DESPERADO

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has just released the first of their new line of "SUPERBIT"
dvd presentations. Unlike most of their standard releases, the "SUPERBIT"
releases will substitute regular "extras" such as trailers, commentaries,
and more, allowing for the extra "freed-up" space to be utilized for more
visual and audio information, offering a "superior" image. The process will
automatically improve the overall image in comparison to its While the
quality of individual releases may vary based on the original film source,
they should all look and sound superior to their previously released
counterparts.

"DESPERADO" is the first major-studio release from Director Robert
Rodriquez. Basically a bigger budgeted remake of his independent "low"
budget film, "EL MARIACHI", Antonio Banderas stars as a man seeking revenge
for the killing of his girlfriend. After a hilarious opening sequence, the
film quickly picks up an action-packed pace, filled with pyrotechnics and
the rapid editing style Rodriquez has stamped so many of his later films
with. Banderas gives a credible performance in the title role, and Salma
Hayek is both erotic and convincing as the new "girl" in the film.

As mentioned above, the "SUPERBIT" line sheds any and all extras to make
room for more picture information to be presented at a higher bit-rate,
hence "Super" bits.

Although both previously available versions of "DESPERADO" look fantastic,
this new transfer is superior in many instances. While all the versions are
similar in terms of fleshtone accuracy and general color values, the detail
is noticeably enhanced here! This is most noticeable when examining things
often taken for granted in most releases, such as background information.
Everything is more defined here. Nothing appears hazy.

While there are no supplements, COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included their usual
variety of subtitles.

Perhaps "most" importantly, in addition to a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix,
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has added the option of a "DTS" 5.1 mix too! This is
generally an aggressive soundmix, with plenty of gunfights and explosions.
There are plenty of directional effects in the front soundstage, and
"surrounds" are used with great affect during the action sequences. The
Dolby Digital mix is excellent, but it's the "DTS" mix that we recommend!
Even though it's not encoded at the typically higher rate often associated
with the format, the increased bass levels and improved bass is noticeable
throughout most of the presentation.