Several years ago, I learned something about Japanese society that we don't have here, at least not officially, and that is that they honor and venerate their master artisans and actors to the status of National Treasures.

     We do have the Kennedy Center Awards, where our "national treasures" are honored. And, of course, there are the stars on The Walk of Fame in Hollywood. If someone puts up the sixty-grand price tag for the star, an entertainment icon can have his or her bronze star placed into the sidewalk with all the others.

     One fellow who I believe has a star with his name on it somewhere in that walk, is Robin Williams, who certainly deserves our veneration for his acting efforts, not to mention his comedic ones! He's done several films that stand out, and some that don't. Those that don't tend to be the dramatic roles he's done. Even though he is a fine dramatic actor, we, the fans, just don't accept him when he isn't funny!

     The Robin Williams' film I want to recommend is not a comedy. In fact, it concerns a pretty serious subject: Death. And life thereafter. The film is 1998’s "What Dreams May Come" (that year’s Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects). It is a stunner of a film, not just the EFX but the story!

     Taken from a novel by fantasist Richard Matheson, who also gave us "Somewhere In Time," with the screenplay by Ron Bass (Academy Award for "Rain Man") and aptly directed by Vincent Ward. This is the story of a relationship of love between two-soul mates, Chris (Williams) and wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra) suddenly shattered when Chris is killed in a freak car crash. In death, Chris can't let go of his earthly existence. Remaining near his grieving wife until his spirit guide Albert (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) convinces him of the afterworld. Where Chris delights in the knowledge that Heaven, for him, is to exist within one of his wife's beautiful paintings of a place and time they once shared together.

     Unfortunately, life isn't going so well for Annie, and in ever deepening despair, she takes her own life. Now in death, Annie cannot join her husband in Heaven, but must dwell in ever lasting damnation (where else) in Hell. Chris is told what has happened to Annie and her fate. He will not accept the reality of this unreal situation and vows to find Annie in Hell, aided by Albert, and a "tracker" (Max Von Sydow) who's skill in getting through Hell and finding Annie is quintessential. Chris is warned that he cannot change what is, but his unconditional love for Annie gives him the strength to try!

     This film is a real wow! Visually, they give us some things we have never seen before! It's a real dazzler that carries some pretty deep thought, and one you'll want to see again!

     The DVD has tons of goodies! Dual interactive menu screens, director's commentary, making of featurette, alternate ending (which is interesting!) and DVD-ROM with wallpaper for your PC you could download from a rental, but you are gonna want to own this one!

     If you need more coaxing, the critics had these prosaic descriptions: A Visual Masterpiece. Stunning and Totally Original. Awe-Inspiring. A Dazzling Achievement. Et Cetera, Et Cetera!