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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Blow Out
Genre: Thriller

Reviewed In Issue 53 (Oct 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, Dennis Franz, Peter Boyden, Curt May & John Aquino

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
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 a trailer.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 1000982
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

(Retail Price): $19.98
(DVD Type): Dual Side, Single Layer (DVD10)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 108
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 1981
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 08/28/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Brian De Palma
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Blow Out is De Palma

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.30:1 DVD exhibits generally good picture quality. Images are sharp, but fine details and definition are wanting, with images appearing somewhat smeared at times. Colors are well balanced, with accurate fleshtones, and generally deep blacks. Contrast seems a bit low sometimes, adding to the limited detail. Pixelization and occasional aliasing problems are noticed, but edge enhancement is not a distraction. Source element dirt and artifacts are apparent. Compared to the LaserDisc, image quality is improved in terms of definition and color balance. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby Digital 2.0 matrix surround soundtrack, though dated in fidelity, features an occasionally active soundstage presence, primarily through the music. The use of dimension is typically conservative, especially when dialogue-dominant. In the presence of the music, the surrounds sometime become prominent. This soundtrack, though certainly limited by the inherent attributes of the original 1982 production, nonetheless should be interesting to fans of film sound for its relevance to the creative processes of building a soundtrack. (Perry Sun)