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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Rock, The


Criterion
Genre: Action Adventure

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

Stars:
Sean Connery, Nicholas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Biehn & William Forsythe

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 4.5
DD Sound Rating: 5
DTS Sound Rating: 5
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
Internet Links
http://www.criterionco.com
http://www.dtsonline.com
Special Features
Includes audio commentary with stars Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and technical advisor Harry Humphries. There are also three featurettes: one on the dive sequences, another on the special effects, and a third on gunplay in the movies. Additionally, you will find an interview with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, storyboards, production design drawings and production stills; outtakes; excerpts from the documentary


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): The Criterion Collection
(Catalog Number): 2223600
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Rated R for strong violence, language and a sex scene.
(Retail Price): $39.95
(DVD Type): Disc 1: DVD-9 / Disc 2: DVD-5
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 137
(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): 03/13/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Michael Bay
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  DVD Picture Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
General Hummel (Harris) and a team of Marine mercenaries take vengeance on the U.S. Government by stealing rockets loaded with deadly poison gas and taking tourists hostage on Alcatraz Island. If their demands for $100 million are not met, 17,000 San Fransiscans will perish. John Mason (Connery), a Federal prisoner and successful Alcatraz escapee who knows the underground passageways into

DVD Picture:
Image quality on this new anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD is far superior to the previously issued non-anamorphic DVD. While edge enhancement is apparent, it is far less distracting than on the previous version. Pixelization and aliasing problems noticed on the previous disc are also minimized. Viewed alone, images are sharp and finely detailed, with excellent contrast and shadow delineation. Clarity and definition are quite satisfying throughout. Colors are rich and well balanced, with accurate fleshtones and deep, pure blacks. Edge enhancement is minor, as is pixelization. There are occasional source element artifacts. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
Like the previous DVD and LaserDisc releases, both 5.1-channel soundtrack presentations are excellent with a lively, aggressive soundstage presence filled with intensity. Compared to the previous DTS

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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