Surprise of surprises, "Gloria" isn't anywhere close to as bad as critics expressed!  In fact, this reviewer recommends it.  While I truly loved the original John Cassavetes film starring his wife, Gena Rowlands,  this version, from Director Sidney Lumet, is, ...well,... strictly Lumet.  He captures a big city like no one else!!!  Although the plot is essentially the same, the character of "Gloria" is more drawn out than before, giving her real depth and motivation.  

The transfer is excellent, with 16:9 enhancement(a welcome standard from COLUMBIA TRISTAR) adding greatly to the depth and clarity of every scene.  There's overcasting shadows to many scenes, but the detail's all there before us!!!  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is extremely active, surprisingly so, since Lumet's earlier films didn't make much usage of directional effects.  A featurette is also offered.

Thankfully, COLUMBIA TRISTAR has a treasure chest of classics, like "A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS" to pull out for eager dvd/film classic lovers!!!!  The previous letterboxed laserdisc was extremely sharp looking, but in no way came close to what's achieved in this glossy transfer.  The film,starring Robert Shaw, Paul Scofield, and Orson Welles, is a masterpiece!!!!  Great acting, a wonderful script from Robert(Lawrence of Arabia ) Bolt.  The clarity of the dvd is obvious in every scene.   The mono sound is also impressive, offering more clarity than the laserdisc.

While this handkerchief-heavy-drama,laced with humor, is often too heavy-handed,   it ultimately will win over the most discerning viewer with its charm.   Sarandon and Roberts are fine, but the atmosphere of the film is what really works, and for the dvd, that's what's most impressive as well!!!

The dvd looks splendid, with brilliant clarity on the 2.35:1 letterboxed side, (the cropped side suffers from a lack of  clarity due to it being blown up)and pristine color values in every scene!!!   There's plenty of outdoor sequences where the clarity of a well mastered dvd is made certain with the extensive folliage,etc.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound is demonstration quality, with a wonderful musical soundtrack, and directional effects that permeate through practically every scene.

Director Ernest Dickerson, previously a cinematographer for Spike Lee, creates a futuristic world for "Futuresport" that's captivating!  The plot to this teleplay is comic-book like, with few surprises, but then again, this was originally made-for-tv!!!  COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented this in both letterboxed(1.85:1) and full frame versions.  The full frame version actually offers more image, as it was shot in 1.33:1.  There's supposed to be additional footage offered, previously unavailable on t.v, but we couldn't discern what details were new.

The dvd transfer is sharp, with great fleshtones, color values, and depth.(We'll watch anything with Vanessa Williams).  The dolby surround sound, offers some directional effects, but sound is mostly channeled in pure "stereo".