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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Being Human
    Genre:Drama

    Reviewed In Issue 11 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Robin Williams, John Turturro, Anna Gaiena.

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

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Warner Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 12982
    (MPAA Rating): PG13
    (Retail Price): $39.98
    (Running Time In Minutes): 122
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1994
    (LD Release Date): 9/1/94
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):

    Credits Information
    (Director): Bill Forsyth
    (Screenplay/Written By): Bill Forsyth
    (Story): NA
    (Music): Michael Gibbs
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer): Norman Garwood
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor): Michael Ellis
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers): NA
    (Co-Producers): NA
    (Producers): Robert F. Colesberry & David Putnam

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

    DVD Sound Information
    (DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
    (Theatrical Sound): Dolby Stereo A
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (Remastered Dolby Digital):
    (Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
    (Additional Languages):

    WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Being Human is a subdued comedy written and directed by Bill Forsyth and stars Robin Williams as the main character in five through-the-ages stories. He is depicted as early man, as a slave in Roman times, a Scotsman who finds solace with a beautiful Mediterranean woman before returning home to his family and then a shipwrecked Portuguese sailor. Finally, he is depicted as a father in present day who becomes reunited with his children after divorce and an emotional breakdown. Throughout the ages he is rendered as an everyman with his weaknesses and humanity in his search of love, security and belonging.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The picture quality is degraded by what appears to be a purplish tint on fleshtones for a unnatural effect. While a slight grain can be detected, shadow detail is good and images are sharp, and there is no distracting artifacts. The aspect ratio is 1.85:1.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The Dolby Surround® soundtrack is generally not enhanced by the effective use of surrounds, but rather the overall effect is monaural, except for a well recorded music score that provides the only sense of stereo spatiality. Dialogue is always intelligible.
    (Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
    (Aggressive System Surround):
    (Intense 25Hz Bass):
    (Deep Bass Challenging):
    (Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
    (Holosonic Soundfield):
    (Aggressive Split Surround):
    (Center Back Surround Imaging):
    (Directionalized Dialogue):
    Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
    Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
    Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
    Superb Color Fidelity:
    Superb Cinematography:
    Reference LaserDisc:
    Collector Edition: