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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Peony Pavilion, The
Genre: Stage Performance

Reviewed In Issue 55 (Dec 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Qian Yi, Wen Yuhang, Wen Fulin, Lin Sen, Shan Jing, Song Yang, Yu Qingwang, Jia Yonghong, Liu Ming, Luo Wenshuai & Liu Qingchun

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links


Special Features
There is an informative introduction before the performance. Includes


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Image Entertainment
(Catalog Number): ID0215RADVD
(MPAA Rating): Not Rated
(Rating Reason):

(Retail Price): $29.99
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 123
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): No
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2000
(Theatrical Release): No
(Direct-To-Video Release): Yes
(DVD Release Date): 09/04/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Chen Shi-Zheng, Derek Bailey & Sian Busby
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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(Costume Designer): 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:
This Chinese opera is a romantic and poetic love story about a ghost returning to Earth to find her true love, who risks all to bring her back to life and marry her. The couple encounters many obstacles, including parental opposition, invading Mongol hordes and bungling comic servants. This abridged version of the epic masterpiece from the 16th century dramatist Tang Xianzu reveals a rich tapestry that includes dance, acrobatics, stilt-walking, puppetry, recitation, pageantry, and martial arts. (TL)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD exhibits bold, vibrant colors that are well balanced, with accurate fleshtones and deep, pure blacks. The costumes and make-up are nicely detailed, though shots of the full stage can seem slightly smeared. There are occasional aliasing problems and shimmering noticed in finer details. Edge enhancement is also detected at times. Still the performance is entertaining. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby