Director
Roland Joffe'

Cast
Patricia Arquette,
Dermot Mulroney,
DOn Johnson,
Ellen DeGeneres,

Music
John Ottman

But; I was wrong!

This is actually a pretty cool little flick. I love a good thriller especially if it’s a little corny, somewhat humorous and includes the ever easy on the eye, Don Johnson. (Ggrrrr J )

Patricia Arquette plays the sexy Sandra Dunmore who is having a steamy affair with her brother in law Ben (Don Johnson). As a high society real estate agent, she has some perfect locations for her little interludes to take place. Ben however has some kinky and virginal plans with Peggy Blane from his office.

Sandra’s Husband and Ben’s brother Jake (Dermot Mulroney) finds out about this little affair and hence Ben finds himself pushed of a balcony. Sandra and Jake are the sole recipients of his $1m life insurance policy. Enter the witty and somewhat corny detective Rita Pompano (Ellen Degeneres). Rita can sense that something isn’t right about this supposed suicide and sets about uncovering the rest of the story.

A few tasty twists and turns makes for an interesting ending and Rita certainly provides a few laughs and a less then classical ending.

So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?

VIDEO
This 2.35: 1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is of excellent quality. The other side of the disk contains the full frame version of the movie but don’t waste your time watching that.

The film gives a predominantly dark feel, but the shadow detail is perfect with the blackest and clearest of blacks.

There are some very minor instances of edge enhancement; grain and ailiasing but all of these are not predominant in the film.

The images are always clear and sharp. Some soft focused scenes did come into it but are obviously intentional and not a transfer fault.

There are no MPEG artefacts and film artefacts are very few and far between.

The colour palette is also exquisite and brilliantly lit. With no oversaturation or bleeding but always vibrant.

AUDIO
The Dolby 5.1 audio track had it’s moments. There is one short piece of badly out of sync audio at 23:38. Dialogue was a little mumbly during the opening sequence but from then on was consistently sharp and clear.

The surround channels are used frequently but mostly for musical ambience. The bass channel was only barely used at all.

The musical Score from John Ottman was prevalent during the movie and gave good effect to the onscreen action but wasn't really a memorable track. There was good use made in the surround channels of the score though and the surrounds continually brought you into the film using the score.

EXTRAS
None

Overall I found this quite a good film and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend buying rather than renting. It does have some B grade moments but generally it was quite funny and cleverly done. Enjoy!

Review Equipment
TV: GE 68cm (16:9 selectable)
DVD: Samsung DVD909 (via S-Video)
Receiver : Yamaha RX-V595a (DD/DTS)
Speakers:-
Fronts: Wharfdale Diamond R6 (on a pair of custom made stands you'd KILL for)
Centre: Venturi
Rears: Sony bookshelf

- Reviewed 13th September 2000