The downsides – Mel Gibson’s truly awful mime of a Scottish accent (title above)…his ludicrous hair and wigs…and it just goes on for too long.

Upsides – Mel was also the most handsome man on the planet at the time of filming, Patrick McGoohan was chillingly brilliant as Longshanks The King, it had loads of tremendous support actors throughout (Brian Cox as Wallace’s Uncle, Brendan Gleeson as Hamish his friend, Angus MacFayden as the Scottish King in waiting, David O’Hara as a fighting clansman, Ian Bannen as the Leper and the mad-eyed James Cosmo). And to top it all off – you get both Catherine McCormack and Sophie Marceau in the same film – easily two of the most beautiful women in the world. And of course there’s also James Horner’s haunting musical score – a beautiful air played on the Pipes which kicks in at key moments in the story; it can still bring a tear to your eye and a quickening to the pulse…

But most of the time you are seriously impressed with the cleaned up PRINT – because on BLU RAY – “Braveheart” is BEAUTIFUL to look at – it really is. Apart from a few lines in the opening shots of the Highlands, the transfer is almost faultless throughout and really adds to your enjoyment of the scenery, the costumes and the fantsically well-staged battle scenes. In fact, I also now remember why I liked it so much at the time – it had passion and fire – like “Gladiator” did – and still does.

The original bonus material remains intact, there’s two extra hours of added-on special features and the whole 2-Disc set now comes in a tasty outer card wrap (like the Bond titles).

On BLU RAY “Braveheart” is a very handsome thing indeed – a sweetheart. And it has never looked this good and that’s for damn sure.

Recommended.

Distributor 20th Century Fox – UK – Region A,B, C.

OK, first let me just state for the record, that Braveheart is a far more mainstream title than would usually be found reviewed here.

Sometimes though, you just experience a Blu ray disc that mainstream or not, you just have to write about and this is certainly the case in this instance.

This special anniversary edition is presented as a 2 disc release containing many extras but it is also worth noting that the film itself is the full uncut version, which marks the first time it has been released uncut in the UK.

Braveheart has been thoroughly remastered for this release and is presented in a top notch 1080p 16×9 transfer which looks excellent. No print damage is present and the film really looks brand new and not 15 years old.

The 5.1 DTS HD audio I have to say is incredible. Having never experienced the film like this, I honestly felt transported into the movie itself. From the absolutely stunning score, to the crashing sound effects and dialogue scenes, it all sounded perfect. Crystal clear, distortion free, this is quality audio at it’s very best. Quite how this movie did not win an Oscar for best soundtrack in 1996 I’ll never know.

As for extras, the first disc contains the same commentary track by Mel Gibson which has been present on the DVD releases, but there is also a picture in picture commentary titled “William Wallace’s World” which once selected, also plays along with the film providing information and real facts etc… Disc 2 contains the usual trailers, interviews etc.. but also a new documentary entitled “Tales of William Wallace” which at almost feature length in running time, explores the real history of the films leading character. Having an interest in historical legends, I found this documentary truly engaging and well worth at least one repeated viewing. There is also an interactive 3-D Battlefield which shows how the various true life battles actually played out.

Altogether this really is a top notch release. I was always a fan of the film but since seeing it on Blu ray, it has increased my fondness for the movie ten fold.

This really is a stunning presentation that needs to be experienced on Blu ray and is a must see for fans of the film and new viewers alike.

A classic movie, done justice with a quality Blu ray presentation.

Set your Blu ray player Free, with this outstanding release.

BLU REVIEW OBSCURA – find us on Facebook