Cast Away (2000) (Blu Ray) - 9/10

After the awesome day on Sunday checking out Zemeckis' new A Christmas Carol Train Tour, I had an urge to watch some more of his classics and decided to revisit Cast Away in glorious Blu Ray. First off, Tom Hanks is just incredible in this movie and the old fashioned feel of the structure is really comforting to get immersed in this isolation feel. The CGI plane sequence is breathtaking and on the commentary all the cast and Zemeckis talk about how much is hidden throughout the movie whether it be erasing surrounding island or creating waves and blue ocean in the background. The creativity of using his surroundings and keeping the locket to remember Helen Hunt's character is heartbreaking. The location shoots really puts you on the island and the slow pace makes you feel like you're living this experience with Hanks. I love the positive outlook and motivation he gets from talking to Wilson, but for me this movie is such a blend of sadness and inspiration that I couldnt' help but get emotional towards the end. It's weird but I actually can't remember the last time I cried watching a movie but sure enough, I had tears at the end of this. The idea of surviving to go back to the love of your life only to lose her once again makes you wonder if he wishes he really could have killed himself by hanging. This movie has a wonderful sound design and foley crew to make all the fire starting and wind believable and I applaud Zemeckis' team for creating a truly original and capable vehicle for Hanks to shine.