Rating: 
Summary: Superb film spoiled by DVD full-screen formatting
Review: 'The Great Santini' is a compelling drama superbly produced, written, filmed, directed and acted (in it I think Duvall gives his finest performance, and he's ably supported by everyone in the cast). Unfortunately, the DVD release in "full-screen" format cheats viewers of the fine cinemaphotography and thus of the impact of the whole effort: thus I rate the disc two stars and recommend against buying or renting it.About a month ago on late night television - on one of those high-numbered UHF stations - I saw the widescreen version of this film and this version begs to be transferred lovingly to widescreen DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie! Bad Transfer to DVD!
Review: Again, Warner Brothers has butchered a great movie by giving us a Standard Version format, modified to fit our TV screen, rather than providing the original Widescreen theatrical format! Would someone please tell me why they do this? Warner Bros previously botched the transfer to DVD of another great movie, "Chariots of Fire," by doing the same thing. Whoever is making these decisions at Warner's needs to understand that we (I believe most of us) want the original picture when we buy a DVD, not a Pan-and-Scan or Standardized Version. The least they could do is provide Widescreen on one side and Standard on the other -- what countless studios have done already. I still give it 3 stars....even THEY couldn't destroy this great movie entirely.
Rating: 
Summary: Superior Flashback to dysfunctional family land
Review: As a retired military flight surgeon and psychiatrist now in civilian practice, who treats sufferers of posttraumatic stress disorder from growing up in dysfunctional families, I have recommended this movie for years. It can be very hard to watch, and for the desperate it may be overload, so therapist's advice should be sought if one is not sure it can be tolerated. But for those who wonder if they are the only ones who feel this way, this movie beautifully reassures that one is not alone. Specifically appeals to military brats, but the broader values appeal to us all. And it's production values are exceptional, so for even those few persons out there who still believe they grew up in fully functional families, this is a great flick!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, writing, acting, story line, worth owning.
Review: Duval and the entire cast were great, the movie was an underachiever at the boxoffice as well as at the Follywood Awards. The movie is well worth owning if for no other reason then R.D. is the primary. I viewed this movie when it originated and loved it; just watched on satelite last week and it's just as entertaining as the first viewing.
Rating: 
Summary: Robert Duvall is one of the greatest actors of his time
Review: Duvall is Santini, a career military jet pilot. He has difficulty leaving his job behind at the base when he goes home; he has a tendency to lead his family in a classic Drill Sargeant fashion. He longs for the day when his son will follow in his footsteps. Set in the south, this movie also portrays the ugliness of racism. This is a well made move with a lot to offer, particularly the good story line and excellent character development.
Rating:
Summary: Improved With Age
Review: For those of you who are old enough, you probably know the feeling of disappointment whenever you view a film by which you were impressed many years earlier and find that it has not "aged" well. I was wary that that might be the case with The Great Santini because I had not seen it since it was released over twenty years ago. Instead, I found just the opposite for it remains an excellent film with excellent acting. Has Robert Duvall ever given a less-than-superior performance? I'm sure not, and I was far more able to appreciate his portrayal of Bull Meechum the martinet head of the family for, with age, comes shades of gray not only in your hair but in your viewpoints. I hated Bull Meechum twenty years ago but am now better able to sympathize with this man who only knows how to express emotion through rage or bravado. Blythe Danner as the strong-willed mother who is the emotional rock of the family is another excellent actor who is a treat to watch. She has such an enchanting quality. She truly exemplifies her name. Michael O'Keefe as the older son torn between pleasing his father and acknowledging his own thoughts of independence gives a heart wrenching performance. He is probably best known in today's times as Fred on Roseanne, and a viewing of The Great Santini gives interesting insight into his acting talents. The DVD is a disappointment in that it is in standard format for one of the many advantages of DVD's is that most are wide-screen format. The sound is nothing special, either. The DVD only costs two dollars more than the VHS version so it is worth the extra cost for improved picture quality, chapter search, etc. The Great Santini is a movie worthy of adding to one's private collection.
Rating:
Summary: Improved With Age
Review: For those of you who are old enough, you probably know the feeling of disappointment whenever you view a film by which you were impressed many years earlier and find that it has not "aged" well. I was wary that that might be the case with The Great Santini because I had not seen it since it was released over twenty years ago. Instead, I found just the opposite for it remains an excellent film with excellent acting. Has Robert Duvall ever given a less-than-superior performance? I'm sure not, and I was far more able to appreciate his portrayal of Bull Meechum the martinet head of the family for, with age, comes shades of gray not only in your hair but in your viewpoints. I hated Bull Meechum twenty years ago but am now better able to sympathize with this man who only knows how to express emotion through rage or bravado. Blythe Danner as the strong-willed mother who is the emotional rock of the family is another excellent actor who is a treat to watch. She has such an enchanting quality. She truly exemplifies her name. Michael O'Keefe as the older son torn between pleasing his father and acknowledging his own thoughts of independence gives a heart wrenching performance. He is probably best known in today's times as Fred on Roseanne, and a viewing of The Great Santini gives interesting insight into his acting talents. The DVD is a disappointment in that it is in standard format for one of the many advantages of DVD's is that most are wide-screen format. The sound is nothing special, either. The DVD only costs two dollars more than the VHS version so it is worth the extra cost for improved picture quality, chapter search, etc. The Great Santini is a movie worthy of adding to one's private collection.
Rating:
Summary: Great film
Review: Forget the unfortunate title: THE GREAT SANTINI is an unforgetable film. The fierce familial relationships--especially between father and son--are riveting and understandable. Robert Duvall, who has always been one of my favorite actors, turns in a performance so gritty that you hate and love him. The classic scene in which his son beats him in driveway basketball is uplifting, considering you are rooting for the boy. And then it turns into one of the most horrific--psychologically speaking--scenes I can remember. Blythe Danner, always dependable, sparkles here, in spite of her less than enviable position. Filmed with care, written with the precision of an expert pilot, THE GREAT SANTINI is a unique film that will hold your attention and stay in your memory.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful drama about a marine pilot's son that comes of age
Review: Great drama about a tough marine corps pilot and his relationship with his eldest son.
Rating:
Summary: Forget Widescreen - Use your whole TV screen!
Review: I admit, some movies need and deserve letterbox format. But a movie like "The Great Santini?" Unless you have a 60" TV screen, this version is best.
| 
