Far too often I've found that a "true-blue", "fair-dinkum" Australian movie has me cringing with embarrassment over the thought that someone actually made it, and that people around the globe might see it and actually think that is how all Aussie's behave.
But then a film like The Castle comes along which capitalises on these very traits, and throws those deep felt thoughts and feelings out the window.

The story is as simple as the characters involved, it's David Vs. Gallioth where the Kerrigan's receive notice that their home is going to be demolished to make room for a local Airport extension.
With the support of his loving family, Darryl (Michael Caton) plans to take the evil airport corporation to court to try and save their beloved home.

Filled with many well known Australian faces, The Castle offers something rarely experienced in films, it has it's heart in the right place. The family dynamics, as simple as they are, work a treat and at times you are really drawn into the off-beat world of the Kerrigan family.

The original D-Gen's first foray into movie making was right on target, and still proves to be their most honest and best film to date (budget aside)....yeah yeah, alright, i'll get ma' hand off it! :)

VIDEO
Contrary to the back cover details, The Castle was released to theatres with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Being shot on Super 16mm film, the native ratio is 1.66:1 (standard 16mm is 1.33:1).
This DVD is presented at1.33:1 4x3 Full Screen. As a result there is slight cropping to the sides of the image, but it has little effect throughout, as it seems The Castle was shot with all 3 ratios in mind.
1.66:1 would have been my preference, as it would also meant a new transfer to be created, instead of recylcing the old master which has obviously been used for this DVD release.

I was more than surprised at the level of colour saturation, which looks quite impressive, offering relatively natural fleshtones.
Grain is present throughout, but it's better than putting up with excessive noise reduction, which usually just screws up the image and causes that lovely image ghosting/trailing effect.
Sharpness is a bit up and down, with wide shots lacking good detail and resolution. Closeups looks fine though.
There's also a few dirt flecks to be had, but overall, the transfer is okay, given it is 16mm, and a low budget movie.

AUDIO
Presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0. There's nothing bad nor great about the soundtracks on offer. Dialogue is undoubtedly the most important aspect of this soundtrack and is 99% of the time clean and clear. There is however, a hint of several seconds of digital ringing/distortion at around 23:35 during the "trip to bonnie doon".
With the Kerrigan's home being right next to the airport, there's PLENTLY of noisy engine work at play and it's used quite effectively. There's many occasions of aeroplane fly-overs from the surrounds to the front, and each of every time the room shook appropriately.

Though only a handful of songs are used throughout the movie, i don't think it could be a more diverse range of music with songs from Paul Kelly, Kate Ceberano and even Blue Grass legend Alison Krauss, offering one of more mainstream offerings (hell even Buffy features some of her amazing music...sans the banjo :)

EXTRAS
I don't think I'll be the only one to be scratching one's head knowing that there is not a single extra feature included on the DVD... NOT EVEN the obligitory Dolby Trailer!
What a fantastic Australia movie that perfectly captures the stereotypcially Aussie family. It's incredibly funny, totally charming and fully of heart.
I don't expect we'll see a better transfer than on offer here, primarily due to the source materials, but some extras WOULD have been nice... still, it's a must have for any self respecting Aussie! :)