Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 123 mins – 2008 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

The 70’s were nostalgic for some of the best heavyweight fights of all time, such as Ali vs. Frazier and Holmes vs. Norton. But one of the best fights ever was never fought in the ring, but its impact in history is still larger than life. David Frost and Richard Nixon didn’t try to clobber each other for fifteen rounds, but in a series of interviews, plenty of punches were thrown and there was plenty of sweat. Frost Nixon comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment, and anyone who’s fantasized about hearing George W. Bush admit that he performed criminal acts and abused his power as President, will see how history repeats itself.

THE MOVIE

Frost Nixon is based on true events that took place in the late 70’s, following the resignation of Richard Nixon of his position as the President of the United States due to his involvement with the Watergate scandal. David Frost (Michael Sheen) is a wannabe journalist who is stuck doing silly talk show gigs, but finally spots an opportunity that may possibly give him credibility and push him into the spotlight. He cuts a deal to be the first journalist to do a one-on-one interview with the fallen 37th President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella). Knowing that he’s no real threat, the former Prez agrees to do it for a lump of cash and a list of guidelines for the interviews that will be split into four sections. Even the press thinks it’s a joke, because no one believes that an unproven interviewer like Frost will be able to hold his own or get anything out of Nixon about Watergate.

Based on the stage play and directed by Ron Howard, the film works because it plays out like a Rocky movie, where you have the underdog who has no chance to win going up against the ultimate opponent, but after taking many hits and facing an imminent knockout, he turns the odds in his favor and makes a huge accomplishment. Langella hits a home run in his portrayal as Nixon, playing him both as ruthless and sympathetic. Sheen as Frost is also excellent as you see him transform from a cocky opportunist to an individual who realizes that his situation is more serious than he expected and now he has to prove himself.

Another reason this film is so effective is because of the current scenario with our last President. How many reporters wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to get George Bush in the hot-seat and grill him one-on-one about the choices he made during his administration that is still haunting us with a global economic nightmare? Now more than ever Americans want answers, but unfortunately we may most likely never get them. On this level Frost/Nixon satisfies because if you switch around the names, faces and places, the results are scary because they are so close.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ration Frost Nixon is probably one of the best looking Blu-rays on the market. The tone of the 70’s is captured with meticulous perfection right down to the details on Michael Sheen’s sideburns. Colors are bold and skin tones are picture perfect. If you plan to own this film, this is the only way to experience it.

AUDIO

Offering a DTS HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio Mix, Frost Nixon scores a homerun with its excellent sound design. This film is all about the dialogue, and this mix allows you to hear every line as crisp and clean as if you were sitting on the set yourself.

EXTRAS

There is a good package of bonus features offered on the Blu-ray, and they are all in HD. And for those wanting to see how the real Frost Nixon interview looked for comparison purposes, will appreciate that some of the key excerpts from the 70’s interview have been included.

Director Ron Howard provides a solo commentary track and it’s definitely worth listening to because he’s extremely passionate about the material.

The Making of Frost Nixon runs just under a half hour and details the origin of the film starting from the original stage play to getting it to the big screen.

The Real Interview is something that should have been much longer than a seven-minute clip, and you’ll wish that all the original 70’s interviews were included so you can compare them to what was in the movie, but instead you’re just treated to some highlights.

The Nixon Library is a featurette on the actual library of the man who was the 37^th President. This one is for Nixon buffs.

There are 30 minutes of deleted scenes. Some are interesting, some have were omitted for obvious reasons, but it’s all worth a look.

Universal’s U-Control allows you to access Picture-In-Picture interviews with the cast and crew, as well as pop-up text facts about the actual events.

BOTTOM LINE

Frost Nixon is a film for those who want to get away from transforming robots and superhero movies and desires to see a film based on characters and acting. The Blu-ray offers incredible picture and sound, and though it would have been perfect if the complete original interviews were included, there are some main excerpts to give you a feel of the actual events. If you’re a fan of films based on historic events, Frost Nixon is a must own.

SCORES (out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0