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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Death Defying Acts


Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 137 (Dec 2008) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall & Saoirse Ronan

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NR
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 2.5
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Special Features
Special features include a commentary track by Director Gillian Armstrong and Producer Marian MacGowan, a 26-minute making-of featurette, and the theatrical trailer.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Genius Products
(Catalog Number): 81551
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Rating Reason):

some sensuality, thematic material, language violent content and smoking
(Retail Price): $19.97
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 97
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2007
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 10/28/08
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Gillian Armstrong
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(Supervising Sound Editors): 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:
In 1926 Harry Houdini (Pearce) is at the top of his game, with audiences flocking to see him perform his Death Defying Acts. But behind the bright lights and notoriety lies the tortured soul of a man grieving the loss of his mother. Having been unable to hear his dying mom

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.36:1 DVD delivers deep, consistent blacks and nicely defined shadows to create a fairly dimensional-looking image. Resolution is good, although the finer details appear smeared. Fleshtones have a pale, bluish complexion, giving people a deathly hue. Contrast is balanced well, but highlights appear too hot at times. Colors are bright and bold and really pop from the screen. Minor compression artifacts are recognizable throughout, but they are not overly distracting. The same goes for edge enhancement, which is noticeable, but not a major distraction. (Danny Richelieu)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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