Sometimes the simplest is the best of all. When a film based on the synopsis "It sunk" becomes the highest grossing film of all time, there has to be something behind the success. Whatever it was, James Cameron did it right, and this Collectors Edition shows us both sides of the story.

Not only do we get the film, but also a commentary by James Cameron, Kate Winslet, Lewis Abernathy, John Landau, and Gloria Stuart. There are 45 minutes of deleted scenes, the alternate ending (Brock’s Epiphany), Celine Dion’s music video, and 7 really cool featurettes. You can see how the Titanic was constructed, movie posters, a newsreel feature (filmed like it was 1912), a deep dive, still galleries, and a special feature that demystifies the whole film.

For fans of the film, the strength is not in the technical wizardry, however brilliant, but rather the full range of reactions to certain death. Some swindled their way to survival, some performed music for the masses, the faithful prayed for forgiveness, while others quietly went to death in their loved ones arms. The most touching scene is the mother who puts her wee ones to sleep, knowing they would never wake.

Depth of character is why this film succeeds. What will mankind do to survive?

This is a terrific presentation of a film that can be summed up in two words, not necessarily "it sunk", but rather, "they lived!". It is a celebration of the stories of the passengers of all classes, who faced the same decision. It is a celebration of man’s technological expertise, and God’s greatest wisdom.

Look for the Collectors edition at your local video store, or online at www.paramount.com/homeentertainment .

I remain,
A survivor.

As a note of interest, my daughter has a friend whose grandmother was supposed to be aboard the Titanic, but illness prevented her travel. Above her bed is a framed ticket from the trip she did not make...

Tim Lasiuta

 

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