JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO

 WARNER BROS. has released a special edition of “JOE VS. THE VOLCANO” on dvd, and this underrated classic should now win over its rightful audience whom overlooked it during its brief theatrical release.  Even those viewers whom don’t care for Meg Ryan, (as is the case with this reviewer) won’t be able to help becoming endeared to her performance.  Hanks is fine, as always, but it’s the supporting cast that really stands out.  Dan Hedaya, always known for playing sleezy types of characters(Carla’s loser love interest on “Cheers”) plays the worst boss imaginable here to Hanks, playing a downtrodden, drone-like worker at a medical supply company.  After being diagnosed with a terminal disease, a Howard Hughes-like millionaire comes out of nowhere to offer: He needs something belonging to a bizarre tribe living on an island in the South Pacific.  The tribe has agreed to give the millionaire what he wants if he provides them with a human sacrifice for their volcano god.  Because Joe’s going to die anyway, the millionaire convinces him to take advantage of a financial arrangement:great wealth and a “short” life of luxury in exchange for jumping into the volcano!

The film has its own unique style and humor, and is actually probably too witty for the masses, but for those wishing to discover something off the beaten path, “JOE VS.THE VOLCANO” is a turn worth taking.  The film’s mood skillfully changes from comedy to romance to light drama and soul-searching, all somehow coming together to create something ultimately poignant and even, cheerful, in its own way.

WARNER BROS. has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement. The color values are solid and bold in every scene.  The film’s elaborate production design really shines here!  Contrast is flawless, with deep blacks and grays.

 The dolby digital 5.1 mix is fairly restrained, with almost no rear effects to speak of.  However, the front soundstage offers numerous directional effects and the rears come to life when boosting the film’s wonderful score.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.