"Girl", a new release from COLUMBIA TRISTAR, is imperfect, but is still highly entertaining, as it demonstrates the best that "indie" films have to offer.  "GIRL" plays like an "independent" film, although the budget looks higher than most.  Dominique Swain stars as an 18 year old girl obsessed with a local grunge rock band lead singer.  The film tries its best to deal with many of the topics so prevalent on shows like "Dawson's Creek", without the corniness.  For the most part it works,  the casting is terrific! The best part of the plot explores why people try to define themselves, whereas the characters they aspire to be like, are "nothing" like they seem, eg. the importance of "self-acceptance".  Sean Patrick Flanery and Tara Reid are better than they've ever been before.  Fans of Reid will be shocked at how uglied she's allowed herself to become for the role. She's quite good!  While the subject of teenage angst and isolationism never seems to fail in intriguing this reviewer, some of the film is so cliched(anorexia, etc.) that it's hard to take seriously.  A good portion of the film actually promotes the groupie life-style as fun, something that doesn't change until the film's almost through!

    The quality of the dvd is impressive!  Good color values and contrast although there's some grain present, evidently from the master source.  Fleshtones are consistent.There's no artifacting. 

The dolby surround sound offers minimal directional effects, but is highly effective during the frequent musical numbers, and the original musical score is terrific.  The surround  offers a wide range of separation and bass.  There's an audio commentary with the director and Dominique Swain that's better than the actual film.  They both speak matter of factly, commenting on the film as it plays out, but also giving the insight and depth the film somehow lacks.

There's also a brief featurette with behind the scenes interviews and clips.  It's well done, and we wish the film lived up to the expectations that the featurette suggests.

"MIFUNE" is a Danish import that is part of the "Dogme" movement!  This "wave" of film making, like many independent films stresses the use of natural lighting, sound, and real settings.  There's no artificial music, and so on.  As the director explains in the excellent running commentary, the movement tries to get back to the essence of storytelling, concentrating on the script and acting!  While the film is refreshing the story doesn't break from many "Hollywood" conventions.  The main character, Kresten, has many semi-comical problems arise, as long kept secrets are revealed, due to a surprise phone call at the time of his pending wedding.  There's a retarded brother, a family past involving suicide, and much more that Kresten tries to hide.  While there's quirky comical moments, there's also some tender moments that achieve their goal in making this a romantic film.

The transfer is a mixed bag.  Because "Dogme" technique stresses natural lighting, etc.,  there's inherent grain and contrast problems throughout the film.  Still, the storytelling works magnificently well, and the images are often impressive.  There's no artifacting. 

The mono sound is fine, with great clarity throughout the film.  Subtitles are in yellow, and easy to read.

An excellent audio commentary is provided with the film's director.  He speaks perfect english, and his insight, not just into "Dogme" but filmmaking itself, makes this a must-have for any aspiring filmmaker, or movie lover. While one would expect the spontaneity of "Dogme" to create a confusing film.  He explains Dogme isn't as much a style, as a set of rules!  Because so many obstacles are presented via natural lighting, sound, etc., more planning is needed! We also find out that every frame is from a hand-held camera, and it's a surprising revelation, due to the stability of images in most scenes.  Godard would be proud!!!!