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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    James And The Giant Peach


    Genre: Animation/Live Action

    Reviewed In Issue 44 (Dec 2000) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes, Pete Postlethwaite & Paul Terry And The Voice Talents Of Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Susan Sarandon Miriam Margolyes & David Thewlis

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
    DD Sound Rating: 4.5
    DTS Sound Rating: 5
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
    Internet Links
    http://www.dtsonline.com
    http://www.disneydvd.com
    Special Features
    There are two forced ads made a little less forceful since you can now press your Menu button to escape them


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): Walt Disney Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): 20100
    (MPAA Rating): PG
    (Rating Reason):

    		 Rated PG for some frightening images.
    (Retail Price): $29.99
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): No
    (Running Time In Minutes): 79
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1996
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 10/03/00
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Henry Selick
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

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    (WSR Superb Sound Qualities): Subscribe Now!

      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Based upon Roald Dahl

    DVD Picture:
    The 1.66:1 DVD is unfortunately not anamorphic, and is a recycled transfer of the LaserDiscs reviewed in Issue 26. There are only slight improvements in image quality, with increased clarity in backgrounds. Otherwise, the two versions are very similar. Viewed alone, the DVD is quite pleasing, but is not a reference quality picture. Both claymation and live-action scenes are a bit soft and hazy, but exhibit generally good depth. Colors are rich and fully saturated, with deep blacks. There are a couple of instances in which aliasing patterns are noticed, but pixelization and other distractions are minimal. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    Compared to the previous Dolby Digital LaserDiscs, the Dolby Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack on the DVD is subtly yet noticeably more resolute in the higher frequencies, as well as being a bit higher in level. There are detectable differences between the Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround versions on the DVD, particularly with low frequencies in which the latter delivers with greater depth and level. The DTS version also sounds a bit more lively and active in the surrounds. Nonetheless, the 5.1-channel listening experience is exciting and engaging, with an energetic soundfield that is consistently spacious and involving. Sound effects have been very well-recorded and are effectively distributed throughout the soundstage, particularly to the split surrounds. Dialogue has been nicely produced and spatial integration is rather good. The music is an excellent recording and its integration into the soundfield is commendable. Deep bass is used throughout to both subtle and poignant effect, with below-25Hz extension that includes all channels and the .1 LFE. (Perry Sun)

    This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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