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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    American Splendor
    Genre: Comedy Drama

    Reviewed In Issue 83 (Apr 2004) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander & James Urbank

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3
    DD Sound Rating: 3.5
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 4
    Internet Links


    Special Features
    Includes audio commentary by Harvey Pekar, his wife Joyce Brabner, and daughter Danielle Batone, as well as nerd Toby Radoff (who often steals the commentary), actor Paul Giammatti, and directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman. Also included is a five minute Road To Splendor film festival and premiere featurette, a highlight on the star nerd of the film, the trailer, and DVD-ROM content. There is also a semi-hidden intro with opening title animator John Kuramoto.


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): HBO Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 92031
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Rating Reason):

    		 Language
    (Retail Price): $27.95
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 101
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 2003
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 02/03/04
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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    (Supervising Sound Editors): Subscribe Now!
    (Re-Recording Mixers): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

    (Principal Photography): Subscribe Now!
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    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

    (DVD Soundtrack): Subscribe Now!
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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Based on Harvey Pekar

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD picture has an understated appearance. Colors are well balanced with satisfying fleshtones and deep blacks, but often has an intentionally drab appearance. Images are generally sharp and nicely detailed, though finer textures tend to be lacking. The source element is revealing of film grain and some dirt and artifacts that add a gritty texture to the picture. Pixel breakup is noticed at times, and there are scenes that are completely plagued by edge enhancement. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    The Dolby

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