Brubaker (1980)
Review by HTQ4
Film:
DVD:

Written by W.D. Richter and Arthur A. Ross, based on the novel by Joe Hyams and Thomas O. Murton
Directed by Stuart Rosenberg
Starring Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander, Murray Hamilton, David Keith, Morgan Freeman

Released by: Fox Home Entertainment
Rating: R
Region: 1
Anamorphic: Yes

My Advice: Rent it

Henry Brubaker (Redford) is the new Reform Warden of a Wakefield State Prison. However, he's got a helluva way of making his introduction. He hides himself as an inmate to see exactly what it is that he's in for...and what he sees appalls him. He sees brutality, corruption, and the inhuman treatment of the inmates--and not just by the guards. However, nothing can prepare him for the battle he's in for when he tries to turn the prison around for the better.

This movie is one of Redford's finest performances. He excels at these One Man Against The World roles. This one seemed to have been written for him and it may very well have been. He is surrounded by actors who really are into giving him a run for his money. After all, Redford is at his best when his character has his back against the wall; Redford loves to have his characters live there. The other actors in this movie seem to be drawn into his energy and their performances are improved because he demands so much of himself. Make no mistake, this is a very raw movie, where most of the characters are treated like less than animals.

That being said, it's just a shame that there's not more on the DVD in the way of special features. After all, the movie won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. You'd think that they would have had something about that on the DVD, right? How about an interview with the screenwriters talking about their work? Also, maybe a documentary detailing the problems with the prisons in the late 70s and early 80s that spawned the movie to be written. After all, the story was based on the real life story of Mr. Murton. You'd think that would be worth at least forty-five minutes of bonus material, right? Anyway, all you get is the widescreen presentation of the movie, which I think is just sad.

This one is definitely a rental. If they ever come out with a special edition, it might be worth picking up permanently because Redford's performance is simply that strong--but as it sits with this version of the DVD, it's just not worth it. Hold out for something better.