DVD Review: “Black Swan”

Black Swan

Released: March 29, 2011

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Running Time: 179 minutes

ABOUT:

BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina in the New York City Ballet trying to make it to the top. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), also impresses Leroy and becomes Nina’s competition. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly with her innocence and grace, but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan with her fiery personality. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

The BLACK SWAN Blu-ray disc contains special features not included on the DVD including exciting behind-the-scenes looks at the filmmaking process and interviews with the cast and director Darren Aronofsky. With the best-available sound and picture quality, the Blu-ray format provides viewers the premier way to experience the stunning Academy Award®-nominated cinematography, memorable character performances and flawless choreography of BLACK SWAN.

BLACK SWAN DVD Features:

• Metamorphosis: A Three-Part Series
• A behind the scenes look at the filmmaking process from Darren Aronofsky’s visionary directing, to the physically-demanding acting, to the stunning special effects

MY THOUGHTS:

When I first heard about Black Swan I didn’t know what to expect, but I figured it would be good since Natalie Portman was in it.  After watching it I am not quite sure how I feel about it, but it was definitely different.  My husband gave up watching it soon into the beginning, but I had to see how it ended.

The movie is about Natalie Portman being a ballet dancer and starting in Swan Lake.  She is a very quite and fragile woman who struggles to take on the black swan who is aggressive, vibrant, and basically the opposite of the white swan which she portrays so well.  There are other great actresses in the movie including Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder, which I had no clue they were in it.  The movie has twists in it and is definitely not for kids (there are some sex and other lude acts in it.)

Overall, the movie was okay.  It did feature a lot of ballet dancing and what the dancers deal with, which I had no clue about.  The movie also got a lot better half way into it when there was more action-type scenes.  The ending left you wondering and thinking.

BUY IT: You can buy “Black Swan” wherever DVDs are sold or check it out on Amazon.

Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this DVD to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.