Killing Fields
Director Rolland Joffe' has made only one really good film, "THE KILLING FIELDS", and it's now available on dvd from WARNER BROS.  Following the relationship between reporter Sydney Schanberg and a Cambodian reporter as they cover events taking place inside Cambodia in the 1970s, "THE KILLING FIELDS" gives a unique and moving perspective on yet another front of the Viet-Nam war. Sam Waterston is great here, offering the kind of restraint needed to carry off the role.  In another stroke of ingenious casting, Joffe' selected Hiang S. Ngor, a real Cambodian refugee for the part of the Cambodian reporter   John Malkovich also gives one of his finest performances "ever" as a journalist willing to take any chance for a
story.  "THE KILLING FIELDS" is a great film on many levels!  To begin with, it's a great character study.  By watching how all of these characters interact, we are given the opportunity to see how the War affects individuals from various backgrounds. It's also a good history lesson.  Few, if any have truly understood whom the Khmer Rouge were, and how vile their existence, even today, is to mankind!  These animals made their own countryside into "KILLING FIELDS". 
Enough can't be said about the acting.  Ngor won an Oscar for his performance here, and it is but one of many things from the film that will remain with the viewer long after the film has ended.
WARNER BROS. has preserved the 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The detail is outstanding!  There is great resolution in every scene.  The unusual landscapes come alive with vibrant color. Fleshtones appear natural. The contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays.  None of the grain, persistent on the laserdisc, can be found.
WARNER BROS. has presented a 2.0 surround track here.  While it's
limited in fidelity, there are some engrossing surround effects, especially during battle sequences.  However, most of the separation is limited to the musical score.  Dialogue is well focused, always intelligible, and free of distortion. 
WARNER BROS. has included an audio commentary with Joffe.  For most of the two hours, Joffe's commentary is energetic and entertaining!  He offers plenty of insight into the filmmaking process as well as the historical subtext behind much of the film and its effects on the script.