More reviews

Nearly a quarter of a century before The Truman Show, director Weir made a splash with this very lovely, very weird film, now available for the first time on tape. It's Valentine's Day in 1900, and a white-frocked coterie of Australian schoolgirls lunch in the countryside. Suddenly, three lasses and one teacher vanish, lured by the sunny crags of a nearby mountain. Spooooky. Just like the title geography, the film is oddly mesmerizing, but don't wait for a tied-with-a-bow ending; it never comes. Rather, this is a story that revels in its own obliqueness.

(Infoplease.com)

********************

Reviewed by Jarod Musgrave for The DVD File. This review first posted on October 4th, 1998

While I like to think that I've seen more films than most people, I am still fortunate not to have seen everything. For once I have viewed the best examples that film has to offer, I can no longer experience the pleasure of finding a hidden gem amongst the vast library of the past. There is nothing like watching classic older films for the first time. Even better is the experience of watching an obscure film without any expectations and coming away from the two hours wondering why this film has never come to my attention before. This was how I felt after watching Picnic at Hanging Rock.

The only plot summary necessary for this film comes in the form of the titles that open the film: "On Saturday 14 February 1900 a party of schoolgirls from Appleyard College picnicked at Hanging Rock near Mt. Macedon in the state of Victoria. During the afternoon several members of the party disappeared without a trace."

One of Peter Weir's (The Truman Show) first directorial efforts was this highly regarded film from 1975. A new director's cut version was re-released to theaters this year, and Weir supervised and approved this transfer and sound mix for DVD. This director's cut is unlike most director's cuts in that it actually shortens the film by seven minutes. The director's cut was needed because Weir did not have final cut for the film's original release. For this new edition he removed some scenes that he felt were unnecessary and distracting.

Regardless of the different versions, Picnic at Hanging Rock uses a simple plot structure, but one that is mesmerizing in its gradual pacing and dreamlike atmosphere. While the plot might be simple, the story is quite complex. The film contains many puzzling questions but few irrefutable answers. I found it a refreshing break from most films in which the audience is spoon fed answers in an attempt to reach a pleasing conclusion. Whether or not this film has such a conclusion depends on what the viewer wants from the film.

A contributing factor to this favorable view of the story is the movie's presentation on DVD. A lot of care was obviously taken for the recent theatrical re-release of this film. Picnic at Hanging Rock almost looks like a new film, contradicting its 1975 release date. The images are visually sumptuous throughout. Rich vegetation and beautiful landscape are captured brilliantly in this dual layer transfer. Colors are fully saturated, and grain is nonexistent. Sharpness and detail are excellent. A few minor nics and scars appear intermittently, but they are not a distraction. Flesh tones are natural, and contrast is solid. There are a couple insignificant instances of shimmering, such as in one scene where the camera takes a circular pan with the frame full of trees, branches, and leaves. But overall I have to say that this movie looks far better than could possibly be imagined for an independent Australian film from 1975.

The soundtrack has been remixed for 5.1 Dolby digital sound. I'm not sure if this film was originally in mono or stereo, but this new mix certainly enhances the sound from either format. Dialogue is always clear without ever sounding harsh. Directional effects are sparse, and the surrounds are mostly used for the music. Surprisingly low frequency sound is abundant, especially during the scenes where the girls climb Hanging Rock. In this case the low frequency is used to create an eerie, disconcerting mood. Also adding to the tone is the music of Beethoven and Zamfir and his pan flute. I was skeptical when I noticed Zamfir's name in the opening credits, but his music was unexpectedly effective.

Criterion chose not to put any extras on this disc except for a five minute theatrical trailer and the liner notes. Weir might have been correct in removing the scenes from the original version, but Criterion should have included these scenes as supplementary material. A commentary by Weir also would have been nice, but Weir probably would only have talked about the technical aspects of the film, with any answers to the film's questions appropriately being left to the viewer's imagination. Warning: If you have not seen the movie yet, there is a mild spoiler in the first paragraph of the liner notes. English subtitles have also been provided, and they aid in deciphering thick Australian accents.

This story is definitely not for everyone, so you might want to rent this movie before buying. If you only like to watch films where you "check your brain at the door," then by all means stay far away from Picnic at Hanging Rock. If you have seen this movie before and liked it, then you won't be disappointed by this DVD.