Titanic, newly released from Paramount Pictures on Blu-ray3D and digital, didn't completely sweep the Academy Awards in 1998 – it only took 11 of the Oscar statuettes! Among them: Best Picture, a Best Director for James Cameron and a Best Cinematography for Russell Carpenter.  Some of that sweeping cinematography is bound to be lost on a home screen, but home surround-sound can do a nice job on its Oscar-winning Best Sound.

Seasoned KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Raven Devanney, age 15, calls Titanic a "romantic masterpiece." The film evokes strong emotion partly because of the real-life tragedy it recreates but also thanks to the intimate love story Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet bring to life. That the film is 15 years old does not diminish its impact. Says Raven, "… even though I’ve seen it about a billion times, I still get choked up." On a scale of one to five, she rates it a five only because higher numbers aren't available.

Titanic
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
See her full review on video.

Titanic is my favorite movie by far. This romantic masterpiece starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet tells a tale of love, loss and tragedy. I remember the first time I watched Titanic. I was 7 years old, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This was the first film that really made me cry, and even though I’ve seen it about a billion times, I still get choked up.

This movie is beautifully done. I love that the cinematography is so grand and breathtaking even though the film came out in 1997. I especially love the way they capture the Titanic in all its glory. I’m a total history geek when it comes to the Titanic. I’ve seen every documentary and read every book there is to read about the Titanic, so the fact that they used actual footage of the wreckage of Titanic was really cool.

My favorite characters are Rose and Jack, of course! They defy the rules of their different social statuses and are in true love. Not only are those characters great, but Kate and Leonardo do a masterful job in these roles. I love the whole movie, but my favorite scene would have to be when Rose and Jack are running through the ship away from the butler after the drawing scene. It lightens the mood of the film before the sinking and is quite funny. Plus, you almost get a mini tour of the ship. I also admire the final few scenes in which the ship is sinking. The way it is captured is amazing. It’s the perfect mix of chaos and emotion, which really conveys the tragedy in a brilliant way.

Like I said, this film is very tragic, and that fact that it was an actual event makes it even more sad. I would recommend this film for all ages, even though it is sad and slightly inappropriate. I watched it when I was 7 and nothing bothered me. This is a must-see movie, and I give it five out of five stars. I’d give it more if I could! Titanic is in stores now on DVD and Blu-ray, so be sure to add it to your home movie collection today!