'Braveheart' endures in the hearts of filmgoers not because of its relentless and at times remarkable action scenes, or because of Mel Gibson's fine acting and directing. It lives on in our collective hearts because of the message it so boldly embodies. Freedom comes at a cost, at the risk of cliché; freedom isn't free at all. Blood is shed and lives are lost for the cause of something greater. That's why 'Braveheart,' the story of a man who united a nation against tyranny, packs as much punch today as it did the year it was released. We enjoy stories about the underdog, especially if they're based in truth. Film can transport us to a time when people fought against all odds for something they believed in. William Wallace (Mel Gibson) actually did exist. While the movie takes artistic liberties with the story, the core details are there. Mankind can do great things, even seemingly impossible things, if we just believe and act.

As the film opens, the British empire is in disarray. King Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan) is facing tough times in trying to quell the Scots up North, who do nothing but cause him trouble. He claims the right of "primae noctis," which allows the nobleman of the township to take a bride to his own bed on the her wedding night. Longshanks has decided that if he can't get rid of them, he'll slowly breed them out with English blood. It is under these circumstance that young William Wallace falls in love with his childhood sweetheart and they are married in secret so she won't be defiled by the local nobleman. Yet after they are found out, and she is killed, Wallace goes on a rampage killing any and every Englishman that comes near him. In watching 'Braveheart,' it's interesting to note the transition of Wallace's goal. At first his need for revenge consumes him, he's purely killing the English because they killed his wife, but a slow transformation occurs, and his quest for revenge turns into something more broadly meaningful, something that can actually change lives for entire nations. 'Braveheart' is not only a marvelous action film, it's also a tender love story. I'm not just talking about the love story between Wallace and Murron (Catherine McCormac), but the love story between Wallace and his people. Even though most of the times his own people conspire against him because of greed and self-interest, Wallace still fights for them. He still hopes to gain their allegiance, and it's heartbreaking when he is denied this time and time again.

Filmed in the mid-90s, 'Braveheart' bursts onto Blu-ray with an HD transfer as spectacular as the rolling green hills of Northern England. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of 'Braveheart' is as near perfect as you can get for a catalog title. Sure, the transfer suffers from the occasional white specks and dust, but that's to be expected from a film approaching its fifteenth anniversary. The specks seem to become a bit more noticeable during the second hour of the film, but they calm down again toward the end. Some shots do appear a bit soft, like the quick shots of Longshanks lying in his bed towards the end of the film.

One of the most anticipated Blu-ray releases is finally here. Fans have been clamoring for years to see one of their most beloved films finally get the high-def treatment, and what a treatment it is! Everything about this Blu-ray shines. Co-debuting Paramount's “Sapphire Series,” 'Braveheart' lives up to our HD expectations. It's a must own for any collection.

Blu-ray Hype Blog

The movie "Brave Heart" won five Academy Awards in the 68th Academy Awards. It will be a good experience watching the movie in Blu ray players. You'll surely get entertained with the stunning performance of Mel Gibson.

I like this movie, its wonderful. I still remeber the word "FREEDOM" it is impressing for me.