| "Fifty million people watched, but
no one saw a thing" goes the tagline to Buena Vista's latest DVD offering of
the 'Quiz Show'. Based on a true story and directed by Oscar nominated Robert
Redford and starring John Turturro (The Big Lebowski). This is a great film which follows
the story of Herbie Stempel (Turturro) who has been winning on the nationally broadcast
'Geritol Quiz Show'. Stempel becomes addicted to the following fame & fortune until he
is unceremoniously dumped by the NBC for newcomer Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes -
Schindlers List). Stempel enraged at being forced to give the wrong answer by the network
therefore ensuring Van Doren's success as his replacement decides to 'tell all' that the
Quiz Show was rigged. Stempel approaches a member of the Congressional Subcommittee for
the Federal Government stating that all the contestants were given the answers prior to
the show's live screening. What follows is a gripping story of the lies, deceit and
attempted cover ups by Van Doren and the NBC before the final Congressional hearing. This is an excellent film and believe me you'll not watch 'Sale of
the Century' the same way again.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up??
Overall the video transfer is very good. No artifacting, shimmering or aliasing was
evident. Fleshtones were natural and colours well rendered. The film is thankfully
anamorphically enhanced and is free of film grain. Given the style of film presented the
video transfer is very acceptable.
Okay, let's talk audio. The DVD audio track is presented in
Dolby Surround. This is very good overall, dialogue is well anchored to the centre channel
and was very easy to understand. This is not the type of film you put in to show off your
audio system to your mates so a Dolby Surround track is fine. Other tracks are French
& Italian. A few ambient noises can be heard from the surround speakers at times.
Extras, what extras. There are none. The DVD comes with
scene access and that is it. A minor gripe to but a major gripe to others is the fact that
the disc is a dreaded 'flipper'. But the flip placement is not too bad. I think a good
anamorphic transfer which this has overides the flipper negative any day. But RSDL
technology should be used as often as possible though.
Overall, an excellent film and a very good DVD. If you enjoy this movie then go out and
grab the DVD, you won't be disappointed. Recommended.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
8/10 very acceptable |
| SOUND QUALITY |
8/10 very good overall |
| FEATURES |
1/10 none!! |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T43W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Toshiba SD2109 (Region Free & S-Video)
Receiver: Yamaha RXV995
Speakers:-
Fronts: Polk Audio RT55's
Centre: Polk Audio CS350
Rears: Polk Audio AB705's (Ceiling mounted)
Subwoofer: M&K V125
- reviewed 4th December 1999 |
