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Released by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Released on: 10/18/2011
Director: Andrew Rossi
Cast: n/a
Year: 2011
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The Movie:
As anyone who pays even a little attention already knows, print media is in trouble. Why bother messing around with a newspaper when you can get the same information (and more) on a smart phone or smart pad? Well, that's just the kind of thing the big newspapers are facing and the New York Times is right in there with the rest of them. Page One gives the viewers a rare peek inside the operation and talks about the struggles the newspaper has had in the last number of years with declining readership.
The film focuses on a few people to tell its story but probably the most worthy of mention are David Carr, reporter, and Brian Stelter, a college blogger that was hired by the Times. David Carr is an interesting character who, with his stereotypical New York attitude (stereotypical to those of us who don't live there anyway) and get-it-done work ethic, commands your attention when he talks. But he seems to be almost like Tommy Lee Jones in No Country For Old Men: a man who's time is passing and a new breed is coming in, and he's not sure how he can continue doing his job the way he's always done it.
The movie covers a variety of topics, and one that takes up a fair bit of time concerns the Times' involvement with Wikileaks and the controversy it brought to them. But it doesn't get too involved with the subject, stays away from be anything overly subjective, and plays it pretty safe. The same goes for a plagiarism scandal they faced in 2003, involving Jayson Blair and stories he wrote about the DC Sniper case as well as others articles.
So it's not an outright expose about the dirt and scandals the paper has been involved with over the decades, and it's not some right-wing propaganda about how left-wing the news giant is accused of being, as the title may suggest. Instead it's more of a look at an institution that 30 years ago was probably thought of as something that would always be around, but is quickly losing its hold on the people who once relied on it to get their information. The film is plenty interesting, well constructed, and it may just make some viewers feel kind of sorry for the paper and those attached to it. But others may wonder why they should feel bad for a product that's rapidly become something no one uses, kind of like when rubber tires replaced wooden ones. If there's something better, people are going to use it. Out with the old, in with the new. Page One isn't necessarily saying that, but it sure feels like the movie is at times a premature eulogy for the New York Times.
Video/Audio/Extras:
The disc has an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, with a 1080p AVC encoded image. It isn't reference quality by any stretch, but for the material the movie covers, do we really need something breathtaking? The colors look really nice, and the image is clear, with some really good detail. Black levels are pretty consistent too. There are some areas with really noticeable aliasing, so be aware of it if that sort of thing puts a poop in your punchbowl. The audio is a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio one, and it sounds great with no imperfections of note. The music sounds really full and clear, but aside from those areas, the 5.1 isn't utilized much. Most of the sound comes from the front.
There are a number of items of interest here, all in high-definition. “Carl Benstein on the Real Threat to Newspapers†is quick conversation with the Watergate reporter. Next is “Emily Bell on Keeping Journalism Relevant†(at two minutes) followed by “Sarah Ellison On the Mind of Murdochâ€, a four-minute item about the Times owner. Five deleted scenes follow (about 20 minutes worth), and then a three-minute piece on media reaction to the film. The last two items are a Q&A session with the filmmakers (17 minutes), and a five-minute item with a couple of Iraqi war journalists. Oh and there's trailers for some other Magnolia releases.
The Final Word:
A finely assembled documentary that should keep your attention throughout and turn your gears a bit. A nice heap of extras add to the value of this one and it comes recommended.
