Warner (The Omen), Hunter Carson (Invaders from Mars), Lauren Bacall (To Have and Have Not).

Mr. North has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS digital surround sound. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The films transfer looks and sound crisp and clean with no signs of damage to the print.

Of course, a great looking transfer is the #1 thing when it comes to a Blu-ray release. But I love great bonus features as well! The real downside for me is there are no bonus features. I would love to have seen an audio commentary or cast interviews, a making of featurette. These bonuses would have made this release even better.

If you are looking for a genuinely sweet entertaining film for the whole family, Mr. North is a good one. Is it the best family feature you will ever see no, far from it! But it is a film the whole family can sit down and watch together and that is a rarity!

So if you are in the market for a good family film why not try Mr. North on Blu-ray from MGM.  You can head over to MovieZyng today and order your copy today. Pop that popcorn and enjoy the adventure!



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Mr. North Blu-ray receives....