Movie Reviews

‘Focus Features 10-Movie Spotlight Collection’ Blu-Ray Review – An Starter Set Of Cinephile Essentials

By Dillon Gonzales
November 13, 2020
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In less than twenty years, Focus Features has established itself as a major player when it comes to releasing successful, critically acclaimed independent and foreign films. They have racked up countless Academy Award nominations over the years, but, more importantly, they have given some of the most important, burgeoning voices in cinema a platform to spotlight their art. Growing up a voracious cinephile, I always took note of their iconic logo when it appeared at the beginning of trailers because I knew that was a film I should keep me eye on. The Focus Features 10-Movie Spotlight Collection compiles ten of their most important releases into one value-priced, space-saving package. Many of these films rank among my personal favorites, so let us take a closer look at what this set offers up.

Lost In Translation (2003)

Bob Harris is an American film actor, far past his prime. He visits Tokyo to appear in commercials, and he meets Charlotte, the young wife of a visiting photographer. Bored and weary, Bob and Charlotte make ideal if improbable traveling companions. Charlotte is looking for “her place in life,” and Bob is tolerating a mediocre stateside marriage. Both separately and together, they live the experience of the American in Tokyo. Bob and Charlotte suffer both confusion and hilarity due to the cultural and language differences between themselves and the Japanese. As the relationship between Bob and Charlotte deepens, they come to the realization that their visits to Japan, and one another, must soon end. Or must they?

Bill Murray has had a long and accomplished career as an actor in comedic and dramatic roles, but a true career highlight is his work with Sofia Coppola in Lost In Translation. The way in which Murray harnesses his comedic persona and deftly balances it with his more dramatic side is a feat that most actors aspire to pull off so convincingly. The dynamic he has with the Scarlett Johansson character is the heart of the film. She has been putting in excellent performances for years, but this feels like one of the earliest films that made people take notice of her in a real way, and for good reason. Coppola’s script is an impressive observation of the world that is delivered with a wisdom beyond her years. She does not hit you over the head with the larger themes at play, and the subtle way she gets across isolation and disorientation clears a path for the actors to really create something substantial in their performances. This is a film that is really funny, but also very moving and even heartbreaking at points. This intimate tale has aged incredibly well over the last seventeen years, and you owe it to yourself to give it a spin if you are craving something emotionally substantial.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

After a painful breakup, Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergoes a procedure to erase memories of her former boyfriend Joel (Jim Carrey) from her mind. When Joel discovers that Clementine is going to extremes to forget their relationship, he undergoes the same procedure and slowly begins to forget the woman that he loved. Directed by former music video director Michel Gondry, the visually arresting film explores the intricacy of relationships and the pain of loss.

Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my favorite films of the 2000s. Propelled by an inventive script from Charlie Kaufman, the film tackles the pain and beauty of relationships and how the experience of loss is a necessary part to feeling alive. We have all experienced something we wish we could just zap from our memories, but seeing the issues associated with such an undertaking may make you think twice in the future. Similar to Bill Murray in Lost In Translation, Jim Carrey shifts gears somewhat from his zany comedies to bring the vulnerable Joel to life. I will never disavow the Jim Carrey comedies that have brought me so much joy over the years, but this is among the top performances of his career. It is also great to see Winslet in such a meaty, free-spirited role that seems a bit removed from some of her normal fare. Her character is a bit unhinged, but Winselt knows when to pull back so that the character never becomes a caricature. As great as the performances and script are, it is Gondry’s inventive direction that brings a real personality to the film. You need a creative force to match the huge ideas in the script, and Gondry gets it just right. This film is a heartbreaking masterpiece.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

This tale of love and values unfolds in the class-conscious England of the late eighteenth century. The five Bennet sisters – including strong-willed Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and young Lydia (Jena Malone) – have been raised by their mother with one purpose in life: finding a husband. When a wealthy bachelor takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man’s sophisticated circle of friends, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. But when Elizabeth meets up with the handsome and – it would seem – snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), the battle of the sexes is joined.

There have been a few notable adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, including the 1940 version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, along with the beloved miniseries from the mid-nineties starring Colin Firth in the role of Mr. Darcy. These have such a powerful place in the minds of Austen fans that it seemed almost foolish to consider tackling the subject again so soon. Yet, in 2005, director Joe Wright (The Darkest Hour) brought the classic novel to life in a way that silenced skeptics by offering up a fresh perspective on the material while adhering to the spirit of the text. Rather than being slavish to the material, the creative team mucked with the family dynamics within the Bennet clan and even set the film in an earlier time period. Wright brought a modern sensibility to his filmmaking that kept the project from feeling too stuffy or unapproachable. In addition to just a generally more youthful energy to the project, the wonderful Keira Knightley delivers a dynamic performance as Elizabeth Bennet. She genuinely casts a spell that keeps you emotionally invested in what happens between her and Mr. Darcy, played with a delicate great by future Succession breakout Matthew Macfadyen. The only way in which the film slightly falters is in the lack of cutting wit that stood out in the novels, but it makes up for it with its irresistible romantic chemistry. This film is wonderful comfort food for the heart.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Set against the sweeping vistas of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, this film tells the story of two young men – a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy – who meet in the summer of 1963 and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love.

The lore surrounding Brokeback Mountain may be better known than the actual film itself. When the film lost Best Picture at the Academy Awards to Crash, many decried it the greatest injustice ever carried out by the awards show, and many still echo that sentiment until this day. While I would have to brush up on some of my early Hollywood Academy Award history to be sure, I at least have to say that is very likely true. As someone who has revisited Crash in the past year, it is easily the weakest of all of the films nominated that year and has aged horribly. Brokeback Mountain, on the other hand, has aged like a fine wine with its heartbreaking depiction of repressed passion. The raw chemistry between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal is truly astonishing, and the way in which they complement one another allows you to lock in emotionally. One of the beautiful things about this story is the way in which it fleshes out all of the characters with a great amount of nuance. The film could have easily have made Ennis and Jack’s home lives an afterthought, but the movie is sensitive to the experiences of their wives. Michelle Williams is especially wonderful as Ennis’ sympathetic wife who just cannot be who he really desires. It is a devastating situation that Ledger takes on with a reserved intensity that reminds you that he was one of our best. With a subtle directorial hand from Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain makes a strong case for being anointed a true American classic.

Atonement (2007)

The day that thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) came across her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and her lover Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) making love in the library was a day that would have repercussions for all three of them. Briony misunderstands what has taken place between them and her reaction later tears the two lovers apart perhaps forever as war breaks out in Britain.

Atonement is a film that has always stuck with me since it knocked me for an emotional wallop upon seeing it in theaters. The film is terribly frustrating due to maddening misunderstandings and shortsighted character choices, but that is kind of the point. People have their lives ruined when the truth is lost, and that lesson is taken to its emotional limits in this adaptation of the Ian McEwan novel of the same name. The direction from Joe Wright builds upon his wonderful debut on Pride & Prejudice, as he breathes life into this ambitious story. There is a notable tracking shot that was praised at the time that remains as impressive as ever through modern eyes. One of the greatest things about Atonement is the fact that it brought the otherworldly Saoirse Ronan into our lives. She is one of the most talented actors working today, and this film was a juicy beginning for her. Her character may make me want to scream, but Ronan plays it exactly how it is needed. While not exactly discoveries, Keira Knightley and James McAvoy are stellar in these heartbreaking roles. Knightley in particular is a powerhouse performer who I feel does not get enough praise these days. If you do not like the film for narrative reasons, I totally get that, but I find myself transfixed by it as I wallow in the beautiful pain it brings to me.

Burn After Reading (2008)

A disk containing mysterious information from a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous and daft gym employees who attempt to sell it.

The Coen Bros. have two distinct modes; they can get deadly serious and brooding, such as in their Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men; or they can be absurdly silly, such as Raising Arizona or The Big Lebowski. In Burn After Reading, you mostly get the Coen Bros. from the latter half with a dash of the darkness. If you are a Coen devotee, which is how I would classify myself, you are certain to adapt to the unique tone of this film, but it would come as no surprise to find out that many cannot stand this particular entry into their filmography. This film goes against everything that you know about a spy thriller. Although a film about the intelligence community, most of the characters are purposefully moronic to one degree or another. Chief among the idiots may be Brad Pitt’s character of Chad, who allows Pitt to tap into the zany side that we always love to find him in. He may be a highlight, but the entire cast is incredibly game to do whatever bizarre things that the Coens throw at them. Frances McDormand has always done some of her greatest work with these two, and her character Linda is another noteworthy addition to her legacy. Burn After Reading is a meticulously crafted film that has a wicked sense of humor that propels it squarely in the upper-middle of the Coen Bros. ranking scale.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

An island off the New England coast, summer of 1965. Two twelve-year-olds, Sam and Suzy, fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As local authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing offshore . . . Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom stars Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the young couple on the run, Bruce Willis as Island Police Captain Sharp, Edward Norton as Khaki Scout troop leader Scout Master Ward, and Bill Murray and Frances McDormand as Suzy’s attorney parents, Walt and Laura Bishop. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban. The magical soundtrack features the music of Benjamin Britten.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I have yet to encounter a Wes Anderson movie that I have not loved. I am even the rare Anderson fan who believes The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is one of his best films. So when I reflect upon this 2012 effort from the incredibly talented auteur, I do so with immense fondness. Moonrise Kingdom is a sweet tale of young love filled with the type of peculiar characters that you expect from an Anderson joint. I will get to my acclaim of the A-list names, but the performances from Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the young lovebirds are truly delightful. Anderson explores what it feels like to discover new things about romance and sexuality without being a creep about it. Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton are incredible additions to the normal stable of Anderson performers. Willis specifically seems to be making an effort in a way that he has sadly lacked a lot in this latter part of his career. Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman are old favorites of the director, and he always brings about some of their most unique performances. The story itself is whimsical and poignant, and it is directed to perfection by the visionary auteur. Even those like me who love his entire output have to admit that Moonrise Kingdom was a major achievement that stands among his best.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Based on Jane Hawking’s memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen and directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh (Man on Wire), the acclaimed film is an unforgettable portrait of a singular marriage and the two exceptional souls who built it. The Theory of Everything stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. The duo have dazzled critics and audiences alike with their stunning portrayals of one of the world’s greatest living minds and the woman who persevered for love. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking receives an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of—time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

The Theory of Everything is a film that lives and dies on the strength of the performances of its primary couple. Thankfully, both Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones deliver some of the strongest performances of their young careers in this one. When you are portraying a notable real-life figure, there is an added layer of pressure to capture the essence of the individual while simultaneously tapping into something true emotionally. To achieve this, it is helpful to be working from a script that sports thoughtful dialogue and honest moments. Nearly everyone knows about Stephen Hawking, even if they are not entirely clear on the nuances of his life. This film makes the wise choice to give you ample moments with Stephen before he starts showing signs of his affliction. He has not always been confined to a chair, and it is important to have this context when things start to change. Perhaps more important than seeing him up and about is witnessing his genuinely lovely relationship with Jane (Jones). Even if you are aware of the direction that relationship is heading due to real-life knowledge, it still offers moments that do the heart some good. Hawking did so much for the scientific community and the world at large, and it is only right that he receive an acclaimed, proper biopic. The Theory of Everything is a lovely portrait of a scientific genius, as well as a dramatic exploration of the challenges in love, brought to life with some of the most talented performers of the current generation.

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Inspired by the incredible true story of a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jones), Participant Media’s On the Basis of Sex, distributed by Focus Features, depicts a then-struggling attorney and new mother facing adversity in her fight for equal rights. When Ruth takes on a ground-breaking case, she knows the outcome could alter the courts’ view of gender discrimination. Stronger together, Ruth teams up with her husband, Martin Ginsburg (Hammer), to fight for the case that catapults her to become one of the most important public figures of our time.

The recent passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most devastating blows in a year of incredible heartache. It is never easy when someone dies, but the sheer scope of what RBG was able to accomplish during her lifetime is something that will not soon be replicated, if it ever can be. You only need to take a look at Mimi Leder’s On the Basis of Sex to get a glimpse at why she was considered a real-life superhero by many. Felicity Jones once again takes on a notable figure, but this time she gets to play the focal role, as Armie Hammer steps into the supportive spouse dynamic. Jones is simply incredible in the role of a woman trying to earn her rightful place in the world in the face of gender discrimination and an ailing husband. Ginsburg was never known for being overtly emotional, but Jones embodies her with the right amount of emotion in the private moments to complement her badass battle mode. Her heartwarming relationship with her husband gives you some major insight into her life that you never would have gathered just from seeing her on television. The legal aspects of the film are extremely compelling, as well, especially due to the fact that the stakes could not be higher. It is a very workmanlike script, but that does not make it any less effective. This story feels more impactful since it focuses on one specific era in her epic career instead of trying to rush through every notable moment. The subject matter of the film may impress more than the filmmaking itself, but I was still left a puddle of emotions by the time the credits started rolling.

Harriet (2019)

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet (Cynthia Erivo) ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. With allies like abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and the entrepreneurial Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monáe), Harriet risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad. Witness the story of a woman who defied impossible odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation.

This depiction of this historic icon is powerful, if not slightly too formulaic to be truly great. The reason to watch this film is to see the transcendent Cynthia Erivo embody Tubman. Erivo was rightly nominated for an Oscar for her fierce performance as the freedom fighter. The main issue with the film is the script and the glossy Hollywood depiction of the events. The true-life story was one that hinged on stealth, so it does not ring true when you have Harriet having dramatic confrontations with those who oppose what she is doing. Everything feels contrived to deliver a rousing picture that will go down easy for those who do not want to witness the gritty reality of history. And this approach is effective from a raw emotional standpoint. You want to see her leading these people to freedom, but it feels slightly hollow without witnessing the perils of the journey. Harriet goes back and forth so often without any sense of tension or fear that it is almost comical. At the end of this journey, you will feel like you have touched on the highlights of Tubman’s life, and that will be enough for some people. The film knows how to push your emotional buttons, but there is still room for another deep dive into this truly amazing woman in the future.

Video Quality

Focus Features 10-Movie Spotlight Collection comes to Blu-Ray with the ten original releases of each film on their own disc. These films share a lot of the same qualities, so I will mostly be judging them as a group while pointing out noticeable differences when necessary. Overall, these transfers represent the original intent of each project quite capably. The picture is mostly clear throughout with only brief instances of murkiness and noise during a few darker scenes. The older films prove to be the least impressive on the video front. Lost In Translation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind could both use fresh masters to get to the level of quality we expect in 2020. Harriet, On the Basis of Sex and The Theory of Everything are probably the three strongest presentations in the set. Moonrise Kingdom is likewise quite strong, but its Super 16mm image may not be considered to be demo-worthy despite adhering to the original artistic intent. Many of these films would thrive in 4K, and reissuing this boxset on that format in the future would be a dream come true.

Most of these films have a distinct visual aesthetic that offers varying degrees of wonder when it comes to color. Many of them are not bursting with colors, but everything appears very natural from the greens of the foliage to the pops of color in the production design. Most of these films have a clean, straightforward digital transfer that remains strong, but some of the earlier films were still using actual film which gives a vitality to the picture that is appreciated. Where these transfers really shine is the impressive level of detail in even the subtlest aspects. Everything from the smallest facial details to the texture of the costumes and furniture are precisely detailed here. Most of these films sport luscious cinematography, and that is showcased pretty well here. Universal has delivered a series of strong presentations that should please fans of the film, even if a few of them are due for a revisit after all these years.

Audio Quality

All of these films come with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, save for the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for Harriet, that represents the lush world of each film perfectly. Every film offers up varying levels of kinetic activity that is suitable for the story they are telling, but each one feels powerful in their own right. Most of the films are driven by dialogue, and these lossless tracks do an amazing job of making sure you can discern every important word. The dialogue and sound effects are appropriately balanced with the score where nothing gets lost in the track. Speaking of, there are so many wonderful scores featured over these ten discs, and it is a real joy to hear them envelope you in the surround channels. Each disc provides an audio experience that maintains a pleasing fidelity and is clear of any unwanted damage. Environmental effects range from the bustling cities of Tokyo in Lost in Translation to the sparse wilderness of Brokeback Mountain or Harriet. No matter the location, these sounds provide a noteworthy texture to the mix that transports you. The use of the rear channels to create a fully enveloping world works quite well. Activity in the low end is sparse, but delivers quite a jolt during a few of these presentations such as the Dunkirk sequence in Atonement. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has delivered very strong tracks for films that may not seem like audio knockouts upon first glance.

Special Features

Lost In Translation

Deleted Scenes: Nearly 11-minutes of unused material is included here featuring more time in the pool, the complete press conference with the Anna Faris character, Bob struggling to communicate with an elderly Japanese citizen and more. These are not fully finished and are in standard definition. There are a few interesting moments, but most of these were cut for a reason.

A Conversation with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola: A 10-minute conversation with the director and star of the film that was shot in a couple of different locations. They discuss their working relationship, Murray’s approach to the role, the talented crew behind the scenes and more. This is not the most high-energy conversation, but there are some interesting tidbits.

“Lost” on Location: A 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary that is mostly shot by Coppola’s former husband, Spike Jonze. This is very loosely structured as it traces the production of the film from beginning to end. You get a lot of insight into the process of creating a film, especially in a country with a language foreign to your own, but the most enjoyable aspect is getting to see Murray be silly on set. You have to love getting an on-the-ground look at Japan, as well.

Matthew’s Best Hit TV: The five-minute complete version of the zany television show on which Bob appeared. This is both funny and cringeworthy, in a good way.

Kevin Shields “City Girl” Music Video: A three-minute music video featuring scenes from the film. The song is fine, but nothing too special.

Theatrical Trailer: A two-minute trailer that does a solid job of selling the film.

On the Set of Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere: A nearly four-minute look at Coppola’s fourth film which features interviews with the cast and crew. The participants touch on the story and themes of the film, which serves as a good teaser.

Somewhere Trailer: A two-minute trailer that does a great job of making you want to seek it out.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Audio Commentary: Director Michel Gondry and Writer Charlie Kaufman give a fascinating, if not a bit quiet, commentary track that offers a lot of behind-the-scenes details and anecdotes that are worth your time. These are two of the most creative minds in modern cinema, and you love to hear them bouncing off one another.

Deleted/Extended Scenes: 26 minutes of unused material including several scenes with Ellen Pompeo as Joel’s former girlfriend, Naomi, longer scenes between Joel and Clementine and more. There are a ton of great moments in here that are worth seeking out.

A Look Inside Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: A nearly twelve-minute look at the film with the cast and crew in which they discuss the unique nature of the film, the unrecognizable performance from Jim Carrey, the fun on set and more. All of the cast members hold a special place in my heart, so it is nice to get some of their insights here.

A Conversation with Jim Carrey and Director Michel Gondry: A 16-minute discussion between the two in which they talk about difficult moments from the shoot, the themes of the film, the production design, the unexpected surprise of the elephant parade and more.

Inside the Mind of Director Michel Gondry: A 20-minute look at the dynamic sensibilities and style that Gondry brings to his work. Few directors play with time and space in the way that Gondry does, and how he employs practical effects is impressive. This one is well worth watching!

Anatomy of a Scene – Saratoga Avenue: A 17-minute look at one of the most ambitious scenes in the film. The cast and crew give a detailed breakdown of the sequence that makes you appreciate what they pulled off even more.

A Conversation with Kate Winselt and Director Michel Gondry: A 14-minute conversation between the two that is very lighthearted and fascinating. They have a wonderful friendship that shines through here while digging into many anecdotes that are exactly what you want to hear. I could listen to these two talk for hours.

The Polyphonic Spree “Light and Day” Music Video: The three-minute music video is provided here using clips of the film with creepy superimposed mouths singing the lyrics over the actor’s mouth. I love this song, but this is unsettling.

Lacuna Infomercial: A 30-second commercial for the fictional memory company from the film.

Pride & Prejudice

Commentary Track: Director Joe Wright provides a fairly dry commentary track that offers up a few interesting tidbits, but it is not one of the more engaging tracks I have ever listened to.

Conversations with the Cast: A six-minute love-fest between the cast members in which they genuinely seem to have great affection for one another. It is interesting to hear about this being Carey Mulligan’s first role and how all of the Bennet sisters bonded on set.

Jane Austen – Ahead of Her Time: An eight-minute look at Austen in a modern context and her enduring legacy. The themes she tackled in her novels revealed a universal truth that few other authors from the time accurately captured.

A Bennet Family Portrait: A six-minute featurette on the timeless appeal of family and the dynamic between all of the Bennet family members. This piece also explores why exactly marriage was so important during this period of time.

HBO First Look – Pride & Prejudice: A 13-minute behind-the-scenes look at the cast members discovering their new home, the story of Pride & Prejudice, bringing the novel to life and more. This is a typical featurette, but it is still enjoyable.

The Politics of 18th Century Dating: A four-minute look at the rules of courtship of the time in comparison to modern day. This also gives a glimpse at the cast members rehearing the sequences of dancing.

The Stately Homes of Pride & Prejudice: A five-part 16-minute look at all of the houses from the film. This gives some historical context to each home that is really quite interesting.

Brokeback Mountain

A Groundbreaking Success: A 17-minute look at the unexpected success of the film and how the story is a universal one at its core. The participants discuss how they wanted to make sure their LGBTQ audience felt supported while not alienating other audiences too much. There are obviously more homosexual stories today, but it is strange to think how it has not changed as much as it probably should have.

Music From The Mountain: A pleasant 11-minute look at the creation of the gorgeous score in the film. This is one of my favorite supplements on the disc.

Impressions From The Film: A collection of stills from the film presented in postcard form.

On Being A Cowboy: A six-minute look at the training Ledger and Gyllenhaal went through to make sure they were convincing cowboys. The participants discuss how Ledger had prior history and was a natural when picking everything up.

Directing From The Heart – Ang Lee: A nearly 8-minute look at Lee’s journey to directing this picture with discussions about how he wanted to make a more intimate movie after many big budget affairs, why he was the perfect director to make this film and more. Everyone from the cast and crew seem to have an immense respect for him.

From Script to Screen – Interviews with Diana Ossana & Larry McMurtry: An 11-minute look at adapting the story from the beloved New Yorker short story into a feature film. Some of the cast and crew discuss their appreciation of the short story, while the screenwriters talk about expanding particular sentences in the original material into a more fleshed out storyline in the film, especially on the domestic front.

Sharing The Story – The Making of Brokeback Mountain: A 21-minute Logo special which gives some behind-the-scenes details on the production from the film courtesy of the cast and crew members. This is a more formal affair, but there are a lot of interesting anecdotes that are worth checking out for fans of the film. Some of the most amusing moments come from Lee’s cryptic way of delivering direction that proved befuddling to the actors at times.

Atonement

Audio Commentary: Director Joe Wright gets more interesting in this commentary than the one he did for Pride & Prejudice. It is nothing too revelatory, but Wright does offer some engaging insights into his creative process and adapting the Ian McEwan novel. I would not say this is an essential listen, but fans of the film should find some fun nuggets in here.

Bringing The Past To Life – The Making of Atonement: A 27-minute look at the production of the film that leans more towards promotional rather than informative. It is nice to hear from the actors and creatives to get their perspective on bringing this world to life, but I wish it could have been a bit more substantial.

From Novel To Screen: A five-minute featurette that touches on the challenges of adapting the complex novel into a satisfying feature film. There are some interesting moments in here, but nothing too incisive overall.

Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes totaling eight minutes are included here including Briony being emotional, a different beginning to the Dunkirk sequence, and other scenes of Robbie at war. There is an option to view these scenes with commentary from director Joe Wright.

Burn After Reading

Finding The Burn: A nearly six-minute featurette in which the Coen Bros. and the actors discuss making the film and what drew them to the story. The brothers seem slightly uneasy talking about their process, but it is still fun to watch them stumble through discussing it. A lot of the actors are returning players for the Coen Bros, and you can tell there is a great respect among everyone.

DC Insiders Run Amuck: A twelve-minute featurette which goes a bit deeper into the personalities and looks of the characters. The happy accident in discovering Brad’s unique hairstyle in the film and McDormand’s discussions on why it was so difficult to bring Linda to life are among the best moments of this one. Most of the main characters get a chance to shine here, so I would recommend checking this out for the amusing commentary from the participants.

Welcome George Back: A three-minute look at bringing Clooney back into the Coen world to play yet another doofus. This is worth it for the Clooney insights, but costume designer Mary Zophres also makes an impression with her costume insights.

Moonrise Kingdom

A Look Inside Moonrise Kingdom: A quick three-minute look at the film with the cast and crew members which mostly goes over the look and feel of the film, along with a quick overview of the characters. Very promotional in nature.

Welcome to the Island of New Penzance: A four-part series of videos totaling six minutes in which actor Bob Balaban gives a tongue-in-cheek look at the work of Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Wes Anderson as it pertains to the film.

Set Tour with Bill Murray: A three-minute featurette in which Bill Murray quickly takes you through his previous work with Anderson, all of the actors in the film, and a look at some aspects of the set. Murray is very loose in his approach, which makes it very funny and by far the best feature on the disc.

The Theory of Everything

Audio Commentary: Director James Marsh begins by saying he typically does not watch his films after he is finished with them, but he does an admirable job of providing an informative commentary track. The track itself is a bit dry, but those who do want to engage with it will find anecdotes about how the actors came on board to the project, some of the larger themes of the film, historical accuracy and more.

Becoming The Hawkings: A seven-minute featurette which delves into the creative process of bringing these characters to life at different stages in their lives. Redmayne was very involved in getting the right crew members together to help him bring Stephen to life. Perhaps the most interesting part of this featurette is getting to hear from the real-life Stephen and Jane Hawking.

Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes totaling eleven minutes are provided here which include Stephen showing up to church for Jane, more scenes of him struggling with simple tasks, some nice moments between Stephen and James, Stephen meeting the Queen and more. There is an option to view these scenes with commentary from director James Marsh.

On the Basis of Sex

A Supreme Team – Making On the Basis of Sex: A six-minute featurette in which director Mimi Leder discusses why she felt she needed to tell the story, the cast expresses their experience bringing these real-life figures to life, and RBG’s grandson discusses writing a screenplay about his grandmother, among other topics. I wish this had been even longer, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.

Legacy of Justice: A three-minute look at the monumental impact Ginsburg has had on the country. This coupled with her recent passing means I’m an emotional puddle.

Martin and Ruth – A Loving Partnership: A three-minute look at the very special, loving relationship between Marty and Ruth. The respect they had for one another is relationship goals. This was lovely.

Harriet

Audio Commentary: Director/Co-Writer Kasi Lemmons gives an engaging commentary track in which she discusses the state of the project before she came on board and what she brought to the script, the struggle to bring to life Harriet as a real person, performances from the talented cast, behind-the-scenes details and anecdotes and more. In addition to being very informative, Lemmons also has a very relaxing voice that is such a pleasure to listen to. This is a worthwhile addition to the disc.

Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes totaling sixteen minutes are provided here including Harriet waking up in an unfamiliar, welcoming house after a long journey, Harriet seeing John’s new wife, the reverend getting questioned about hiding fugitives and more. There are actually some really interesting scenes included here that are worth seeking out for fans of the film.

Her Story: A six-minute look at the struggle to bring this film to the screen in the face of an unwelcoming theatrical landscape. This also delves into the importance of having strong females behind the scenes ushering the film into existence. There are some really nice moments that are downright inspirational.

Becoming Harriet: A four-minute featurette which explores bringing Erivo to the project, and why she was such a perfect choice in the eyes of the creative team. Leslie Odom Jr. gets to discuss his previous collaborations with Cynthia on Broadway and why she is one of the greatest scene partners.

Final Thoughts

Focus Features has always been one of my favorites of the artistically-driven arthouse arms connected to a major studio. They have such a strong batting average when it comes to their films, and I would buy several more volumes such as this one if they ever decided to release further sets. Many of the films in this particular collection rank as some of my favorite films, with none of them drawing outright dislike. This collection features ten discs with good to incredible A/V presentations and some pretty engaging special features. If you want a crash course in arthouse cinema necessities, this is a great place to start. This collection is filled with fantastic films in value-priced, space saving packaging. Highly Recommended

Focus Features 10-Movie Spotlight Collection is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.