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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Fantasticks, The


Genre: Musical

Reviewed In Issue 49 (June 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Joel Grey, Barnard Hughes, Jean Louisa Kelly, Brad Sullivan, Joe McIntyre, Jonathon Morris & Teller (of magic/comedy team Penn & Teller)

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 4
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
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Special Features
Includes directors audio commentary, 30-plus minutes of additional scenes, extended song sequences, deleted scenes, deleted songs, jump-to-a-song menu, the theatrical trailer, and an alternate ending.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 10011533
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Rating Reason):

Rated PG for some bawdy carnival humor.
(Retail Price): $24.98
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 87
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 1995/2000
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 02/27/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Michael Ritchie
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Based on the longest-running stage play/musical in history (it opened off-Broadway in 1960), The Fantasticks tells the story of two young lovers kept apart, sort-of, by their meddling fathers. Actually wanting the two to marry, Bellomy (Grey) and Hucklebee (Sullivan) decide to pretend to be feuding, thinking that it will drive Louisa (Kelly) and Matt (New Kids On The Block

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.40:1 DVD exhibits a wonderfully colorful picture, with hues that are nicely balanced, with accurate fleshtones and deep blacks. Images are generally sharp and detailed, but fine details and clarity are a bit lacking at times, with images appearing slightly flat. Contrast and shadow delineation are nicely rendered. The sets help keep a stage-like quality to the film. Minor edge enhancement and occasional shimmering details are noticed, but overall, the picture is quite pleasing. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The soundtrack presentation, in Dolby

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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