Doctor Zhivago

Boris Pasternak's Nobel Prize-winning classic novel of star-crossed lovers, set amidst a backdrop of social upheaval spurred by the Russian Revolution, receives a stunning new British adaptation (aired on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre) from ace screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) in this grimly beautiful production that is electrifyingly awash in the volatile emotions of guilt, betrayal, and love. Pirates of the Caribbean's Keira Knightley was only 16 when shooting began, but she masterfully plays the steely, knowing Lara up to a convincing 32, while handsome Hans Matheson smolders as the fiery, passionate poet and doctor Yury, who is haunted by his overwhelming desire for Lara. The always ingenious Sam Neill rounds out the cast as Lara's nemesis, the oily villain Komarovsky. More faithful to Pasternak than David Lean's 1965 epic, this is an absolute must-see for fans of romantic and historical drama. DVD extras include 70 minutes of cast and crew interviews. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)[Blu-ray Review—Apr. 27, 2010—Warner, 2 discs, 200 min., PG-13, $35.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1965's Doctor Zhivago sports a nice transfer with DTS-HD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by costars Omar Sharif and Rod Steiger, and late director David Lean's wife Sandra, “The Making of a Russian Epic” making-of documentary (60 min.), a “A Celebration” retrospective featurette (40 min.), New York Press interviews with Sharif (19 min.) and costar Julie Christie (10 min.), a “Zhivago: Behind the Camera with David Lean” featurette on the director (10 min.), a “Pasternak” featurette on author Boris Pasternak (9 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (7 min.), a “Moscow in Madrid” location featurette (5 min.), a screen test of costar Geraldine Chaplin (3 min.), a brief “Chaplin in New York” featurette (2 min.), and short “This Is…” introduction featurettes on Christie, Chaplin, and Sharif, as well as cast and crew bios, and trailers. Bundled in a handsome digi-book package with a 44-page booklet, the release also includes an eight-song CD soundtrack sampler. Bottom line: a most welcome Blu-ray debut for a ‘60s classic.]