The Graduate: Collector's Edition [DVD] [1967]

The Graduate burst upon the cinematic stage like a thunderbolt, in the late 1960's. It is a tribute to all those responsible for its making, that The Graduate is as pertinent today, as the day it was first shown.A brief interlude in the life of a youth, an interlude during which he is introduced to the magical, the problematical - and horror strewn - world of sexual gratification.All young men crave - nay need - a woman such as Mrs Robinson to guide their first faltering steps into the sexual world. It would be best, however, if the youth wasn't involved with the mother of his girlfriend!The undercurrent of unreasonable demands, upon the youth, by the youth's doting parents and the aforementioned Mrs Robinson, lends authenticity to the dialogue. The movie is well constructed and eminently believeable - in at least one small corner of our society!

It was more lovey than I remembered. I think it was reasonable.

It is, ultimately, the film that signaled a renaissance for a certainly debatable industry by the late 1960's. Such was the surprising subject matter of The Graduate at that point in time that it is no wonder the film is still considered a cult classic today, and has rightly been re-released on Blu-Ray with a restoration, accompanying many other classics that Studio Canal have carefully pumped out at very descent prices.It is a film that can apply to (or at least touch on) much of the problems that occur as we come of age, hence it was released at a time when 'College-culture' was coming to fruition as we know it today. For our lead character Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman), the mind-set of being a graduate and not knowing what to do with ones life is a dilemma many of us face, or indeed have faced. As such, it doesn't help that at a family party, Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft), a friend of Ben's parents decides to take the situation at liberty and immediately offers Ben an ultimatum that, no matter which way he looks, will always resort to a crazy cougar relationship. The build up to the events that follow, as the two go on secret dates and awkwardly have sex in a hotel is both incredibly entertaining as it is touching, which is equally why the film should be appreciated.Things go from awkward to worse though for Benjamin as he soon realises that the more sensible path would be to date Mrs Robinson's daughter whom his parents very much approve of. Tensions fly, and it soon becomes a battle of wills as Ben attempts cope with the world being on his shoulders. For all the 'education' that he may have gained from Mrs Robinson, he is ultimately compromised by this woman who will go out of her way to ensure Ben never even looks at her daughter, such is her envy of the girls looks and generally off-beat mind-set, though one of the clever ironies of the film which is often overlooked is that, while Mrs Robinson has diverted this sensible young man who did well at College, she herself was once an Art student who went off the rails thanks to a partner of the time. As much as they are both opposites, they are also quite alike.The film here is presented in its original aspect ratio and has undergone a generally good restoration. The problem when a film does have such a wide aspect ratio is that, as the point of view is often more distant so that more information can be put into the wider frame, I don't feel High Definition transfers look "as" good. This is not to say the film is not worth buying, because as with any other restoration/HD transfer, it still reveals levels of detail and perspective that you won't have seen before on DVD, so at this price there is no reason not to purchase this product. The restoration isn't a Lowry Digital job (the Gold standard), but it still retains the natural film grain and has removed any large defects/dirt in the print. Film judder however still remains.Along with a nice splattering of extras and some really lovely packaging, The Graduate is a modern classic that will touch the hearts of many and entertain others. I myself was once in a cougar relationship and, after being frustrated with how such a situation can affect your daily life, I was recommended this film. It not only made me feel better in myself, but I could totally sympathize with Ben and I applaud the acting all round for what turns from a thoughtful beginning to a tense finale.I have provided additional pictures on the top-left of this page.Tom Cat

I first saw this film...many years ago, and found the story to be very amusing and the sound track by Paul Simon, to fit in with the film very well.I think Anne Bancroft turns in a stellar performance as Mrs Robinson ( At the time Bancroft was only six years older than Hoffman). I think Hoffman was very fortunate to have Bancroft for his co-star, both deliver top bench mark performances. This film put Hoffman on the A List, I always thought they should have done a sequel...but it never did happen.

Gosh to think that this was once an x rated film...it is equal to our 12's now all inuendo ..excellent oldie - glad we moved on with quality of graphics & acting -but think we should go back to this level of content for young people - all left to the imagination - ahhh but so few children have that now..everything is spelt out in such graphic violent detail..yuk...

I enjoyed the music (Simon and Garfunckle) and the great acting. It is the story of a graduate who is seduced by an older woman and then falls for her daughter. It is amazing as you identify with the graduate when you watch this film in your twenties. When you watch it many years later, you find yourself nearer in age to the parents and it puts a different perspective on the film.

Bought this as a gift for my son, along with other vintage film classics. Great film and soundtrack.

How to evaluate such a film in star credit ratings? On the one hand, one could take it as a sideswipe at US city culture, on the other as simply high-farce comedy on the rampage. At showing what empty lives these people lead it wins hands down. So, let's just leave it at that and give a non-committal three stars.