SRP$44.95 2.35:1(16:9) DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1/DOLBY SURROUND COLUMBIA TRISTAR

COLUMBIA TRISTAR is continuing to package some of their previously released titles as combination packs, and one of the better ones to come out in a while is the package consisting of “LEON” and “SUBWAY.” 

“LEON” is the extended “director’s cut” of “THE PROFESSIONAL,” which was also previously released on dvd.  Jean Reno plays a hitman, whom has befriended the stunningly beautiful(for age 12)little girl next door, Mathilda(Natalie Portman), after her father, mother and young brother have been murdered by some even more corrupt DEA agents, including Agent Stansfield(Gary Oldman).  While many have praised Oldman’s performance, this reviewer believes it to be the one major flaw in the film. It’s too over-the-top. Oldman’s an undeniably gifted actor, but he’s just horrible here!   After several false-starts, “Leon” ends up taking the girl under his wing, and teaches her to be a hit(woman). 

The extra 24 minutes that are included in “LEON” flesh out the story in greater detail than the American version, “THE PROFESSIONAL.”  It’s certainly the one to get, even if one already owns the American version.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The colors are a bit subdued at times, but it’s generally well polished, and contrast is fine.  Fleshtones are natural throughout.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented a Dolby digital 5.1 mix for this release, and it’s terrific!  The score is effectively boosted throughout all speakers, and there are numerous directional and panning effects.  LFE effects are put to great use as well. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

There are several trailers, and an audio option for the isolated musical score. 

The 2^nd feature comprising this two-pack, “SUBWAY” is certainly less appealing to the masses than “LEON.”

Christopher Lambert falls in love with the wife of a rich man he’s looted. He’s not afraid to risk death as he plans to meet with her again, allegedly to return her possessions, even as her husband has his henchmen searching the “subways” for him. 

While some may find the visual metaphors of the class struggles between the rich(above ground) and the poor(living below in the subway)heavy-handed, it does work! It’s not an overly memorable film, but it holds the viewer’s interest for the whole film. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  Colors are restrained for the most part, but they’re still “outstanding” when compared to the cheap, muted looking pan&scan version released by another studio in the past.  Contrast is fine, in spite of some grain in darker scenes. Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included both a French and English-dubbed 2.0 mix. The dubbing isn’t horrible, but it’s not nearly as effective as the original mix.  Surrounds are utilized in a sparse, but effective manner. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.