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"Leave
the unknown alone" |
Reviewed by
Cass Nunn |
Director
Roman Polanski
Cast
Johnny Depp,
Frank Langella,
Emmanuelle Seigner,
James Russo
Music
Wojciech Kilar |
(2.35:1)
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English
|
Isolated Music Score, Comm 1 |
| Subtitle/s
|
English |
| Region Code
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4 |
| Chapters
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30 |
| Disc Format
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DVD9 |
| Running
Time |
132 minutes |
| Extras |
- Theatrical Trailer
- Featurette
- Production notes
- Gallery of Satanic Pictures
- Cast and Crew Bios
- Isolated Music Score
- Audio Commentary |
| Classification
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MA15+ |
| Distributor
|
Univeral
Pictures |
| Rental
Release |
9th
May 2001 |
| Web
Site |
Ninth Gate |
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Johnny Depp is another actor who is really starting
to shine in his work and the Ninth Gate is great example. He plays a rare book dealer Dean
Corso who is less than respectable in his work but none the less seems to make a good
living from ripping people off in the rare book trade. He is sought after by another
questionable collector Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) who is a well know collector of rare
and very expensive books all pertaining to the Devil. He has in his possession a copy of a
book called "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows" which is widely known to
be able to raise the devil. However he has no success in doing this and seeks to find out
if his book is fact genuine.
Mr Corso is sent on an al expenses paid trip to Europe to examine the other two copies
of the book and find out which one if any or all are actually genuine.
The bulk of the film is based on his encounters and of course misadventures alone the
way. His trip brings with it murder and mystery and several attempts at his life as the
book has become quite a sought after commodity.
The finale of the film is of course the crux of the film and is well worth the wait! |
So how does this transfer hold up?
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VIDEO
Well this Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer is nothing short of a reference
quality transfer. I was amazed at the quality of this transfer given that this is not a
big profile film. The images and sharp and clear at all times, there is no grain, mpeg
artefacts, aliasing, shimmering or film artefacts.
The colour palette is simply superb; it gives somewhat of
an era feeling to the film but still has bright vibrant and natural colours where
required. Shadow detail is exquisite and the transfer has some of the deepest and darkest
blacks on offer.
The best and greatest example I have seen in a long time of a good transfer can be seen
in the closing credits of rolling flames against a pure black backdrop. Sat in awe as I
watched this transfer. |
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AUDIO
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is similarly impressive.
Clean clear dialogue throughout and the subtle use of the surrounds to support small sound
effects and a simply superb score.
The surrounds are used effectively throughout the film but
given this is not a big budget action film there is not a lot a room for impressive
effects. The .1 lfe channel is used on occasion but is not really required much.
. |
EXTRAS
- Theatrical Trailer
- Featurette: A very short collection of interviews with
Polanski, Depp and Langella. Disappointing as this could have been an amazing making of
feature.
- Production notes: these are a must read and help bring the
background of the story together.
- Gallery of Satanic Pictures: A collection of the etchings
featured on the book.
- Cast and Crew Bios: Standard Biographies
- Isolated Music Score: a great score from Wojciech Kilar but
there are some lengthy delays in the music.
- Audio Commentary by Roman Polanksi
Overall
This gets top marks in almost all categories. I can do nothing but highly recommend this
film as an addition to your collection. |
| PICTURE
QUALITY |
10/10
perfect |
SOUND
- Quality
- 5.1 WOW Factor |
9/10 fantastic
7/10 wasn’t needed anyway |
| EXTRAS |
5.5/10 average |
| EXTRAS |
9/10 Fabulous! |
Review Equipment
TV: GE 68cm (16:9
selectable)
DVD: Pioneer 737
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V595a
Speakers:-
Fronts: B&W 602 (on a pair of custom made stands you'd KILL for)
Centre: Venturi
Rears: Wharfedale Diamond R6
Sub: M&K v75
- Reviewed 26th August 2001
* jpeg files for internet
promotion use only. Copyright© exists on all aspects of these files by Universal Pictures |
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