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Features: DVD, Widescreen, Dolby, Digital Audio, English, Mono Audio
The recipient of numerous Academy Awards in 1980 for Best Director, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay (adapted from the novel by Judith Guest), Ordinary People spotlights the troubled story of the Jarrett family. Still reeling from the shock of losing a loved one, Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) must continue on with their lives, paying particular attention to caring for their youngest son, Conrad (Timothy Hutton). Disturbed by his own feelings of guilt, Conrad's survival of the boating accident that led to his brother's death leads to an even deeper emotional turmoil for the young Jarrett. With the help of his psychiatrist, Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch), and a romance with the lovely Jeannine (Elizabeth McGovern), Conrad slowly begins to heal his inner wounds. But, the relationship between Calvin and Beth has become strained and the whole family must unite if it is to survive.
"...Moore is especially believable as the cold and rigid mother." VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever
"Intelligent, meticulously crafted..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Editor's Note
Devastated by the loss of their older son, well-to-do suburban couple Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) are trying to rebuild their lives after their younger son, Conrad (Timothy Hutton), attempts suicide. While Beth, who always favored the elder son, retreats into an icy, emotionless shell, Calvin tries to draw Conrad back into the family and into life as a teenager. Conrad sings in the choir and returns to the swim team, but both his brother's death and his own experiences traumatize him. Conrad reluctantly begins therapy sessions with Berger (Judd Hirsch), which allow him some respite from the unbearable grief and guilt he carries with him. As Conrad makes strides, Calvin realizes that he no longer knows his wife and is both saddened and angered by how seemingly emotionless she has become. A classic portrait of family life in the face of tragedy, Robert Redford's award-winning directorial debut is moving and thought provoking. Based on the novel by Judith Guest, the film features the debuts of Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern as well as breakthrough performances from Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland.
Plot Summary
With the pain from the death of their older son still fresh, Calvin and Beth try to help their remaining son, Conrad, recover from a suicide attempt. Overcome with guilt and grief related to his brother's death, Conrad tries to return to the life of a normal high school student but finds it difficult, with memories of his brother surrounding him and the coldness his mother exhibits almost unbearable.
| Features | Theatrical Trailer | | English Track Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono | | French Track Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono | | Widescreen Version Enhanced For 16x9 TVs | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Access |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Paramount |
| Release Date: 5/23/2006 |
| Running Time: 124 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1980 | | Catalog ID: 089644 | | UPC: 00097360896442 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, French Dubbed | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (1981) |  | Robert Redford, Winner, Best Director | | Timothy Hutton, Winner, Best Supporting Actor | | Alvin Sargent, Winner, Best Writing, Screenplay Based On Material From Another Medium | | | Mary Tyler Moore, Nominee, Best Actress | | | Judd Hirsch, Nominee, Best Supporting Actor | |
British Academy Awards (1982) | | | Mary Tyler Moore, Nominee, Best Actress | |
Golden Globe (1981) | | Robert Redford, Winner, Best Motion Picture Director | | Timothy Hutton, Winner, Best Motion Picture Actor In A Supporting Role | | Mary Tyler Moore, Winner, Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture-Drama | | Timothy Hutton, Winner, Male New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture | | | Donald Sutherland, Nominee, Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture-Drama | | | Judd Hirsch, Nominee, Best Motion Picture Actor In A Supporting Role | | | Alvin Sargent, Nominee, Best Motion Picture Screenplay |
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| | Professional Reviews | New York Times
"...A moving, intelligent and funny film....Moore is remarkably fine..." 09/19/1980 p.C6New York Times
Included in the New York Times "10 BEST FILMS OF 1980" 12/28/1980 p.II:15 USA Today
"...It's still a fine movie..." 08/17/2001 p.6E Entertainment Weekly
"...The actor's first -- and best -- film behind the camera won Best Picture and netted him a directing Oscar..." 01/11/2002 p.37 TV Guide Online 8 of 10
...a thoroughly professional film, featuring uniformly fine performances throughout. Hutton...does a fine job conveying the emotional turmoil and confusion of his character. Moore..is very convincing as the completely unsympathetic wife and mother.
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