The Thorn Birds
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Brett Cullen, Bryan Brown, Christopher Plummer, Rachel Ward, Richard ChamberlainBrand: Warner Brothers
Producer: Lee Stanley
Writer: Lee Stanley
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, DVD, Miniseries, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 477 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-02-03
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of The Thorn Birds
Movie Review: Unforgettable Miniseries With A Truly Luminous Performance by Richard Chamberlain
Summary: 5 Stars
Based on the novel by Colleen McCullough, this captivating miniseries was warmly embraced by viewers and critics alike when it aired in four installments in 1983.
The provocative story of a handsome, ambitious priest, torn between his love of God, power, and the beautiful Meggie Cleary, resonated with audiences worldwide, making "The Thorn Birds" the second highest rated miniseries of all time. The ten hour production was beautifully made, and the stellar cast and haunting musical score combined to make "The Thorn Birds" an award winning television landmark. The movie provided a wealth of memorable performances, most notably from Barbara Stanwyck, Rachel Ward, Sydney Penney, Jean Simmons, and Christopher Plummer.
The highest accolades go to Richard Chamberlain for his extraordinary portrayal of Ralph de Bricassart, the tormented Catholic priest whose conflicting loves and inner turmoil provide the heart and soul of the entire series. Father Ralph is a character of multiple contradictions, and Mr. Chamberlain masterfully brings these complexities to the screen. From his first tender scenes with the young Meggie, (a sensational Sydney Penney,) to his final poignant scenes with the adult Meggie in the rose garden 40 years later, Richard Chamberlain is mesmerizing and unforgettable in this, his most famous role. Robert Redford, Peter Strauss, and Christopher Reeves were some of the noteworthy names who were at one time considered for the part of Father Ralph--thankfully, the Executive Producer's wife was the one who suggested Richard Chamberlain. His portrayal of Ralph de Bricassart remains one of the most memorable and best loved characterizations in television history.
The series won numerous awards, including an Emmy for best film editing. The superior work done by the editors is evident throughout the entire 10 hours, but two terrific scenes deserve mention. The first is when a transfixed Father Ralph sees the breathtaking Meggie descending the stairs in her "Ashes of Roses" gown, and the second is the montage of film of Meggie's wedding to Luke in Australia, intertwined with Ralph's ordination in Rome as a Bishop. Both of these scenes are superb examples of how expert editing adds immeasurably to the overall quality of the final production. The musical score by Henry Mancini is outstanding as well--it is ludicrous he was not awarded the Emmy for his brilliant theme that provides the perfect backdrop to the emotional story line.
The only negative for me in the epic saga of "The Thorn Birds" has to do with the extremely ungracious comments of the author of the novel, Colleen McCullough, regarding this highly respected and acclaimed production. I realize she is not the only writer to be dissatisfied with the final rendition of her work to the screen, but a simple "no comment" would have sufficed, and would have been infinitely more classy. Instead, she describes the miniseries as "instant vomit," and goes on to say that none of the exemplary cast could even act. I would remind Ms. McCullough that many of the actors and actresses in this television production were recognized for their work by both the Golden Globes and the Emmys, the gold standard of their craft. Saying the likes of Richard Chamberlain and Barbara Stanwyck can not act is like saying Colleen McCullough can not write--a really ridiculous statement, and very mean spirited. I would also add that 110 million viewers of this beloved miniseries adamantly disagree with her.
Summary of The Thorn Birds
Television epic story of interpersonal drama set against Australia's outback. When a priest does not return the affections of the owner of a large sheep ranch, she vows to influence him-- even from the grave.Item Type: DVD Movie
Item Rating: NR
Street Date: 02/03/04
Wide Screen: no
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
Language: ENGLISH
Foreign Film: noSubtitles: no
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: yes
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve
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