FAB DVD

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2003)

I watched the new DVD in DTS last night and I thought it was amazing. A few people on Amazon were bi*ching about the sound mix. Yes, the dialogue is rough sounding in some spots, but that's part of what makes the film what it is. I really wouldn't want Tony's opening scene to be crystal clear. It has the sound of an old crime film noir from the 40's-- ya get it?? I think that's the point....
They did an amazing job with the print & the sound. Really a different experience than the cropped sliced and diced VHS. The film just comes off 100% better when seeing it this way. Gives you a better appreciation of DePalma's vision... Like watching a new movie.
A few scenes on the top of my head that come off completely different than the old print: the uprising scene, the bathtub scene & the New York scene. These all play out now on a new level. Much of this has to do with seeing the original 2.35 aspect ratio. And the image & sound is clean.
Performances are all memorable -- Pfeiffer & Mastrantonio particularly come off better than in the previous edition I saw. Bauer is great...And Pacino of course is legend now.
A lot of people have griped about Moroder's score, but I'm one of those that believes that the score is what lends the film its period authenticity. The only part that's a little cheesy for me is that Highway to the Danger Zone-esuqe montage with the beauty salon/wedding/tiger on a leash thing. I still can't stomach those few minutes- lol.
Although this movie received only a few accolades in its day, I believe it will be considered a true classic film. So many movies have been made in history, but only a few endure the test of time. This will be one of them. Like producer Martin Bregman has said, it is the "On the Waterfront" of its day, Pacino is our generation's Brando.
And for those of you who are still moaning about the 5.1 mix-- just take a toke and chill out. Enjoy, cause this is American film in its best form...