Philadelphia, one of the first studio films to highlight the HIV/AIDS epidemic, is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a 4K Ultra HD and digital in 4K release!
Directed by Jonathan Demme, Philadelphia is a groundbreaking film shedding light on the AIDS epidemic and its impact. Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a senior associate at the largest corporate law firm in Philadelphia and has been assigned a very important case. Beckett’s employers are unaware he is homosexual and is an AIDS patient, but become suspicious after they notice a lesion on his forehead. With his condition worsening, Beckett works from home for several days and finishes the paperwork for the case he’s been assigned. After everyone has left the office for the night, Beckett leaves the paperwork on his desk with instructions for his assistants. Later, Beckett is informed that the paperwork is missing, but is discovered before it’s too late. Beckett’s employers claim the mistake is his fault and terminate his employment. Believing someone had hid the paperwork to get him fired, Beckett approaches personal injury lawyer Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a former litigat opponent, to represent him in a wrongful termination lawsuit. Miller, who is extremely homophobic and concerned he could contract AIDS from Beckett, is reluctant to take the case, but eventually accepts. Together, Beckett and Miller take on a team of top defense attorneys in court and form an unlikely friendship.
This an extremely remarkable film that dared to shed light on the AIDS epidemic when others wouldn’t. There are plenty of highs and lows that leaves viewers hopeful and devastated. Even with the advances in AIDS research, this is still an important film 25 years after its initial release. Its heartbreaking to watch Andrew Beckett endure discrimination by his employers and society as a gay man living with AIDS. However, it is extremely uplifting and encouraging to watch as he fights back against adversity with the support of his family, friends and partner Miguel (Antonio Banderas). Its not often that courtroom dramas are compelling and rich, but Philadelphia is an emotional roller coaster that will pull on your heartstrings.
Any film featuring Hanks and Washington is likely to draw an audience, but the film boasts a lineup of strong performances by an ensemble of notable names: Jason Robards (All The President’s Men), Joanne Woodward (The Three Facesof Eve), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale), Charles Napier (The Silence of the Lambs), and Bradley Whitford (TV’s The West Wing). However, the performance that grabbed my attention the most was Mary Steenburgen (Melvin and Howard) as Belinda Conine, who represents the defense. The reason I found Steenburgen’s performance so incredible is because I despised her character. Conine, an attorney defending bigoted corporate lawyers, has a constant smile on her face as she tries to manipulate those on the the witness stand with her questioning. I’m used to Steenburgen playing a comedic and lovable character, but she hits her mark as a courtroom villain.
Special Features:
- Featurette Teaser from (RED) and Coca-Cola
- Commentary from Director Jonathan Demme and Screenwriter Ron Nyswaner
- Deleted Scene
- Music Video for the Academy Award-Winning Original Song “Streets of Philadelphia” Performed by Bruce Springsteen
- “People Like Us: Making Philadelphia” Documentary
- “One Foot on a Banana Peel, the Other Foot in the Grave” Documentary
- Courthouse Protest Footage and Interviews
- Joe Miller’s Macready & Shilts Legal Services TV Spot
- Original Making-of Featurette
- Theatrical Trailer
With Philadelphia bringing home Best Actor and Best Song, it’s easy to see why the film was nominated for so many awards. It’s a gut-wrenching story that has moments of hope and will leave audiences experiencing a range of emotions. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll definitely want to pick up the 25th anniversary edition. If you haven’t seen Philadelphia, it’s definitely worth checking out.
