By Bob Bloom The following titles are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, April 17, unless otherwise noted: The Post (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2017, Fox Home Entertainment: Rated: PG-13, language, war violence The lowdown: In these perilous times when journalism is under attack by demagogues who shout “fake news” at the slightest provocation, “The Post” shines like a beacon in a soupy fog. “The Post” is a love letter to journalism, a tribute to the printed word and the power of the press. The story, directed by Steven Spielberg, is so apropos today because such newspapers as “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post,” as well as reporters, are under attack as a diversion to obscure the canards and shortcomings of those in power. The movie, starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and a strong supporting cast, is a celebration and a bow to those who go after stories no matter where — or how high up — they lead. “The Post” also is a story of empowerment, in a woman making a stand and finding her voice in a world dominated by men. The movie centers on the publication of what became known as “The Pentagon Papers,” by, at first, “The New York Times,” closely followed by “The Washington Post.” The Pentagon Papers were reports covering the U.S. involvement in Vietnam going back to the Truman administration as well as analyses of the conflict and the likelihood of the U.S. actually winning the war. It was 1971, a time when “The Post” was looked upon in the newspaper community as a provincial product, primarily covering the nation’s capital. “The Post” chronicles the paper’s first steps toward national prominence. The publication of this secret report by “The Times,” “The Post” and other newspapers was a victory for journalism and a dagger in the heart of a government that believed in burying the truth from its citizens. What is most amazing about “The Post” is that Spielberg tells his story in about 110 minutes, zipping through all the issues like a reporter writing a concise story on deadline. And, like a good news article, Spielberg’s direction is clear, succinct and to the point.
New to View: April 17
New to View: April 17
New to View: April 17
By Bob Bloom The following titles are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, April 17, unless otherwise noted: The Post (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2017, Fox Home Entertainment: Rated: PG-13, language, war violence The lowdown: In these perilous times when journalism is under attack by demagogues who shout “fake news” at the slightest provocation, “The Post” shines like a beacon in a soupy fog. “The Post” is a love letter to journalism, a tribute to the printed word and the power of the press. The story, directed by Steven Spielberg, is so apropos today because such newspapers as “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post,” as well as reporters, are under attack as a diversion to obscure the canards and shortcomings of those in power. The movie, starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and a strong supporting cast, is a celebration and a bow to those who go after stories no matter where — or how high up — they lead. “The Post” also is a story of empowerment, in a woman making a stand and finding her voice in a world dominated by men. The movie centers on the publication of what became known as “The Pentagon Papers,” by, at first, “The New York Times,” closely followed by “The Washington Post.” The Pentagon Papers were reports covering the U.S. involvement in Vietnam going back to the Truman administration as well as analyses of the conflict and the likelihood of the U.S. actually winning the war. It was 1971, a time when “The Post” was looked upon in the newspaper community as a provincial product, primarily covering the nation’s capital. “The Post” chronicles the paper’s first steps toward national prominence. The publication of this secret report by “The Times,” “The Post” and other newspapers was a victory for journalism and a dagger in the heart of a government that believed in burying the truth from its citizens. What is most amazing about “The Post” is that Spielberg tells his story in about 110 minutes, zipping through all the issues like a reporter writing a concise story on deadline. And, like a good news article, Spielberg’s direction is clear, succinct and to the point.