The DVD Review 

TRAVELLING LIGHT 
Released by Magna Pacific Available to rent from 10 March 2004.

Everything has got to be in it’s right place, but how do you know where that right place is.

Adelaide 1971 is a dry, empty, stinking hot part of Australia and trainee teacher Leanne (played by Pia Miranda) is convinced that there has to be more to life, enter American beat poet Lou who has soon turned not just Leanne’s head but that of her friend Gary who is questioning his sexuality.

Director Kathryn Millard has recreated the early 70’s to perfection, even down to the excitement over getting an electric juicer, Miranda is excellent as the questing Leanne with her desire to become a professional photographer. Travelling Light has a  nicely wry line in witty dialogue, is wonderfully photographed and features fantastic fashions (dig those knee length socks). Throw in a couple of subplots involving Leanne’s family (her sister Bronwyn is newly married, unsure of her place in the world and full of troubles) and you have a nicely balanced Australian drama.

EXTRAS: Main extra is Kathryn Millard’s hour long film Parklands (starring Cate Blanchett in her debut), the movie offers a meticulously detailed glimpse into smalltown Adelaide life. Adelaine was the first city in Australia to be built with a ring of parks around it, hence the title and Parklands actually has a very similar theme as Travelling Light. There is also a shortish feature on the making of Travelling Light, the trailer for the movie and a photo gallery.