On Golden Pond (Special Edition)
by Mark Rydell
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Dabney Coleman, Doug McKeon, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Katharine HepburnDirector: Mark Rydell
Brand: LION'S GATE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1 EX; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1 EX
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 109 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-12-16
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Product features:
- Actors: Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Doug McKeon, Dabney Coleman.
- Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC.
- Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX).
- Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only).
- Rated PG. Run Time: 109 minutes.
Movie Reviews of On Golden Pond (Special Edition)
Movie Review: "He's just trying to find his way... same as you."
Summary: 5 Stars
Much of this film revolves about the coming of age of the two main male characters: 13-year-old Billy (Doug McKeon), who is facing the teenage years and approaching adulthood with a bit of trepidation and the anger that only a teenager can manage; and 80-year-old Norman (Henry Fonda), who is facing approaching death with a bit of trepidation and the anger that only a New England curmudgeon can manage.
These two seeming opposites form an unlikely friendship with one another, as Billy is left, not by choice, with his (step-)grandparents for the summer. The forming of the relationship between the two is really beautifully and realistically handled and quite entertaining to watch. Consider this exchange just after Billy's parents have gone off, leaving him:
Billy (brash and teenager-like): This is all [BS]!
Norman (looking up from his book): You like that word, don't you?
Billy (defiantly): Yeah!
Norman: (nodding) Good word. (Goes back to reading)
This really takes the wind out of Billy's sails. You can see the wheels turning in his head. He had been all set to put on his angry teenager hat and rebel against the old fuddy-duddy attitude, and instead, it turns out that his grandparents may be old, but they are NOT as stiff as he thought. Hmm! Guess some re-thinking is in order.
By the way, speaking of language. Back when the film was first out in the 1980s, my family (mom and grandparents) recommended it to one of my great-aunts (and corresponding uncle), who we thought would really enjoy it. To our surprise, they were quite shocked. All they could talk about was the "Language!" My goodness. I do not find any of the (pretty mild) language at all gratuitous. [BS] is pretty much the naughtiest word IN this film; and if you have ever been around any teenagers from California in the last 30 years, you know that they certainly do say things like that (and worse) in real life. (I guess if you are going to find that sort of thing hopelessly distracting to your enjoyment of the movie, you should stick to films rated G.)
A few days later, Billy finds himself standing between his grandparents in the front seat of their powerboat. "So, how fast does this old tub go, anyway?" Norman spins the throttle, and the acceleration pastes Billy into the back seat in a crumpled heap. This is way cool, even if you ARE a teenager from California! Before long, Billy and Norman are inseparable buddies. (I should add that Norman also gets the occasional comeuppance from Billy in return, but you will have to see the film to experience those.)
But there other equally rich characters and relationships; Ethel, Norman's wife (Katherine Hepburn), whose sweet exterior overlays a heart of solid oak, and who loves Norman deeply in spite of himself. And their daughter, Chelsea (Jane Fonda) who is largely estranged from them, and is shocked to see young Billy forming the bond of friendship with Norman that she never had as his own daughter. There is great emotional range in all of these combinations. (Dabney Coleman as Chelsea's new husband and Billy's father is really just a throwaway comic-relief character, but good as far as that goes.) By the way, you could easily argue that Jane Fonda turns in the weakest performance of the film. This is not to say that she did a bad job, because I for one don't think that is true at all; what it shows is just how high a level of artistry this entire film maintains.
And oh, is this a beautiful film. The nature photography alone is breathtaking. And Dave Grusin's musical score is nothing short of magical. (The main title music accompanying Norman and Ethel's drive through the heavenly New England countryside is so simple, and so elegant, but its quiet beauty is also haunted by a touch of sadness. This music sets the tone for the entire film, and indeed, the main title theme returns often in different guises throughout.) I hate to repeat the tired phrase "You will laugh, you will cry" but it is true. This film has joy, and sadness, and laughter, and pain, and beauty, just as much as life itself does. If the word "bittersweet" were not already in the language, someone would have had to invent it for this film.
If you allow this film to touch you at all, (and, true, some people, like my older, now-departed relatives mentioned before, just do not understand it or allow it to reach them) it will become a lasting part of you; at least, I found this to be true for myself. And that is really the highest praise you could give any work of art in any medium.
Summary of On Golden Pond (Special Edition)
For Norman and Ethel Thayer this summer On Golden Pond is filled with conflict and resolution. When their daughter Chelsea arrives the family is forced to renew the bonds of love and overcome the generational friction that has existed for years. Norman must find his way through his anger and fear of growing old while Chelsea struggles to rebuild their relationship. Ethel's consistent support of her "knight in shining armor" is inspirational in its simplicity. This is a movie to ponder and always keep in your heart.System Requirements:Starring: Dabney Coleman Henry Fonda Jane Fonda Katherine Hepburn William Lanteau and Doug McKeon. Directed By: Mark Rydell. Running Time: 105 Min. Color. This film is presented in "Widescreen" format. Copyright 2003 Artisan Entertainment.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: PG UPC: 012236147817 Manufacturer No: 14781Similar DVD Movies
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