Walk The Line - Extended Version

A new special edition, extended version, 2-disc set of this magical movie is well worth the rental or purchase price. The Bonus Features disc alone is an entertaining, education, walk down memory lane.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be on tour, in a single automobile with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash? All of them on the Sun Records label and in their early 20's. That is clearly not what the movie is about, but does a super job of depicting that portion of the story.

The bonus features disc is not so much about the movie as it is about the life and times of the characters in the story. Interviews with those who played the roles and those who lived the adventure.

How are your music trivia skills? What monster country music group was the warm-up act for Cash's comeback show at Folsom Prison in 1968? And, what country music legend was part of the incarcerated audience at that show?

The extended version of this movie does exactly what an extended version should do. It makes for a better telling of the story. In a bio-pic, that can be critical. They have done a wonderful job with this version.

Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator, Signs, and Brother Bear) captured the essence of Johnny Cash, and actually had Cash's approval to play the role. But he still had to learn how to play the guitar. Cash was well known for his integrity and honesty in an industry full of folks who prefer the opposite. Phoenix's portrayal of the legend measures up, and will most likely remain among his finest performances. This earned him a Best Actor nominee in 2006.

Reese Witherspoon (The Man on the Moon, Pleasantville, and Just Like Heaven) earned Best Actress honors for her outstanding performance as June Carter Cash. This too will, no doubt, be among her best lifetime performances. She too "became" June, Johnny's personal Angel, anchor, and lifeline.

Many have said the music industry could not be what it is today with the influences of Johnny Cash. Those same people say Johnny Cash could not have been who he was without June Carter Cash. This movie is really about their passion for music and each other.

Watch it with someone who is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.