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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Beaches
Special Edition
Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 97 (Jun 2005) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Bette Midler, Barbara Hershey, John Heard, Spalding Gray, James Read & Lainie Kazan

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 4
DTS Sound Rating: NR
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 5
Internet Links


Special Features
Supplements on the Special Edition include a seven-minute blooper reel that was originally created in 1998, "Mayim Remembers Beaches," a 12-minute look back on the film with the now-adult 11-year-old actress, the clip "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs With Bette Midler," the music video "Wind Beneath My Wings," Barbara Hershey's screen test, audio commentary with director Garry Marshall, and the theatrical trailer.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Touchstone Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 39995
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Rating Reason):

(Retail Price): $19.99
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 123
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 1988
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 04/26/05
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Garry Marshall
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
I must admit, I was a little hesitant to watch this film because when I first saw it in the theatre years ago I cried my eyes out. But I gave it a go, and I'm glad I did. CC Bloom (Midler) and Hillary Whitney Essex (Hershey) began and ended their friendship at different "Beaches." When they met under the boardwalk in Atlantic City as young girls, they had no idea that their relationship would last a lifetime. Against all odds the two such different women weathered the ups and downs that came between them, but one thing they could always count on was their love and support for each other. Based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart. (Tricia Littrell)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.82:1 DVD picture has certain dated characteristics, like minor dirt, artifacts, and slight film grain inherent in the source element. Still, the picture can have a warm, satisfying look, with nicely balanced hues. While there are some softly focused, moody scenes, sharpness and details are pleasantly rendered. There is some edge enhancement apparent and occasional pixelization, but the picture is clean and satisfying enough to please fans of this 1988 weepy. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby