Australia DVD Review

This old-fashioned, 165-minute homage to director Baz Luhrmann’s home continent depicts an Australia that is both over-the-top and filled with drama at every turn.

The romantic action-adventure epic film is set in a 1930’s/early 1940s Australia pre-World War I where an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) joiners down under to visit the large ranch she has inherited. She meets a rugged cattle driver known only as the “Drover” (Hugh Jackman) and they team up (along with a ragtag group of misfits) to herd cattle through the harsh landscape and thwart the evil plans of the local beef baron (Bryan Brow) and his evil lieutenant (David Wenham) as they attempt to take over Lady Ashley’s land.

The plot of Australia is overly riddled with melodrama, old-school climaxes and frantic glee. Those who enjoy this kind of un-ironic corniness may enjoy Luhrmann’s attempt at broad comedy, even without any discernable chemistry between Kidman and Jackman. The story, however, is moderately enjoyable if you can sit through its punishing 165 minute running time.

Fans of the film will enjoy the Australia DVD release as it includes a number of special features such as directors commentary, deleted scenes, trailers and more.