DVD Corner

The Donner Party DVD Review

“The Donner Party” is an involving dramatic film, but it suffers from some historical inaccuracies.

As someone who grew up not too far from the Donner Party Memorial State Park, I’m quite familiar with the tragic story of a group of emigrants traveling through the treacherous Sierra Nevada Mountains to Sutter Fort in California only to encounter food shortages and horrendous snowy weather. Eventually, some of the travelers turn to cannibalism in order to stay alive.

While this tough to watch movie contains a fine cast (especially Crispin Glover) and striking cinematography, I do have to take issue with the screenplay. This movie is not historically accurate. Many liberties were taken with the characters and murders which I found off-putting. I understand needing to make the movie more intense and intriguing character wise, but why stray from the real story? You’re not only cheapening the movie but cheating the audience as well. You’re honestly better off watching a documentary on the Donner Party as it would be more interesting.

Summary: The script is a mess, but “The Donner Party” is still an engaging movie about survival. Just don’t expect to get the whole true story here.

The 2.35:1 widescreen picture is as clear as can be. The exterior shots of the snowy mountains are particularly impressive.

The Stereo track is sufficient, but it could have been stronger.

Not much in the way of extras aside from trailers for “Triangle,” “Polar Storm,” “The Donner Party,” “Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans,” and “Lost City Raiders.”

February 1, 2010 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | Crispin Glover, The Donner Party DVD Review