Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning 1995 Braveheart is an impassioned epic about William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish leader of a popular revolt against England's tyrannical Edward I (Patrick McGoohan). Gibson cannily plays Wallace as a man trying to stay out of history's way until events force his hand, an attribute that instantly resonates with several of the actor's best-known roles, especially Mad Max. The subsequent camaraderie and courage Wallace shares in the field with fellow warriors is pure enough and inspiring enough to bring envy to a viewer, and even as things go wrong for Wallace in the second half, the film does not easily cave in to a somber tone. One of the most impressive elements is the originality with which Gibson films battle scenes, featuring hundreds of extras wielding medieval weapons. After Eisenstein's Alexander Nevsky, Orson Welles's Chimes at Midnight, and even Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, you might think there is little new that could be done in creating scenes of ancient combat; yet Gibson does it. Winner of five Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the exhilarating epic Braveheart is one of the most anticipated films on Blu-ray and continues to be beloved by fans and critics alike. The film will be presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. **Among the more than two hours of new special features to be included on Braveheart are: Interactive Timelines—Three distinct timelines featuring a combination of video, images, text and audio that can be accessed linearly or randomly. o Production: A comprehensive chronology of the motion picture from conception through theatrical release, from a behind-the-scenes point of view. o Historical: Chronological modules feature Scotland’s greatest patriot, along with historical places, figures and events surrounding his life and struggle. o Fiction: A comprehensive timeline identifying the chronological events of the film. Braveheart: A Look Back— Features new interviews with members of the cast and crew reminiscing about their experiences making the film and its enduring impact on cinema. Smithfield: Medieval Killing Fields—Relates the remarkable history of Smithfield, which for centuries was regularly filled with the roars of crowds, regal fanfares and rowdy games. Smithfield is also known as the site of William Wallace’s execution, along with other terrifying spectacles when heretics, rebels and criminals were put to death. Battlefields of the Scottish Rebellion— Two major Scottish battlefields, Falkirk and Bannockburn, will be presented as 3D models that can be explored for further investigation into the military strategies and timetables employed in each. Topography, weapons, troop movements, and leadership data can also be accessed. An alternate playing mode will allow the story of each battle to unfold in an “automated” fashion, much like the interactive dioramas displayed at historical site museums around the world.Read full review
William Wallace (Gibson) is born a common highlander, the son of a lowly farmer, but he soon finds himself at the very eye of the storm. For Scotland suffers under the rule of the ruthless English king, Edward the Longshanks, and any attempt to resist his cruelty is met with the harshest punishment. When young Wallace's father and older brother are killed in a failed bid for freedom, Wallace is taken away by his uncle Argyle, who raises and educates him. Years later, Wallace returns home seeking a peaceful life as a farmer. He finds his childhood sweetheart, Murron (Catherine McCormack), and secretly marries her, hoping to start a family. But in so doing, he's already broken the law. Longshanks, in a bid to strengthen his control in Scotland, has given his lords there the right of "Prima Nocta" - the right to sleep with any new bride on their wedding night. Wallace's defiance leads the local English lord to last out. In a rage, Wallace responds by leading a revolt that wipes out the English presence in his village entirely. When Longshanks attempts to crush this uprising, the situation quickly escalates. Soon, Wallace finds himself the leader of a massive rebellion determined to free Scotland from the English forever or die trying.Read full review
Yes, it's historically not quite accurate. Yes, it's extremely gory. Yes, Mel Gibson gets upstaged at times. And yes, it won the Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards for a reason. It's a great picture. It has humor, pathos, romance, regret, hate, joy, intimate moments and epic ones, action scenes and great music. What's not to like? Be sure to get the wide screen version, lest you miss some of the bits of business that were so important but not directly in the center of the screen. Then sit back and enjoy movie making at its best.
The not so true but still very entertaining story of William Wallace. One of my favorite movies of all time. Mel Gibson did a great job of telling a story. The cast was excellent and believable. Sophie Marceau is gorgeous as the soon to be queen. Patrick Mcgoohan plays the evil Longshanks and should have won the academy award for best actor. The movie extols the idea of freedom and action to get and keep that freedom. The final words from Mel's (William Wallace's) mouth was the word "FREEDOM". I could think of other ways of spending a couple of hours but I could not think of any that are more enjoyable. I've seen this movie a few times and it still encourages me to know that when it comes down to it, we will do what we need to do to stay free.
When this movie came out in Blu Ray I was glad to dump the VHS tapes. This movie is much better with all it's colors and country background. The movie itself is inspiring. This is great story of a man getting his Scottish people to fight against the English.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
recently watched Braveheart for the first time on Blu Ray and it was simply amazing. I have seen Braveheart a number of times on DVD but the battle scenes make you want to pick up a sword and fight!!! You will never look at Braveheart the same way. Special features were also very nice. Top notch upgrade on every level from both DVD releases. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I thought this was going to be another movie with pieces missing, but it’s the actual movie. I highly recommend this to everyone if they love watching a good movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Exactly what I've been looking for in a form I can KEEP!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Amazing picture on blu ray along with incredible sound. Gibson is definitely at his best in this one. For me,Gibson's inspirational speech in the movie is still one of the best all time . Standing up to the likes of Jack Nicholson's in A Few Good Men and Dennis Hopper's in True Romance . If you haven't seen Braveheart in awhile , dim the lights and hit play for a memorable experience on blu ray.
I have never seen this movie. I personally can not write a fair review.Sorry. However, I purchased this movie as a Christmas gift for my husband. This is his all time favorite movie, he thinks it has it all...Action, great story line, ect. His Christmas gift is an HD TV. This is a blue-ray DVD. This movie was my selection as his first and favorite movie on the new big screen!
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs