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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Poolhall Junkies
Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 78 (Nov 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Chazz Palminteri, Rick Schroder, Rod Steiger, Michael Rosenbaum, Mars Callahan, Alison Eastwood, Phillip Glasser, Anson Mount, Glenn Plummer, Richard Portnow, Ernie Reyes Jr., Peter Mark Richman& Christopher Walken

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
Internet Links
http://www.hbo.com

Special Features
Includes audio commentary with writer/director Mars Callahan and writer Chris Corso and bios.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): HBO Home Video
(Catalog Number): 92158
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Language and some sexual content
(Retail Price): $26.98
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 94
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2001
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 08/26/03
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Mars Callahan
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Johnny (Callahan) was one of the best hustlers on the scene, until he realized that his manager, Joe (Palminteri), was ruining his life. Trying to save his relationship with his girlfriend, Johnny wants to leave behind his association with billiard tables and Poolhall Junkies and go legit. But when his younger brother gets hooked into a con that could cost him his life, Johnny is forced to play for the biggest stakes of his career. (Suzanne Hodges)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD exhibits a picture that has a gritty appearance, with inherent dirt and film grain revealed in the source element. Images can appear sharp and nicely detailed at times, but the picture is often soft or slightly smeared. Colors can be nicely balanced, with accurate fleshtones, rich hues, and deep blacks. Contrast seems a bit low at times, but shadow delineation is satisfying. The picture has a stylish appearance that is visually complementing to the storytelling. There are minor cases of edge enhancement, but pixelization does cause the breakup of some finer details. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby