Plot: What’s it about?
I have to admit…I had never seen the movie “Taxi Driver” until this last week. I’m in the minority, I know. But, just because I saw it for the first time a few days ago, doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it like everyone else does…
In Martin Scorsese’s tale of a New York taxi driver (Robert DeNiro), he shows us the dark side of what people are. DeNiro plays Travis Bickle, an ordinary everyday man for all intensive purposes, but who obviously has serious emotional issues to deal with. He starts to date a political volunteer, Betsy (a young Cybil Shepard) but she soon dumps him once their date doesn’t go “according to plan”. Travis becomes obsessed with her and the entire campaign and starts to base his life on assisanating the candidate (Leonard Harris). He makes it his mission in life that he must “rectify the situation”…
In somewhat of a subplot, he also makes it his business to help 12 year old hooker, Iris, to get her life back together. He wants her to go back to her parents and finish growing up and have a decent life, but to do that he must get her out of her pimp’s (Scout played by Harvey Kietel) way.
What happens in the end was a suprise to me, so I don’t want to ruin it for anyone else who hasn’t seen this movie. What I can say is that it’s a great movie and a great disc. The movie itself works on many levels and speaks volumes about society in general. The transfer, sound and extras make this one to own for sure!
Video: How does it look?
A second release by Columbia Tristar and a great effort. This film is nearly 25 years old, but looks brand new (if you exlude all the clothes and hairstyles, that is). Bright colors and the dark scenes have no artifacting whatsoever. Truly one of the better transfers I’ve seen. Kudos Columbia!!!
Audio: How does it sound?
A Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack sounds great. A film which was originally recorded in mono sounds just as good as some of today’s movies. A few directional effects are used, but mainly center channel (for DeNiro’s voiceovers) and front two speakers.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A great 16:9 transfer, a documentary, trailers, featurettes, extra booklets and even more add to the value of what was already a good disc and a great movie.
