Hot off the heels of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Peter Weir hits us with a story overflowing with disaster, of both a physical and metaphysical nature. Criterion presents a brand spanking new transfer of The Last Wave, which is sure to please Weir fans across the globe. Nobody was making films in the 70's like Weir, and this is evident in The Last Wave, his first film to get a theatrical release in the US.

Richard Camberlain gives an astounding performance as David Burton, a lawyer hired to defend a group of aborigines accused of murder. Haunted by visions he cannot understand and surrounded by storms both beautiful and terrifying. David is drawn into a nightmarish world of customs and folklore, history and the supernatural. Convinced the crime was of a tribal nature, with dark secrets harboring the truth. David ventures deep within the aborigine life and myth, only to be dealt a nightmarish blow, that not only can, but is sure to place himself and his family, in grave danger.

The Last Wave is one of those rare treats of a film, in which you are sure to be saying to yourself, I can't believe this film was made over 20 years ago. Weir was way ahead of his time, and this is evident not only in the films he made, but in the films he continues to make. Along those lines is the transfer from Criterion, which verges on perfection. The print used was in immaculate condition, and the colors just leap off the screen. It looks like the film could have been made yesterday; it's simply astounding. The 1.77:1 framing looks very comfortable and the anamorphic transfer is definitely one of the best.

Sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0. The 5.1 track is subtle, yet effective. You'll notice the bass kick in during the heart of the storms, and the sounds of rain seem to fill the room. Other than that, you'll find most of the activity in the front, with a few ambient sounds coming from the rears. I'm glad we're also presented with a 2.0 option. Obviously this film was not recorded in 5.1 in '77, therefore it's nice to have the option to hear it the way it was originally intended.

Extras include the original theatrical trailer (in which the announcer refers to The Last Wave as an "Awesome Nightmare") and a 10 minute interview with Weir which is quite fascinating, if not a bit too short. Weir points out a few of the difficulties of obtaining true aborigines for the film as well as having to tell Chamberlain that he'd have to actually shoot in the filthy sewers of Sydney, he's truly a brave man!

Criterion does it again. For Weir fans this is a no brainer, just get it. First timers would be smart to check out The Last Wave which is a bit more commercial than Weir's previous work, but still packs that absurd Weir punch we've all grown to know and love.