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WSR Detailed Disc Review
Great Buck Howard, The
       
Genre: Comedy

Reviewed In Issue 142 (September 2009) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Debra Monk, Griffin Dunne, Adam Scott, Patrick Fischler, Wallace Langham, Steve Zahn & Tom Hanks

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 5
DD Sound Rating: NR
DD Plus Sound Rating: NR
DD True HD Sound Rating: NR
DTS Rating: NR
DTS-HD Rating: NR
DTS-HD Master Audio Rating: 4
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: NA
Internet Links


Special Features
Special features include commentary with Writer/Director Sean McGinly and Actor Colin Hanks, a behind-the-scenes featurette (SD 09:35), three deleted scenes (SD 03:02), five extended scenes (SD 09:44), three outtakes (SD 03:39), HDNet: A Look At The Great Buck Howard (SD 04:27), and The Amazing Kreskin on his signature act (SD 05:47).


 Disc General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Magnolia Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 10193
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Rating Reason):

Some language including suggestive remarks, and a drug reference
(Retail Price): $34.98
(Disc Type): Single Side, Single Layer (BD-25)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Running Time In Minutes): 90
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): Not Indicated
(Theatrical Year): 2009
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(Disc Release Date): 07/21/09
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Sean McGinly
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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(Editor): Subscribe Now!
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  Disc Picture Information

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  Disc Sound Information

(Disc Soundtrack): DTS HD Lossless 5.1
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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
John Malkovich is The Great Buck Henry, a pompous, has-been mentalist who once charmed audiences as a casino headliner and late-night show regular with his logic-defying ability to read minds and hypnotize volunteers. Reduced to playing small towns and community centers, he refuses to accept that the world has passed him by. With the aid of a fiery publicist (Blunt), a new road manager (Hanks), and a bold stroke of fate, Buck surprisingly lands back in the American consciousness, taking everyone along for the ride. (Gary Reber)

Picture:
The 1080p AVC picture is great, with an absolutely natural presence. Colors are solid, with warm and vibrant hues. Fleshtones appear accurate and exhibit fine shades of complexions. Contrast is excellent, with deep and solid blacks and perfectly balanced highlights. Shadow delineation is revealing of objects in the background, and some scenes are beautifully photographed. Resolution also is excellent, with fine facial features and textures clearly discernible. This is a fine picture experience, with a natural character that projects realism. (Gary Reber)

Sound:
The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is conventional but nicely produced, with at times, a lively sonic character and excellent dialogue intelligibility. Dialogue is often integrated spatially with the scenes, but is mostly forward sounding. The narration, though, is well balanced against the other sound elements. The lively music score fills the soundstage with a wide and deep presence that aggressively wraps into the surrounds. Otherwise, the surrounds are quiet, except for occasional background and audience sounds. Bass is solid but limited to the often-pounding music score. This is a pleasant soundtrack that works perfectly for the light, warmhearted
storytelling. (Gary Reber)

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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