WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Sneakers
Genre:Thriller

Reviewed In Issue 03 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, Ben Kingsley.

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 3
Sound Rating: 4
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
Internet Links

Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): MCA/Universal Home Video
(Catalog Number): 41431
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Retail Price): $39.98
(Running Time In Minutes): 125
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1992
(LD Release Date): 01/93
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): Phil Alden Robinson
(Screenplay/Written By): Phil Alden Robinson, Lawrence Lasker & Walter F. Parkes
(Story): NA
(Music): James Horner
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Patrizia Von Brandenstein
(Visual Effects): NA
(Costume Designer): Bernie Pollack
(Editor): Tom Rolf, ACE
(Supervising Sound Editors): Milton C. Burrow
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): NA
(Co-Producers): NA
(Producers): Walter F. Parkes & Lawrence Lasker

DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.66:1

DVD Sound Information
(DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
(Theatrical Sound): Dolby Stereo A
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital): No
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround): No
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
This humorous suspense-thriller revolves around an organization of misfit computer gadgetry whizzes who hire themselves out to test security systems. But when they recover a mysterious black box, they learn it has the capability to overturn the secret system of computer codes belonging to the government.

LaserDisc Picture:
The aspect ratio of the transfer at 1.66:1 reveals more top and bottom image area than was shown theatrically. The picture quality is only fair. The color is very red and inconsistently balanced from scene to scene—no amount of adjustment could make it right. The transfer is sharp but there is visible noise in some scenes and the overall look is dim and slightly washed-out.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The James Horner music score is well recorded with exceptional soundstage depth. The sound is very good, smooth and natural with excellent clarity. The Dolby Surround® is mostly enveloping rather than aggressive which could have enhanced the action suspense scenes.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz): No
(Aggressive System Surround): No
(Intense 25Hz Bass): No
(Deep Bass Challenging): No
(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
(Holosonic Soundfield): No
(Aggressive Split Surround): No
(Center Back Surround Imaging): No
(Directionalized Dialogue): No
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: