Of Mice and Men (1992) Blu-ray Review

John Steinbeck was a Nobel prize winning author. His novels are more than just great pieces of literature, they are masterpieces and must read novels. Probably his most well known works would be his Pulitzer Prize winning The Grapes of Wrath. But other great novels he wrote were Tortilla Flat, Cannery Row, East of Eden and Of Mice And Men.

Many Steinbeck's novels have been adapted into classic films. In 1992 MGM brought distributed a new version of the novel Of Mice and Men. Now as the 32nd year anniversary of this films release is upon us. MGM Home Entertainment is giving physical media fans a chance to own this film on Blu-ray!

Synopsis: Best friends George (Gary Sinise) and Lennie (John Malkovich) find themselves unemployed in Depression-era California unable to keep jobs because of Lennie's childlike mentality. But once they get hired at the Tyler Ranch, they enjoy a brief period of stability - until their supervisor's wife become a victim of Lennie's compassion, forcing George to make a compassionate decision of his own.

This version of the Steinbeck novel was produced, directed and starred Gary Sinise. During it's showing at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, Sinise was nominated for the Palme d'Or award, given to the director of the best-featured film. While not completely it stays pretty close to the spirit of the story!

The film really shines because of the strong performances by Gary Sinise, John Malkovich and Ray Walston. While not as great as the 1939 version starring Lon Chaney Jr. This is a effective telling of Steinbeck's story. It is good to note there their is a good amount of adult language in this film. There is also uses of racial slurs. So viewer discretion is advised!

MGM has transferred Of Mice and Men to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in widescreen format. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This film looks and sounds stunning. The colors are bright and vibrant and the picture is crisp and clean. There is no signs of damage to the print and no digital artifacts. The audio is as clear as a bell with not distortion, Although the films audio does go quite vocals to loud at times. But that is not the transfer it is the way produced and acted.

Now for bonus features MGM has made this a bare bones Blu-ray release. I would have liked to see the addition of a trailer. Maybe an interviews with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich about the making of this film. That would have been amazing! 

Even with the lack of bonus features this is still a solid looking Blu-ray transfer of a solid adaption of the Steinbeck story. If you love Steinbeck film adaptions this Blu-ray version of, "Of Mice and Men" is a must own for your collection.

If you would like to add this film to your collection, head over to Moviezyng and order your copy today! 


Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The MGM Blu-ray Of Mice and Men receives.....