| SRP$19.99 | 2.35:1(16:9) | DOLBY SURROUND | BUENA VISTA |
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Before Kate Winslet became known for "TITANIC," and before Director Peter Jackson became known for "LORD OF THE RINGS," they both worked together in "HEAVENLY CREATURES," a powerful and provocative film based on the true story of two girls accused of a brutal murder.
Pauline and Juliet meet at a school in the '50s, and instantly become best friends. While excluding themselves from others, they create their own fantasy world wherein majestic knights exist, and they're both quite regal. Jackson brilliantly depicts the unsettling effect of their imaginary world existing within a more real, less accommodating world. As the two get more caught up in their world, they begin to lose their sense of reality, and Juliet's mother, wanting to protect her, decides to end their friendship, with horrifying results.
Although released previously on laserdisc, this is the first time the film has been available in its extended form, allowing for roughly ten minutes of restored footage. The footage helps to define the girls' relationship better, making what was before subtle overtones of lesbianism, more apparent.
BUENA VISTA has preserved the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement. It's generally sharp, although colors are a little subdued. Contrast is fine, with deep blacks and grays. Fleshtones appear natural. A decent transfer, but it still deserves better.
The Dolby 2.0 Surround mix is effective. This isn't an aggressive mix, but surrounds provide some ambient effects, and there are even a few directional effects in key scenes. Most of the directional effects are reserved for the front soundstage. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.