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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Dictator, The

    Featured In Issue 169, September 2012

    Picture4.5
    Sound4.5
    WSR Score5
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    Paramount Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    14727
    (MPAA Rating):
    R / Unrated
    (Rating Reason):
    Strong crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and some violent images
    (Retail Price):
    $44.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    83 / 98
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    Not Indicated
    (Theatrical Year):
    2012
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    08/21/12
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Larry Charles
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    The Dictator is the hysterical tale of an inept despot's first trip to America as the leader of Wadiya. After he is stripped of power he is suddenly forced to live his ultimate nightmare...the American dream. In the Supreme Leader Admiral General Aladeen's own words: "Although the film was subjected to the infamous authoritarian censorship of the West, thanks to Blu-ray and DVD you can finally see all the really naughty bits. I have your home address, so trust me, you WILL love it." (Gary Reber)

    Both the theatrical version (01:23:17) and the unrated version (01:38:47) are available. Special features include 16 deleted and extended scenes (HD 33:43), the music video—best love song—"Your Money Is On The Dresser" (HD 01:35), a Larry King interview (HD 02:49), and an UltraViolet digital copy.

    The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture looks terrific, with crisp colorful imagery that is nicely saturated. Contrast is well balanced with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Hues are naturally rendered with rich and vibrant character. Fleshtones are naturally rendered and toned. Resolution is revealing of fine detail in facial renderings, hair, clothing, and object texture. This is a bright, lively visual presentation that really complements the exaggerated hysterical storytelling. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is conventionally produced, but Erran Baron Cohen's orchestral music score is sweepingly wide and deep with an aggressive spatial surround presence that fills the soundfield. Fidelity is excellent. Bass response is naturally deep and articulate, with enhanced energy provided with the .1 LFE channel. Atmospherics and sound effects are appropriately energized and generally frontal focused. Dialogue is natural sounding with convincing spatial integration. This is a really fun and engaging soundtrack that perfectly supports the unpredictable action, complemented by an energized music score. (Gary Reber)

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