Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
WSR Detailed DVD Review
Magdalene Sisters, The
Genre: Drama

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

Stars:
Geraldine McEwan, Anne-Marie Duff, Nora-Jane Noone, Dorothy Duffy, Eileen Walsh

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.video.com/miramax

Special Features
Includes four up-front PSAs (for a good cause, but up-front nonetheless) and the original 50-minute documentary Sex In A Cold Climate.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Miramax Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 33435
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Violence/cruelty, nudity, sexual content and language
(Retail Price): $29.99
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 119
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2002
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 03/23/04
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Peter Mullan
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
In Ireland, it was common for families to send their wayward daughters to the Magdalene convent where they were forced to live like slaves. This is the story of "The Magdalene Sisters" and of the horrors and humiliation they endured while at the asylum. The head warden Sister Bridget (McEwan) made them feel as at home as they would be in any prison, and escape became their only hope for survival. (Tricia Littrell)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD picture has a gritty texture with inherent film grain and dirt in the source element. The color scheme has a desaturated quality, with lots of cold hues, grays, and bluish whites. Hues can also appear nicely balanced, with accurate fleshtones in some scenes. Images exhibit satisfying sharpness, and shadow delineation can be pleasing. Finer details seem a bit wanting at times. Edge enhancement can be a real problem with this title, especially in the higher contrast scenes, but pixel breakup is minimal. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby