Awakenings 4K UHD Review
“Awakenings” is a moving bio drama.
Based on the nonfiction novel of the same name by Oliver Sacks and adapted by Steve Zaillian, 1990’s “Awakenings” takes place in the year 1969. The story revolves around Dr. Sayer who lands a job as a physician at a New York chronic hospital. At first he is overwhelmed by the job, but eventually eases into it with the help of a Nurse Eleanor (whom he develops feelings for and vice versa). Dr. Sayer begins to tend to the catatonic patients and discovers they all have something in common in that they all had encephalitis in the past. Furthermore, he discovers that each catatonic patient still has reflexes and are able to respond to certain things such as music. Upon doing more research, he suggests the patients try a medicine called L-Dopa which is traditionally used for Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Sayer uses the medicine on the first patient (Leonard) and he miraculously “awakens” and is able to walk, talk, and live life as if he had been asleep for 30 years. After the marvelous results, the other patients are given L-Dopa and also awaken. Will the medicine have a positive permanent effect on the patients or will side effects and unfortunate changes begin to surface?
Director Penny Marshall was primarily known for comedy films like “Big” and “A League Of Their Own,” but she also directed this true story based drama (which bears a resemblance to “Charly”). Although perhaps a tad simple and melodramatic (AKA Hollywoodized), “Awakenings” is easily one of Penny Marshall’s best directorial efforts. It’s an effective and emotional story about kindness, embracing life and getting a second chance at living. It’s a very human story and the type of life affirming movie that is perhaps needed now more than ever in these troubled times.
The ensemble cast truly elevates the film. Robin Williams (Dr. Sayer) and Robert DeNiro (Leonard) are the heart of the movie and both give award worthy performances (DeNiro was even nominated for an Oscar as was the film and script). Sayer is a kind, shy soul who is doing everything he can to try and help these patients live life again. In the process, he begins to open up and live his own life more. Leonard has been catatonic since his youth and awakens to a new era that he wants to so desperately explore having been trapped in his body and in the hospital for so long. The supporting cast features many familiar faces such as Penelope Ann Miller, John Heard, Max Von Sydow, jazz legend Dexter Gordon, Bradley Whitford, Peter Stormare, and Julie Kavner (best known as the voice of Marge Simpson).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With HDR. How does it look? This seems like a random 4K catalogue title release, but it’s certainly a stellar one that offers up sharper image quality and colors.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From Randy Newman’s delicate score to the dialogue, this is an effective Atmos track.
Extras include a Theatrical trailer, a Digital copy, a vintage making of featurette and archival interviews with cast and crew.
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