MGM has wisely decided to follow in the footsteps of Warner Brothers and bring their extensive back catalog of classic films to limited edition DVDs, giving audiences the first opportunity in a long time to pick up some classics. The 1972 adaptation of Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is something of a classic gem in its portrayal of Buck the dog, sold from his comfortable life with a family into the harsh world of sled dogs, only to befriend John Thornton (Charlton Heston), who sees in him a kindred spirit.
Jack London’s writing managed to simultaneously capture the wonders of northern wilderness, the thoughtless egoism of man under duress, and the dangers of nature capable of killing a man 100 different ways whether through cold, starvation, or the appetite of savage beast. Though deviating quite a bit from the book’s storyline, Ken Annakin did well in creating a film balanced between its human and canine characters, taking the necessary steps to imbue Buck and the rival dog Spitz with personality, and in lensing the expansive, forbidding wild, essentially making it another of the film’s main characters. The acting is much to write home about, but it’s a simple crowd pleasing family film.
Unfortunately, the film has seen better days as the audio sync is appallingly bad at some points (thought perfectly fine at others) and the film shows its age in lots of specks and a flickering quality in the film’s picture. The beautiful shots of snowy mountains and icy fields make you wish the film had been better preserved or perhaps given an HD transfer, because as is it’s somewhat difficult to appreciate with the spotty appearance.
DVD Bonus Features
None.
"The Call of the Wild" is on sale June 19, 2011 and is rated PG. Adventure, Drama. Directed by Ken Annakin. Written by Jack London (novel), Peter Yeldham (screenplay). Starring Charlton Heston, Michele Mercier.
