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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Claim, The


Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 52 (Sept 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Wes Bentley, Milla Jovovich, Nastassja Kinski, Peter Mullan & Sarah Polley

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 4
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
Internet Links
http://www.mgm.com/dvd

Special Features
Includes the theatrical trailer.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 1001840
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Rated R for sexuality and some language and violence.
(Retail Price): $26.95
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 121
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2000
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 06/26/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Michael Winterbottom
(Screenplay/Written By): 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:
Inspired by The Mayor Of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, The Claim takes us to the beautiful, yet harsh Sierra Nevada mountains of 1869 California. Daniel Dillon (Mullan) struck it rich in the gold rush a few years back and bought up just about every business in a small town. But he knows that if he is to continue his prosperity, he has to get a railroad to connect the new line through his bustling city. But Dillon holds hidden a dark secret about his past, and when the railroad man (Bentley) arrives, so do two women (Kinski and Polley) who have the knowledge to reveal this scandalous secret. (Laurie Sevano)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.30:1 DVD exhibits a picture with a rough appearance that complements the setting of the film. The picture mostly has a soft character, but detail is nicely rendered. Colors are warm and well balanced, with rich reds, and deep, undefined blacks. Source element artifacts are occasional, but film grain is perceived throughout. There is some pixelization noticed. However, edge enhancement is excessive, giving the picture an unnaturally hard edge. Its presence is downright distracting, and downgrades the picture immensely. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby