While Greta Gerwig’s 2018 release is fantastic, one would be doing themselves a disservice if they forgot about 1994’s Little Women. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Gabriel Byrne, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, and Christian Bale, it’s a star-studded affair and an adaptation that has stood the test of time. 30 years after its release, there’s now a Little Women 4K release, allowing fans to properly enjoy the film at home.
“Winona Ryder (in an Oscar-nominated role) and Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (1995 Best Actress, Dead Man Walking) star in this affectionate, superbly acted (Los Angeles Times) family favorite. With her husband off at war, Marmee (Sarandon) is left alone to raise their four daughters, her Little Women. There is the spirited Jo (Ryder); conservative Meg (Trini Alvarado, Paulie); fragile Beth (Claire Danes, William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet); and romantic Amy (played at different ages by Kristen Dunst, Wag the Dog and Samantha Mathis, Broken Arrow). As the years pass, the sisters share some of the most cherished and painful memories of self-discovery, as Marmee and Aunt March (Mary Wickes, The Man Who Came to Dinner) guide them through issues of independence, romance, and virtue. Gabriel Byrne (End of Days), Eric Stoltz (TV’s Chicago Hope), and Christian Bale (The Portrait of a Lady) co-star in this handcrafted valentine (Newsweek) of a film,” says the description.
Wonderfully directed by Gillian Armstrong from a script penned by Robin Swicord, this is a smart retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic. The ensemble is truly impressive, with each performer being able to carry their own. Ryder is particularly a delight as Jo, and her performance got her a rightful Best Actress nomination at the time. It’s also impressive to see how great both Claire Danes and Kirsten Dunst were at such an early age, as they both give stellar performances. The film’s cast has also only improved over time, as you get to see a young Christian Bale as Laurie, as well. The film has really aged like a fine wine and the Little Women 4K transfer allows you to enjoy it in all of its detail.
Beyond offering a beautiful version of a great film, the Little Women 4K release also has plenty of special features. The biggest draw is a commentary track by director Gillian Armstrong, who shares some wonderful filming stories and adds context to the film. There are also two deleted scenes, along with commentary, a making-of featurette, and another video focusing on the costume and set design. Watching all of the bonus features will allow you to appreciate the 1994 film even more, which is always what you want from a home release.
Little Women 4K Review: Final Verdict
Little Women was critically acclaimed when it was released in 1994 and the Little Women 4K release makes it easy to see why. Featuring an incredible cast and a strong script, this telling is a fantastic one. The performances of Ryder, Sarandon, and Bale are all worth seeing, even if you love other versions of the classic tale.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our Little Women 4K review.
