Saving Shiloh – DVD Review

Archive, Film, Reviews

DVD available at: Amazon.com

Director:

Sandy Tung

Cast:

Jason Dolley……….Marty Preston
Scott Wilson……….Judd Travers
Gerald McRaney……….Ray Preston
Taylor Momsen……….Samantha Wallace
Kyle Chavarria……….Dara Lynn Preston
Ann Dowd……….Louise Preston
Liberty Smith……….Becky Preston
Bonnie Bartlett……….Mrs. Wallace

Warner Brothers and Utopia Pictures present Saving Shiloh. Written by Dale Rosenbloom, based on the novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Running time: 90 minutes. Rated PG (for thematic elements and mild peril). DVD release date: August 22, 2006. MSRP: $19.98


The Movie

Saving Shiloh concludes a trilogy that started a decade ago. Having never seen the previous films, I don’t know much about the characters or the story. The opening narration quickly gets us up to speed about how a young boy named Marty Preston rescued a tiny beagle that was being abused by its master, Judd Travers. Unlike most family movies, which emphasize gags that involve potty humor or situations where parents are besieged by their dozen or more kids, here is a movie that is full of values that children can take to heart.

Syrupy as that may sound, the film is entertaining. Marty’s interactions with friends and family show us a boy who is both thoughtful and caring. Another plus is the backdrop. Living in a small hamlet in Virginia, the scaled-down setting is simple. Without such a locale the film would not work.

Based on the celebrated novels by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, the conflict of each story centers on the neighbor Judd (Scott Wilson), a canker to the community, if not understood. He drinks way too much, has violent outbursts at the local watering hole, and wrecks his car. The accident has given him a limp, but not a wake-up call. Judd is sour; a bad upbringing has all but removed the goodness in him. He keeps his dogs chained up and beats them when they act out of line.

It is easy to say “villain,” looking at a character like Judd. If anything, he is a complex person who keeps to himself. Scott Wilson plays the character with great tenacity. He’s craggy with his deep-set eyes and wrinkled appearance. Marty has befriended him, despite his rough exterior, and forgiven him for his actions. Even though Marty visits Judd frequently, Shiloh stays behind, refusing to cross the bridge to his old master’s house. The beatings still a prevailing reminder.

Just as Judd becomes more open to Marty and his family, life throws him a curve. He becomes the lead suspect when a local man disappears after the two exchange words, and a few fists, in a bar fight. If that wasn’t bad enough, Judd is suspected again in a series of neighborhood thefts. Marty is the only one who believes Judd did neither of those actions, while the rest of the town has made up its own mind. Guilty.

Marty’s father, Ray (Gerald McRaney), never thought much of Judd, having known him most of his life. But one thing is for certain. Judd may be troubled, but he is not a killer. Ray even goes as far to try to dispel the local gossip that is quick to blame Judd for every bad thing that happens. Thanks to Marty’s teacher, who focuses on the principle that a man is innocent until proven guilty, he realizes the good that he can accomplish. The bits of wisdom he has attained from the local vet, Marty tells Judd that his chained, malcontent dogs will be happy if allowed to run around. With Judd’s approval, Marty and his dad build a fence around the yard. This is but one example of the thoughtfulness Marty extends to others.

As for subplots, there are matters concerning escaped thieves hiding out in the woods. And the climatic scene involving Marty’s younger sister Dara Lynn slipping off a bridge railing into the river can be a scary experience to some. Marty and Shiloh dive in to save her, and judging by the film’s title it’s easy to guess who will need saving.

Saving Shiloh should be commended for being a story that is grounded in reality. The family film deals with heavy issues like prejudice and the treatment of animals. Though, the values presented are more than cursory moments. We see a family that actually loves each other. The parents are supportive. Their children at times can be argumentative, but show their kindness when it matters most. They dine together at a table. Not in front of a television, or in adjacent rooms. For fun, the kids don’t play video games; they run and play outside. Another alternative is a nice game of Monopoly. This close-knit family may be alien to some. But the ideals they share should be seen as a constant reminder of what is obtainable.

Like Marty says, “If you open your heart, anything is possible.”


The DVD

THE VIDEO
(1.85 anamorphic widescreen and full screen ratios)

The widescreen version can be found by flipping the disc over. The transfer is very good. Colors are vibrant, and a nice array is to be found. The Prestons’ country home has a visual flair with yellows, pea greens and light blues dominant. The cinematography by Lex Du Pont captures the slow-paced life of a small Virginian town. As far as video problems, there’s not much to complain about. No digital artifacts or problems with the print.

THE AUDIO
(English – Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish – Dolby 2.0)

Considering the subject matter, it’s safe to say you won’t hear any explosions, just a few gunshots in the distance. The dialogue is crisp, even Judd’s reflections are easy to understand. The film’s score is understated, and unlike most family films, does not crescendo at moments that pull at your heartstrings. Optional subtitles are also available in English, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The disc doesn’t offer many extras. What is available, however, is mildly appealing. The first feature is a music video by Dayna Lane called “Open Your Heart”. It can be heard during the closing credits of Saving Shiloh. The video is a collage of behind-the-scenes footage and moments from the film.

The next two extras are interviews. The first is a short mock interview with Shiloh. Narrated by a childish voice, we get to hear firsthand (or is it paw?) of what it was like to work with actors Gerald McRaney and Scott Wilson.

The second interview is more substantial. Running about 17 minutes, we are treated to comments by the cast and filmmakers. The actors who play the parents, McRaney and Ann Dowd, are the most vocal. They iterate the importance of the source material. When McRaney told his sister, who is an elementary school teacher, that he was making Saving Shiloh, she about lost it. She was so excited McRaney likened it to getting cast in the Rhett Butler role in Gone With the Wind.

Completing the disc is a trailer gallery advertising Superman: Brainiac Attacks, JammX Kids, Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers, and the Shiloh book series.

THE INSIDE PULSE

Saving Shiloh is a rare family film that does not dumb down its subject matter. The values expressed within are not preachy, but deal with moral issues one is to encounter in life. More than a simple tale about a boy and his dog, it’s about standing up for others, while the rest of the community sticks to its prejudgments. Scott Wilson has shown before in films like Junebug that his presence can be low key, yet still mean something. His portrayal as Judd Travers, a role he has assumed for all three Shiloh films, is no different. Parents tired of renting Cheaper by the Dozen remakes should instead try a movie that deals less with gags and more with heart.

The DVD Lounge’s Ratings for Saving Shiloh
CATEGORY
RATING
(OUT OF 10)
THE MOVIE

7
THE VIDEO

8.5
THE AUDIO

8
THE EXTRAS

3
REPLAY VALUE

6
OVERALL
6.5
(NOT AN AVERAGE)

Travis Leamons is one of the Inside Pulse Originals and currently holds the position of Managing Editor at Inside Pulse Movies. He's told that the position is his until he's dead or if "The Boss" can find somebody better. I expect the best and I give the best. Here's the beer. Here's the entertainment. Now have fun. That's an order!