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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)
Genre: Foreign

Reviewed In Issue 115 (Dec 2006) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Diane Kr

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

Special Features
Special features include Spanish and Portuguese subtitled commentary, audio commentary with Writer/Director Christian Carion, a 16-minute interview with Carion (in French but with optional subtitles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese), trailers, and up-front ads.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Sony Pictures Classics
(Catalog Number): 15099
(MPAA Rating): PG-13
(Rating Reason):

For some war violence and a brief scene of sexuality/nudity
(Retail Price): $26.96
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 116
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2005
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 11/14/06
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Christian Carion
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
On Christmas Eve, with World War I raging on around them, Scottish, French, and German troops put down their weapons on the front line and wished each other a Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas). Able to forget where they were and what they were meant to be doing for just one day, the soldiers exchanged stories, shared camaraderie, and even acted like old friends before returning to the cold, harsh reality of war. Based on true events. (Tricia Spears)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD exhibits decent contrast and well-rendered shadow delineation, making for an enjoyably dimensional image. Colors are well saturated, although the dirty stylization limits the use of the most vibrant hues. Details are nicely resolved, although fine textures are slightly soft. In general, however, this is a pleasing visual experience. (Danny Richelieu)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby