Network

Nominated for 10 Oscars (and winning four) this Paddy Chayefsky-penned look at the television industry is (sadly) as relevant today as it was in 1976, featuring priceless performances by William Holden, Robert Duvall, Faye Dunaway and Peter Finch. The whole thing eventually unravels with an over-the-top ending, but this razor-sharp industry-skewering satire should not be missed. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (S. C. Sickles)[DVD Review—Feb. 21, 2006—Warner, 2 discs, 121 min., R, $26.98—Making its third appearance on DVD, 1976's Network (Two-Disc Special Edition) sports a great transfer with Dolby Digital surround sound. DVD extras include audio commentary by director Sidney Lumet, an 86-minute six-part 30th anniversary “making-of” documentary, “Private Screenings with Sidney Lumet” featuring an interview with the director conducted by Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne (55 min.), a 14-minute vintage interview with writer Paddy Chayefsky from Dinah Shore's show Dinah!, and trailers. Bottom line: an excellent extras package for a superb film.][Blu-ray Review—Feb. 15, 2011—Warner, 121 min., R, $19.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1976's Network sports a great transfer and a DTS-HD soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are identical to the previous DVD release, including audio commentary by director Sidney Lumet, a six-part 30th anniversary “making-of” documentary (86 min.), “Private Screenings with Sidney Lumet” featuring an interview with the director conducted by Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne (55 min.), a vintage interview with writer Paddy Chayefsky from Dinah Shore's show Dinah! (14 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a classic ‘70s film makes a winning debut on Blu-ray.]