This "umpteenth" version of the Dickens classic, "Great
Expectations" took the reviewer totally by surprise. She'd heard nothing
but horrible things from numerous critics and friends before finally seeing it and
"hearing" in DTS on laserdisc. Director Alfonso Cuaron has created a
visual and aural feast before our eyes. While it's been significantly revised for
the 90s, the world that has been created here is actually a great homage to the master
novelist, and manages to stand up against the previous versions in terms of its spirit.
The film has a few moments that bring the magic to a sudden stop, but
overall, it's a wonderful and moving experience. The laserdisc image is wonderful
for both the DTS and Dolby Digital versions. The fleshtones are perfect, and the
cinematography is complimented with a slick and glossy transfer, virtually flawless in all
aspects. The DTS version offers more distinct effects. The benefit of
this format is noticeable in many instances. A perfect example is within the
scene wherein Finn meets De Niro by surprise. While it's a powerful moment,
utilizing distinct separation effects in both Dolby Digital and DTS versions, the DTS
version offers superior bass quality, and the scene is more powerful due to this factor.
