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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    D.A.R.Y.L.
    Genre:Science Fiction

    Reviewed In Issue 14 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Mary Beth Hurt, Michael McKean, Kathryn Walker.

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

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Paramount Home Video
    (Catalog Number): LV 1810-WS
    (MPAA Rating): PG
    (Retail Price): $$39.98
    (Running Time In Minutes): 100
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1985
    (LD Release Date): 3/1/95
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

    Credits Information
    (Director): Simon Wincer
    (Screenplay/Written By): David Ambrose, Allan Scott & Jeffrey Ellis
    (Story): NA
    (Music): Marvin Hamlisch
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer): Alan Cassie
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor): Adrian Carr
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers): NA
    (Co-Producers): Burtt Harris & Gabrielle Kelly
    (Producers): John Heyman

    DVD Picture Information
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 2.35:1
    (Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 2.22:1

    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:
    D.A.R.Y.L. is the code name given to a very special young boy. His small-town foster parents are amazed when young Daryl hits home runs in his first baseball game, learns to play the piano in one day, does complicated mathematical calculations in his head and masters complex video games at first try. But why can’t this charismatic boy remember his past and where are his real parents? D.A.R.Y.L. is an exciting adventure for the whole family that poses the question, can the human spirit triumph over cold science?

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The Panavision® frame picture has been recomposed at 2.22:1. The picture has a natural quality with accurate fleshtones and sharp, detailed images. Contrast is good as is shadow detail and the rendering of blacks and nighttime scenes that are solid looking. Some minor artifacts but nothing distracting.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The soundtrack has an effective, but subtle surround presence with the occasional sound effect mixed to the surrounds. Fidelity and dynamics are wanting, however. A TV version was produced with a remix by Chace Stereo with directional dialogue and effects, not present on this disc.
    (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: