The Good

A very well put together two disc DVD that really captures the full spirit of the movie.

The Bad

I would have liked more musical sequences with the real Johnny Cash.

I loved Walk the Line when I watched it in the theater and I can safely say that it loses nothing on DVD. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon really did fine jobs inhabiting the lives of Johnny and June Carter Cash. While I can't say that I know too much about these people other than what I've seen in this film, I really felt that they brought the essence of their stormy relationship across. These were two very talented people that seemed destined to be together, yet, you knew that it was going to take awhile before they both got around to accepting it.

While I am sure that there are some Johnny Cash loyalists who feel that this movie only scratched the surface of the man's life, I feel we have been given an expose on quite possibly the most important part. I am a big fan of biopics that cover the gamut of their subject's lives, but this film looked at such a rich portion of it that I truly think Walk the Line informs what was to come later.

Features

Disc One

Audio commentary by co-writer and director James Mangold

I really enjoyed hearing James Mangold's commentary track. I have been a fan of this director ever since I saw the movie Cop Land. He brought such a nice, refined sense to Walk the Line, that I honestly think he was perfect for this movie. His commentary discusses getting the movie made, working with the actors and pretty much everything else we are used to hearing, but he brings such a beginner's mind to it that it seems like this is the first film the accomplished Mangold has ever made.

Ten deleted scenes with optional commentary by James Mangold

Having read some early reviews of these deleted scenes I find that I think those reviewers were wrong. I am not saying these deleted scenes make Walk the Line a better movie, but I think it might have been nice to have screened the movie with these scenes cut back into it. This is that rare movie that is so rich and strong and filled with so much nuance, that it actually might play quite well as longer film.

Disc Two

Extended Musical Sequences

These are extended songs from the film which give us Joaquin and Reese doing such songs as "Rock and Roll Ruby," "Jackson" and "Cocaine Blues." While I have have gone on record explaining that I am not a fan of "musicals," I think that Walk the Line clearly doesn't fall into that category.

Celebrating the Man in Black: The Making of Walk the Line"

A featurette that gives us interviews with the likes of Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp and others. Johnny Cash is someone who, throughout his life, seemed to have an effect on people just by being who he was. While sometimes featurettes like this can feel a tad forced after awhile (especially when people are giving praise to someone), I got the sense that everyone involved felt honored to be able to talk about this man.

"Folsom, Cash & the Comeback"

Why isn't this longer? I have a nervous feeling that Fox is going to release another version of this DVD with the full concert from Folsom Prison. I guess I can't complain too much as this two disc set is pretty packed with supplemental features, but as I am sure you can guess, this is a very well done portion of this DVD and I just wish it was longer.

"Ring of Fire: The Passion of Johnny and June"

I have to be honest, this is was the part of the DVD that I didn't think belonged here. We know Johnny and June are in love with each other. That's the entire crux of this movie. In fact, I would even say it's more important than the music in a lot of ways. So, while I did appreciate this little extra bit of coverage on Johnny and June's relationship, I don't think it was warranted.

Video

Enhanced Widescreen - Letterboxed for 16x9 television sets. I hate to admit but Walk the Line, with it's dark tones and gray colors is normally a movie I might not be too fond of. Interestingly, I found myself completely engaged both times I saw this movie. In fact, I watching it on DVD, even though I had already seen the film, I still wasn't able to anticipate everything that was going to happen.

Audio

English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround). This film is subtitled in English and Spanish. When you consider that both Reese and Joaquin did their own singing for this movie, I really think that makes the performances they give seem that much more incredible. While this film very much feels like a smaller, more personal endeavor, I could certainly see fans of the music being able to truly test out their home theater systems with this disc.

Package

This is one of the best front cover images (or one sheets) I have ever seen. Simple colors and a simple drawing of Johnny Cash as he faces the fires with a guitar slung around his shoulder, is all that's needed to get the point across. The back features a nice photo of what is inside this DVD, a solid breakdown of what is on each disc, a cast list and some technical specs. The discs are housed inside a vinyl, cardboard pull out with black and white pictures splattered all over it. This packaging even comes with five collectible postcards. Of the different versions of this disc that you can own, this is the DVD of the movie that I would recommend.

Final Word

I really found myself rooting for all of these characters. As a viewer, I knew that Johnny and June were going to eventually get together, yet, I never felt like director James Mangold was manipulating the viewer in order to get there. The characters obviously really cared for each other and since this movie is Cash's story, it focused quite a lot on his personal problems. Yet, this film has almost a poetic feel and sensibility to it. Even it's title Walk the Line suggests something greater and bigger than we can really grasp.

In it's simplest form, this movie is a testament to the heart and soul of love and what we will do to achieve that.

Walk the Line was released September 13, 2005.