ARTISAN has released one of the best films dealing with Viet-Nam, "Hamburger Hill".  Not only is the dvd transfer sensational, but it has received a new dolby digital 5.1 soundtrack, adding tremendously to the overall effect of the film.   Based on an actual incident, taking place in 1969, the film is extremely violent, and unrelenting in its depiction of the horrors of war.  Although, even at its most violent moments, it pales in comparison to "Saving Private Ryan", it still shakes the viewer.  The script is compelling, and the acting is always believable.  

The transfer flawlessly captures the various colors that director John Irvin carefully uses to contrast the film's opening moments by the Viet-Nam memorial to the jungle itself, with perfect replication! ARTISAN has also chosen to offer 16:9 enhancement which further improves on an already excellent picture! The dolby digital 5.1 sound offers great bass moments as well as adding significantly to the depth of atmosphere acheived by the Philip Glass score.

Darren Aronofsky's "Pi" has been acclaimed at the Sundance Film Festival as well as by most critics.  With this in mind, fans of this film will be pleased with the supplementary-filled edition offered by ARTISAN.  Not only is there a compelling commentary with the director, but a separate one with the main actor Sean Gullette.   There is also a deleted scene segment, consisting of 4 scenes with an option of commentary.  There is also a music video sequence and more.  The film's premise, a mathematical genius may have found the numerical code unlocking both secrets to wall street "and" the text of the bible, is captivating.  Unfortunately, in this lone viewer's opinion, the film is too confusing, disturbing, depressing, "and" disatisfying to recommend on its own merits.  However, I did find the dvd viewing experience far superior to that of the theatrical release. 

The transfer is excellent.  The film is black&white, so contrast levels are important, and this transfer is flawless in its rendering of blacks and grays.  The letterboxing is only 1.66:1, so if viewed on a 16:9 screen, this non-anamorphic transfer will cut off more of the top&bottom than a typical 1.85:1 transfer.  The dolby surround sound is excellent, offering various directional effects and adding great tension to the eerie synthesized musical score.

Director Ted Kotcheff has made some fine films, First Blood, Apprentiship of Duddy Kravitz, etc.  It's mostly due to his skill that in spite of a low-brow plot like that found in "Weekend at Bernies" , that the film is so entertaining!  The film has a "fun" atmosphere from beginning to end!  It not only feels good, it looks and sounds good too!  ARTISAN has thankfully presented a crisp transfer to their DVD release!  The picture has great clarity, vibrant colors without oversaturation, and the proper aspect ratio!  The Dolby Surround sound is also in fine shape.Although not overly active with directional effects, the musical elements are enhanced greatly.