While Australia has had a long history in movie production, it is only the relatively recent films, from around 30 years ago, which appear to be available on digital video discs. Here is a selection of five Australian films on DVD from around this period.
Also see Best Australian Films.
1. Picnic at Hanging Rock
An early Peter Weir film (1975) about the disappearance in 1900 of schoolgirls who went for a picnic at Hanging Rock. Based on a true story. Richly textured and evocative of the Australian landscape, but may be slow for some audiences.
2. Walkabout
A cult favorite for years, this 1971 film by Nicholas Roeg traces the adventures of two British children who get lost in the Australian bush and are rescued by an Aborigine played by David Gulpilil. Beautifully photographed in the Australian Outback.3. The Last Wave
1977 Peter Weir film featurng Hollywood actors and Australian Aboriginals David Gulpilil and Nanjiwarra Amagula. Richard Chamberlain plays a lawyer defending an Aborigine accused of murder. Ancient tribal rituals and modern symbolism combine to create an intriguing film.4. A Cry in the Dark
Relatively recent Fred Schepisi film concerning the disappearance of a baby at Ayers Rock, said to have been taken by a dingo (wild dog). Based on real events. Meryl Streep, who takes on a broad Australian accent, plays Lindy Chamberlain who was accused of killing her baby. She is paired with New Zealand actor Sam Neill.5. Sirens
A fictionalised account of an encounter between an English clergyman and Australian writer/artist Norman Lindsay. The film features British actor Hugh Grant and Australians Elle Macpherson, Kate Fischer and Portia de Rossi as some of Lindsay’s models. Contains nudity. Directed by John Duigan.