| Based on the novel by Anna Quindlan, one true
thing is a very powerful drama. Ellen Gulden (Renee Zellweger) visits her parent’s
home in New England one weekend for her fathers (William Hurt) Birthday. The following day
she learns that her mother (Meryl Streep) has cancer and is admitted to hospital
overnight. Her father then pressures her into leaving her fast paced New York journalism
job to come home and look after her mother. Ellen who has never really connected with her
mother grudgingly returns home and continues to do some freelance work. Her mother while
she appears to be ok is slowly declining. Ellen has trouble coming to terms with her
father’s absences during the ordeal and is hurt when she discovers he may be cheating
on his wife. Kate (Meryl Streep) slowly gets her
daughter involved in the community activities, which she loves and is loved for. By
Christmas her mother is a wheelchair and is confused with the friction between her
daughter and her husband who used to be so close. Ellen is enlightened by her
mother’s wisdom and her father’s inability to cope with the situation, which is
why he needs Ellen to cope for him.
While there is not a lot of variation to the storyline it
is a powerful tale of how a mildly dysfunctional family has to handle a debilitating
cancer victim and eventually an assessment of their mothers undignified life.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
Mmmm now the transfer; well; this actually leaves a little to be desired. Columbia has
been producing excellent transfers lately however this does not live up to their
reputation. There is an overall soft feel to the 16:9 Enhanced transfer which appears to
not be a film characteristic. There is some lack of detail and the transfer is quite dark.
Colours were realistic but not eye catching at all at times the saturation was quite dull.
This is an RSDL release but I wasn’t disturbed by the layer change at all.
The English 5.0 audio transfer is quite good, dialogue was
mostly clear. There is little use of the surrounds except in some musical instances, and a
little roomy ambience. There also appeared to be some background noise at times, which was
a little, intrusive. I could not find any sync problems with this transfer. Cliff Eidelman
has produced an emotional musical score. The music is mostly slow and romantic and while
it blends with the film isn’t memorable at all.
There is a fair selection of extras, nothing to write home
about though. The spotlight on location is basically short snippets from the main
characters the producer and editor. They talk about the motivation of the other actors and
most of them are praising Meryl Streep. The Menu is once again annoying, in that it is
difficult to see your selection. Each selection is characterised by a small yellow ring
around an icon which is difficult to see when they already have a white ring around
them… mmmmmm definitely a Columbia trait. Other extras include: Production Notes,
Theatrical Trailer, Web Links, and the Cast and Crew Filmographies. Nothing exciting
really.
Overall this is a powerful story but at times feels slow
and long. This is more of a bunch of girl’s night in with a bag of chips and box of
tissues film. I personally don’t find Meryl Streep an overly appealing actor but she
does this film justice and plays the role exceptionally, almost on par with Tom Hanks in
Philadelphia. If you feel like a nice quiet night in, then you will enjoy this.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
3/5 soft and dark |
| SOUND QUALITY |
3.5/5 clear dialogue, nothing exciting |
| FEATURES |
2/5 bland |
Review Equipment
TV: GE 68cm (16:9 selectable)
DVD: Samsung DVD907 (via S-Video)
Receiver/Proc: Sansui A505 & Yamaha DSP-E390
Speakers:-
Fronts: Wharfdale Diamond R6 (on a pair of custom made stands you'd KILL for)
Centre: Venturi
Rears: Sony bookshelf
- Reviewed 20th November 1999 |
