Starring:
Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb
David Morse as Brutus “Brutal” Howell
Bonnie Hunt as Jan Edgecomb
Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey
James Cromwell as Warden Hal Moores
Michael Jeter as Eduard Delacroix
Graham Greene as Arlen Bitterbuck
Doug Hutchison as Percy Wetmore
Sam Rockwell as ‘Wild Bill’ Wharton
Barry Pepper as Dean Stanton
Jeffrey DeMunn as Harry Terwilliger
Patricia Clarkson as Melinda Moores
Harry Dean Stanton as Toot-Toot
Dabbs Greer as Old Paul Edgecomb
Eve Brent as Elaine Connelly
Special Features:
Commentary by: writer/director Frank Darabont
Two Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by writer/director Frank Darabont
Tom Hanks Makeup Tests
Michael Clarke Duncan Screen Test
The Teaser Trailer: A Case Study
Theatrical Trailer
New 90-minute Miracles and Mystery: Creating “The Green Mile”: A 6-Part Documentary Gallery
Walking the Mile: The Making of “The Green Mile” Documentary
Other Info:
Widescreen
English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
French Language
French and Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 169 Minutes
Synopsis:
The following is from the DVD cover:
“Miracles happen in unexpected places, even on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. There John Coffey, a prisoner with supernatural powers, brings a sense of spirit and humanity to his guards and fellow inmates. Tom Hanks leads a stellar cast (including Michael Clarke Duncan as Coffey) in this emotional, uplifting story of guards and captives; husbands and wives; prisoners and a remarkable mouse named Mr. Jingles; and, on another level, of a moviemaker and his source. Frank Darabont returns after his 1994 directorial debut ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to adapt another Stephen King tale into a crowd-pleasing entertainment nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.”
“The Green Mile (Two-Disc Special Edition)” is rated R for violence, language and some sex-related material.
Mini-Review:
Chances are you’ve had a chance to see “The Green Mile” in the 7 years since it was released. If not, you need to treat yourself to a viewing. Despite being written by Stephen King, it’s not a horror film. It definitely has a weird supernatural element and a dark tone, but it’s more akin to “Stand By Me” or “The Shawshank Redemption” than “Carrie,” “Cujo,” or “The Shining.” One of the most notable things about “The Green Mile” is the absolutely stunning cast. It features Tom Hanks along with some of the best supporting actors working today: Michael Clarke Duncan, James Cromwell, Graham Greene, Sam Rockwell, Barry Pepper, and more. This film also featured one of the last performances by Michael Jeter.
If you already own “The Green Mile” on DVD, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth buying a second copy. I guess that depends on how big of a Frank Darabont, Stephen King, or Tom Hanks fan you are. The only repeated bonus feature is “Walking the Mile: The Making of ‘The Green Mile’ Documentary”. Everything else is new. You’ll find a new commentary by writer/director Frank Darabont, two deleted scenes, the Tom Hanks ‘old age’ makeup test, and the Michael Clarke Duncan Screen Test that won him the role. You’ll also find “The Teaser Trailer: A Case Study” which discusses the scrapped teaser trailer from the film. (Darabont thought the mouse looked like a rat up on the big screen.) But the real centerpiece is the new 90-minute “Miracles and Mystery: Creating ‘The Green Mile’: A 6-Part Documentary Gallery”. It features segments on Stephen King, the adaptation of the script, the casting, the special effects, the mice, and other subjects. The footage appears to be new (Hanks has his “Da Vinci Code” hairdo) an they seem to have had every living cast member take part in reminiscing. It ends up being a really thorough, excellent documentary. So if you already own “The Green Mile,” you may want to trade up to this new and improved version.
