"28 DAYS', the latest Sandra Bullock film is now available as a "Special Edition" from COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  Bullock stars as Gwen Cummings, an alcoholic sentenced to serve "28 days" in a rehab after demonstrating her "problems" by smashing her sister's wedding cake, right before smashing a limousine into a home!  Director Betty Thomas is more restrained here than usual, offering a delicate balance in a film that always teeters close to going off the deep end.  The rehab offers an opportunity for Bullock to confront her own inner-demons as well as some interesting characters.  Steve Buscemi is terrific here, and the entire supporting cast is wonderful.  The film's really big problem is its indecisiveness! It doesn't know whether its trying to be a comedy or drama, and it often tries too hard to be both.  Any revelations that come out are too cliched for their own good.  Still, the script has its moments, and the film doesn't become overly sentimental. 

The transfer looks spectacular!  There's no artifacting anywhere!  Fleshtones are natural, and the various outdoor sequences reveal great depth and clarity with vivid colors and perfect shadings of colors that are flawless!   There's no grain either!  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix isn't extremely active!  However, especially with the outdoor sequences, there's a natural balance  and the atmospheric effects make this a "realistic" sound mix, with well focused center dialogue remaining intact and clear.  The musical score isn't particularly memorable, but it sounds fine, and gets its own isolated 5.1 track for any fans it may bring about.  There's a very busy commentary with Thomas, the producer, composer & editor.  It should please any fans of the film as it covers everything leading up to , during, and after the film's production.  There aren't the typical long gaps found in many other commentaries.  There is a "making-of" featurette" offering more interviews, behind-the-scenes" moments and more, but it's all promotional.

The narrative structure can be confusing, and it's a testament to Griffith's acting ability, that her character comes off so convincingly.  We truly feel for her characters' awakening to a completely new and unsettling world. The story really confronts the issue of "being careful what we wish for!".   The plot device looks at what would have happened had she accepted a marriage proposal years before and started a family.  The results of this family, and the difficulties of parenting troubled children come into full play here, and it's often remarkable, but "sometimes" sluggish as well!

The dolby digital 5.1 sound offers little in the manner of rear speaker directional effects.  The dialogue is centered for the most part, while there are some musical interludes utilizing all speakers.  There are also some atmospheric effects in which rear speakers come to life.

The transfer is extremely sharp with no artifacts and generally fine contrast.  The picture is a little too soft at times, but fleshtones are natural and colors are wonderful.  There is a little grain at times, but we noticed this in theatrical release too.

There is an audio commentary with the film's director.  Unfortunately, it's one of the driest commentaries we've heard.  It's very matter-of-fact, and while we were pleased with "all" of the information relating to the acting and how certain scenes were set up, much of the commentary is "ho-hum".

One of the finest foreign films in recent years, "THE COLOR OF PARADISE", has been released from COLUMBIA TRISTAR!

Director Majid Majidi shows there is hope for the world, by demonstrating a film exploring the capacity of the human heart, and its ability to flourish, even in a country as disgusting as the current Iran.  The story follows the incredible pains of a young blind boy, after being dumped by his father on another blind man to learn a skill.  There's much beauty in the world, even a sightless one, as the young boy meets decent, caring people, in an otherwise dangerous and hostile surrounding.  Because the boy can't see the inhumanity around him, he forces others to confront it "And" his unwaivering optimism.  It's staggering to watch!!!

The transfer is wonderful.  The 1.85:1 anamorphically enhanced transfer offers great depth and resolution!  The colors are vibrant and one can almost "feel" the surroundings come into view three-dimensionally.  Director Majidi uses a strong palette of colors here, brilliantly!  The mono sound (Farsi) offers no effects, but is perfectly rendered.  Subtitles are easy to read.

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