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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Krays, The
    Genre:Drama

    Reviewed In Issue 16 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp.

    WSR Review Scores
    Picture Rating: 2.5
    Sound Rating: 3
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    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score:
    Internet Links

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Columbia/TriStar Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 74786
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Retail Price): $$39.95
    (Running Time In Minutes): 119
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1990
    (LD Release Date): 9/95
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

    Credits Information
    (Director): Peter Medak
    (Screenplay/Written By): Philip Ridley
    (Story): NA
    (Music): Michael Kamen
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer): Michael Pickwood
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor): Martin Walsh
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers): Jim Beach & Michele Kimche
    (Co-Producers): NA
    (Producers): Dominic Anciano & Ray Burdis

    DVD Picture Information
    (Principal Photography): Flat
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.66:1
    (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):
    (Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
    (Additional Languages):

    WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    The Krays, directed by Peter Medak and screenplay by accomplished novelist and director, Philip Ridley, is a gripping crime thriller like no other. Based on a true story, this eccentric film captures the rise and fall of British crime lords Reggie and Ronnie Kray. This production lends a fresh ap-proach to the underworld crime genres especially by the fact that the Krays are twins, hinting at elements of an archetypal myth, and also that the story is seen through the eyes of their mother, Violet. Set in Britain during the turmoil of the sixties, the film was actually shot in London at many of the Krays’ actual East End hangouts. That along with great performances and a witty screenplay, are all factors lending to chilling authenticity and alternative cinema.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The 1.66:1 matted picture is of poor quality. Fleshtones are inconsistent but otherwise the picture has a natural image quality. Images are fuzzy and soft, not sharp and detailed. A slight noise permeates throughout and shadow detail is poor.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The sound has natural dialogue and well recorded music that provides subtle envelopment, otherwise standard mono.
    (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: