DISC SPOTLIGHT: 'Born on the Fourth of July'

As of Thursday, July 5, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

Born on the Fourth of July Blu-ray (R)

Movie: 3 and 1/2 out of 4 stars

Disc: 3 out of 4 stars

In the opinion of many who served, the Oliver Stone-directed "BOTFOJ" is one of the few true cinematic representations of the Vietnam War. Growing up a staunch conservative, Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) radically changed his perspective after becoming paralyzed in battle and coming home to a far-less-than hero's welcome. The humiliations and mistreatment Kovic and other soldiers endured when returning home were a travesty and marked a low-point in the nation's attitude regarding its veterans. Tough to watch yet richly rewarding, "BOTFOJ" is essential viewing for every American, regardless of their political leaning.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1080p/2.35:1), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0), French and Spanish (DTS 5.1), subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include:

• NBC News Backstory featurette

• Paramount 100th Anniversary featurettes

• Filmmaker commentary

• BD Live and pocket BLU app

• Additional DVD and Digital Copy disc

Paramount, $19.99

Gwinnett Daily Post