SRP $26.98 2.35:1(16:9) DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 MGM

MGM has released the moving, if slowly paced, "EVELYN."  Things do happen, and in terms of the human spirit, "monumental" things, but they occur at a much slower pace than the average movie-goer will have patience for.  Director Bruce Beresford(DRIVING MS. DAISY) has never been one with an affinity to action films, or tight pacing. Even his dramatic/thriller, "DOUBLE JEAPORDY" moved at a pace akin to its southern setting.

Based on a true story, Pierce Brosnan gives a great performance as Desmond Doyle. Desmond's wife has run away with her lover, leaving him to bring up his two sons and daughter alone.  Because it's the 1950s and also Ireland, the idea of a "man" raising a family doesn't sit well with authorities.  Making matters worse, is Desmond's alcoholism and financial woes, so his children are taken away.

Desmond finds an ally in a barmaid, who helps him get himself together.  After getting his finances and drinking under control, another challenge is faced when he must battle the court system. It won't allow him custody without the mother's approval and signature. Of course, she's nowhere to be found, leaving him to need help from some great lawyers, and managing to make an historic impact on Ireland's court system, changing certain aspects forever. 

There's a great tale here, filled with inspiration. Unfortunately, like "DRIVING MS. DAISY," there's little that can't be predicted a mile away!  Still, the acting is so good, and the basic story, so strong, that the film overcomes its problems with predictability. 

MGM has preserved the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is decent, but not nearly as rich and vibrant as we'd expected.  Sure it's locations aren't realistically bright and sunny, but there's a consistent dark, subdued look to the color design, which drains the life from it.

MGM has provided a terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  There are many layers to this mix, and even the most subtle sounds are well defined. Surrounds are more aggressive than we’d expected from this dialogue-driven drama.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

MGM has provided some extras for this release.  Director Bruce Beresford provides a commentary, but like most of his films, it’s a bit slow going.  There are long passages of silence, and while he offers some technical information, it’s mostly dry.

A much more entertaining commentary includes Brosnan and the film’s producer.  The two are entertaining and enthusiastic, and there’s a great deal of information given concerning the historical aspects of the film’s plot. 

“THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY” is a featurette, featuring the film’s writer, and another featurette is a short “behind-the-scenes” presskit.  Trailers are also included.