There are four interview segments included, all of which intersperse scenes from the movie with the interviewees. Richard Gere (HD, 21:52) offers an excellent look back at making the film, as well as an examination of Malick's directorial style. Likewise, Sam Shepard (HD, 12:32) discusses his fondness for the material as well as his experience as a first-time actor. Camera operator John Bailey (HD, 20:26) gives a wealth of insight into Malick's background as a photographer, his working relationship with DPs Nestor Almendros and Haskell Wexler, and many of the shooting and lighting conditions for the film. Finally, Haskell Wexler (HD, 11:34) offers his views on coming into the film halfway through and filling the shoes of Nestor Almendros.
As is typical with Criterion releases, there is a generous booklet included. This one features an essay by Adrian Martin, entitled "On Earth as It Is in Heaven." There is also a very lengthy excerpt from Nestor Almendros's autobiography A Man With A Camera entitled "Shooting Days Of Heaven" where he discusses in detail his experience working on the film. It includes some in-depth reflections on camera techniques used with Days Of Heaven, which both photographers and videographers should find of particular interest.
Conclusion
Although the films of Terrance Malick could easily be lumped into the art-house category, they are some of the most accessible to be found, offering moving glimpses into the friction between man, nature. and "progress." Days Of Heaven is perhaps his most immediate and structured (and shortest) offering, but also one of his most beautiful.
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