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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Desperate Hours
    1990
    Genre: Thriller

    Reviewed In Issue 75 (Aug 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Mickey Rourke, Anthony Hopkins, Mimi Rogers, Lindsay Crouse, Kelly Lynch & Elias Koteas

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3
    DD Sound Rating: 2.5
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 3
    Internet Links
    http://www.mgm.com/dvd
    Special Features
    Includes the original theatrical trailer.


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): 1003348
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Rating Reason):

    		 NA
    (Retail Price): $14.95
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 105
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1990
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 04/16/02
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Michael Cimino
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      DVD Picture Information

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      DVD Sound Information

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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    After escaping from prison with the help of his attorney Nancy Breyers (Lynch), Michael Bosworth (Rourke) holds a family captive in their own home while he waits for Ms. Breyers to join him. Tim Cornell (Hopkins) and his wife Nora (Rogers) are a wealthy, unhappily married couple who, with their two children, live in the mansion that Bosworth has holed up in. Forced to endure Desperate Hours with the maniac who is holding them hostage, their love for each other is tested all the way up until the bloody end. Based on the novel and Broadway play by Joseph Hayes, and previously filmed in 1955. (Tricia Littrell)

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD exhibits a picture that is generally sharp and can be satisfyingly detailed, though a subtle hazy character is prevalent. Colors can seem slightly subdued at times, but otherwise hues are generally well balanced. Fleshtones appear accurately rendered, though blacks are slightly weak. Contrast seems a bit low, limiting detail, especially during the house arrest. There are a few minor flecks of dirt noticed in the source element. Pixelization is only occasionally noticed, and edge enhancement is also minimal. Overall, the picture has a look that makes the film seem older than it is. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    The Dolby

    Reason #123 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:

    I read WSR for the articles—honest. Terry Paullin's industry insight is refreshing and lively. The lack of comparisons of which home theatre-in-a-box is best or which sub $200 DVD player is best leaves more room for in-depth product and movie reviews. Most importantly, though, I read WSR for the caricature of Gary Reber morphed on to the movie featured on the cover in the Editor's Couch page. Pierce Brosnan had better watch out!

    Brian Schrumpf
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