Robert Sean Leonard and Kurtwood Smith in DEAD POETS SOCIETY
There’s certain actors that have a special place in my heart, regardless of whether they play likable or just plain evil characters. Kurtwood Smith is one of those actors I love seeing in anything, movies or TV, and always seems to give 110% with everything he does. One of his most memorable roles is that of the disapproving father in DEAD POETS SOCIETY, which makes its Blu-ray debut this week on January 17. It’s a role that serves a strong purpose, and drew hatred from audiences because of the end result it leads to. But it’s also a character that has great depth and needed to be played to a perfect degree, which Smith does with expert style. I recently got a chance to chat with Kurtwood by phone, where we discussed what drew him to this part, working with director Peter Weir and star Robin Williams, his memories of working on ROBOCOP in Dallas, and even clarify an IMDB error on his first ever acting credit. It’s only 10 minutes, but a fun listen, especially if you appreciate the accomplished actor as much as I do. Check out the full audio interview I did with Kurtwood Smith right HERE (click to open your preferred media player, or right click and save the MP3).
Academy Award winner Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting, 1997) delivers one of his most memorable performances in Dead Poets Society — digitally restored and presented for the first time ever in breathtaking Blu-ray High Definition.
For generations, Welton Academy students have been groomed to live lives of conformity and tradition — until new professor John Keating inspires them to think for themselves, live life to the fullest and “Carpe Diem.” This unconventional approach awakens the spirits of the students, but draws the wrath of a disapproving faculty when an unexpected tragedy strikes the school. With unforgettable characters and beautiful cinematography, Dead Poets Society will captivate and inspire you time and time again.
Features:
Dead Poets: A Look Back – Interviews with Director Peter Weir, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Others
Raw Takes
Master Of Sound: Alan Splet – Interviews with David Lynch and Peter Weir
Cinematography Master Class – An Intensive and Inspirational Lighting Workshop
Audio Commentary – Director Peter Weir, Cinematographer John Seal, Screenwriter Tom Schulman
Theatrical Trailer
Actors: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Kurtwood Smith, Josh Charles, Norman Lloyd, Dylan Kussman, and Allelon Ruggiero
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
I ADORE this movie, gets me every time ~ it’s just so beautiful ~ Thanks Mark! Gotta buy
i love this movie, this movie is my life. so sad when Neil commits suicide, i cried for days after this. i have watched it hundreds of times and cant get off it. by far my favourite movie.