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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
    Download WSR Review
    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
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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      DVD Sound Information

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    (WSR Superb Sound Qualities): Subscribe Now!

      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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