WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Cure, The
Genre:Family

Reviewed In Issue 17 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Joseph Mazzello, Brad Renfro, Diana Scarwid, Bruce Davison, Annabella Sciorra

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 4.5
Sound Rating: 3.5
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
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Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): MCA/Universal Home Video
(Catalog Number): 42525
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Retail Price): $$34.98
(Running Time In Minutes): 99
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1995
(LD Release Date): 11/1/95
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): Peter Horton
(Screenplay/Written By): Robert Kuhn
(Story): NA
(Music): Dave Grusin
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Armin Ganz
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor): Anthony Sherin
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): Todd Baker & Bill Borden
(Co-Producers): NA
(Producers): Mark Burg & Eric Eisner

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): DTS Digital
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
The Cure is a moving film about the friendship of two boys over the course of one summer. Tragically, one of the boys is dying of AIDS and the two become comrades despite the adamant protests of the other’s mother. Harassed by practically everyone, 11-year-old Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) finds support and solace in the company of Erik (Brad Renfro). When the pair read of a “miracle cure” in a tabloid it sends them on an adventurous quest, reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn, down the Mississippi River, only to be sidetracked when Dexter’s condition worsens. Outstanding performances by the two boys increases the impact of an already powerful and touching story.

LaserDisc Picture:
The matted 1.85:1 picture is natural looking with excellent detail and sharpness. Fleshtones are naturally rendered, blacks are deep and solid and there is no noise or artifacts that distract from the pleasing visual experience.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is essentially monophonic throughout with the exception of the stereo music score that provides envelopment and the occasional sound effect directed to the surround channel. The Dave Grusin music score is pleasant and compliments the mood.
(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: