OVERVIEW: One of the year’s most critically acclaimed and best reviewed motion picture dramas of the year, DreamWorks Pictures and Steven Spielberg’s “LINCOLN” arrives in North America on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital and On-Demand platforms on March 26, 2013 and Internationally on Digital HD beginning on April 24th and Blu-ray/ DVD on May 8th. With two Academy Award®-wins for “Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role” & “Best Achievement In Production Design”; a Golden Globe for “Best Performance by An Actor In A Motion Picture-Drama”; a BAFTA for “Leading Actor”; and AFI “Movie Of The Year,” “LINCOLN” is this year’s must-own motion picture to add to any collection! 

As a 2013 Oscar® and Golden Globe® Award-winner for his performance as America’s 16th president, Daniel Day-Lewis leads an all-star cast including Academy Award® winners Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field. Also starring David Strathaim, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and James Spader, “LINCOLN” is based on a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner. The film is scored by multiple Oscar-winner John Williams. 

SYNOPSIS: Inspired by the true-life events confronting Abraham Lincoln and his monumental moral and political challenge to amend the United States Constitution to permanently abolish slavery, “LINCOLN” is a rich and compelling historical and human drama that has been hailed as one of the best film of the year. In-depth bonus features on the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack takes viewers behind-the-scenes of director Spielberg’s life-long fascination with Lincoln and the 12 years it took to bring the story of one of history’s and mankind’s greatest triumphs to the screen. 

FILM REVIEW: This film could not have been set up any better and few films deserve it as much as this one. For starters, a movie like this deserves to be directed by Steven Spielberg. Abraham Lincoln deserves to be played by a multiple Oscar winning actor such as Daniel Day-Lewis and similarly Mary Todd Lincoln deserves to be played by a multiple Oscar winning actress such as Sally Field. In the midst of all the political turmoil and the current condition of our beloved country, the timing for this movie could not have been better also. This film gives us an accurate and realistic glimpse at the last few months of one of the most loved and cherished Presidents of the United States, then and still today. Today’s politicians are so twisted and controversial that it is refreshing to see what a real President was like and to be reminded of what we have been through as a country that ultimately made us stronger. Few Presidents have had to deal with such overwhelming trials and tribulations, not only in regards to the country, but with his family and friends all at the same time. He’s dealing with the loss of a child, the mental state of his wife, a government divided, and a nation divided generating so much more loss of life. Yes, as it is today, he had his share of resistance in getting things done or passed, namely the 13th Amendment. Even back then, the divide between Republicans and Democrats was vast. Yet his determination never falters all the while maintaining the father-like attitude of a gentle soul to everybody around him. Whenever the situation got a little too tense, he would break out into telling a small story . . . reminded me of Jesus with his parables. But he was far from being a push over, and his height probably helped with that aspect. You can throw around all the Marvel and DC Comics characters you like, Abraham Lincoln was a real and true American hero, and this motion picture does him justice.

This movie is intense through and through. I was almost in tears during the opening scene alone. The costumes and sets were superb and appropriate. The cinematography was also top notch. You feel transported to that era and standing right next to the key people at the key times of this defining moment in history. Daniel graces us with yet another Oscar caliber performance playing Lincoln. The task of making him look like Lincoln was done impeccably, extra height and everything. The fact that Daniel was flawless at sounding like Abe was icing on the cake. There were solid performances throughout the cast, too many to mention. I will throw out a few names that left an impression on me such as Tommy Lee Jones (as usual), Sally Field (of course), Joseph Gordon –Levitt (busy man and still giving a good product), and Michael Stuhlbarg (another busy man giving potent performances). The cast was blessed with an exceptional script, not to mention a more than exceptional director. Abraham Lincoln deserves a movie like this.

BLU-RAY: The film is presented in widescreen in a 2.40:1 aspect ration preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good, a 7.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement to the picture. It also includes  English  and Spanish subtitles.

VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.40:1) 16x9

AUDIO:
English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 7.1 DTS-HDHR, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital 

Subtitles - English Spanish French

SPECIAL FEATURES:

· The Journey To Lincoln—Steven Spielberg and his collaborators discuss the challenges and excitement of bringing this story of a complex and very human president to the screen.

· A Historic Tapestry: Richmond, Virginia—Steven Spielberg and team discuss the historical significance of Richmond, Virginia, and why they chose to shoot the film there.

· In The Company Of Character—Delve into Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of Lincoln, and discover the authenticity and openness created by the actors and filmmakers on set.

· Crafting The Past—Examine the re-creation of Lincoln’s era through authentic period details in production design, costume and makeup.

· Living With Lincoln—Follow Steven Spielberg, the cast and crew through the shooting of the film, from the battle at Jenkins’ Ferry, through the epic 13th Amendment showdown in the House of Representatives, to Lincoln’s tragic end.

· In Lincoln’s Footsteps—Explore the film’s editing, sound design, and the subtle yet poignant musical score by John Williams, and discover how relevant and inspiring Lincoln still is today.

DVD

Digital Copy