Shiloh

Based on the series of novels by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor comes a film to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Judd Travers is a hunter who makes his living from killing local wildlife and selling the meat. He has just acquired a new hunting dog and is trying to train him. The new dog is a beagle and is not taking to the task well. Judd’s form of training includes a lot of cruelty and the scared dog repeatedly runs away. One day the dog encounters Marty (Blake Heron) and follows him. The two form an instant bond and Marty wants to adopt the dog. He names the dog Shiloh after the Shiloh Bridge where they met. Marty’s father (Michael Moriarty) has re-mortgaged the house to raise the funds needed to support his sick mother and the rest of the family are expected to chip in and help. Taking in a dog will not help, so the father makes Marty return the dog to his owner, the nasty Judd Travers.

"It’s just like the bible says, animals were put here for us. They ain’t got no other purpose or feelings."

Once again, Judd mistreats Shiloh and he runs away. This time Marty is not prepared to give him back so with the help of his friend Sam, the girl with a bit of a crush on him, he hides Shiloh in the shed. Marty is unsure what the right thing to do is, he can’t return Shiloh to Judd for fear he will kill the dog, but he also knows that is the right thing to do legally. Will his parents find out and make him return the dog, or will he get to keep Shiloh?

This film is definitely aimed at our younger viewers, but can also be enjoyed by people of all ages. The acting is very good with recognisable actors such as Michael Moriarty and Rod Steiger headlining a well suited cast. The morals are a bit too much, but this is expected in this type of film. There is also an abundance of dog-licking-boy scenes, but again these are expected. What is refreshing with this film is that it should make younger viewers think. The way the story is told leaves the viewer wondering what is the right thing to do and what is worth standing up for.

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and 16x9 enhanced, this transfer is very nice overall. Picture is sharp at all times with some very good colour usage. Detail is very good and blacks are generally deep. There are a few film artefacts in the form of white flecks, but these are quite rare and cause no problems. There is some light grain on some scenes, but again this is no call for concern. A few subtitles are supplied and the English ones viewed are true to what is said on screen.

Audio supplied is a choice of English, French or Dutch Dolby Digital 2.0 surround. The soundtrack is very good with clear dialogue and good use of the surrounds for directional effect and to build the well suited music score. There is no problem with audio synch and the subwoofer is silent throughout.

The selection of extras supplied with this release is not terrific, but still better than nothing.

Cast & Crew: This is simply one page of text listing the main stars of the film and who they play, plus the name of the author the book is based on.

Introduction by Roger Ebert: This featurette is some footage from the Overlooked Film Festival in Illinois in 1999 where film critic Roger Ebert gives an introduction to filmgoers prior to a screening. This feature runs for 2:46.

Public Service Announcement: This little gem is an advertisement for the American Library Association trying to encourage kids to read. So all you American kids out there, rush off to the library, now!

Theatrical Trailer:

This trailer runs for 1:48 and is in full frame and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo.

Interviews With Cast, Filmmakers and Author: With a running time of 14:13, this is by far the best extra provided. This featurette talks with the main cast of the film as well as the director and author.

Overall Shiloh is a family movie that kids should enjoy as well as adults that don’t mind a gentle tug of the old heart strings. The acting is very good and the script is also good, even though it is somewhat predictable. If you like this genre of film or just want your kids to watch something that doesn’t involve aliens or nudity then give this a look.