LIVE/REVIEWS

This reviewer was never as impressed with "The Fabulous Baker Boys" as most critics have been.  The tale about two brothers and the turn of events that occur after taking on Michelle Pfeiffer as part of their lounge act, has its moments, but it's slow paced.  It's been recently remastered on laserdisc in letterbox from Pioneer, but this DVD version offers the best picture quality.  The stunning definition and color quality help prove just how beautiful Pfeiffer really is.   It's a little disappointing however that the wonderful soundtrack wasn't mixed for Dolby Digital 5.1.

   While the Pioneer Special Edition of Platoon was an outstanding tribute to Oliver Stone's masterpiece as well as an example of the capabilities of laserdisc, the new DVD features a substantial improvement in both sight and sound over an already impressive laserdisc.  The detail to every nighttime jungle scene is exquisite. Shadows are actually sharp in low lit scenes.  Even more impressive is the Dolby Digital(5.1) soundtrack.  The Special Edition laserdisc release explained that the sound had to be remixed for improved quality and surround sound.  The Dolby Digital track takes these improvements even further.  Unfortunately, the rear speakers are only active for atmospheric effects.  No bullets fly from one rear speaker diagonally to another and many of the effects that certainly could have made this awsome, are sorely missed.  This release features basically the same supplements offered in the Special Edition laser release.  There's running commentary by Oliver Stone as well as a commentary with Captain Dale Dye.  The same excellent documentary offered with the laser release is also included.  Only thing missing,...the script.

For the first time, Basic Instinct is available in Dolby Digital(5.1), and it makes a difference! The film itself, has major flaws in its conclusion, but it's fun getting there. Douglas, an investigator, is trying to solve a gruesome murder that may or may not have been committed by the woman he's falling in love with, Sharon Stone. It's a shame that LIVE didn't opt for the uncut version offered on laserdisc, but Jerry Goldsmith's score is even more entrancing now and the film's packed with sound effects. The picture is offered on alternative sides in 2.35:1 or pan & scan, and it looks wonderful. The film's production design utilizes various color schemes that are never even remotely hindered in the DVD transfer.

Live Entertainment is promoting the DVS(Descriptive Video Service) option to their releases as much as their DVD product, and well they should! At first, we were under the impression that while a nice humanitarian gesture for the visually impaired, the idea of describing a film as highly special effects oriented as Terminator 2:Judgment Day would only be annoying. We were wrong! The DVS featured on this title is far superior to what we've heard on some older films running on television. It's like reading a well constructed script. That's not to say the DVD doesn't overdo it at times! Do we really need to hear "Concentric circles form to create a large, silver C" to describe what the Carolco logo looks like? The DVS option definitely has its place, and we endorse it, at least if it continues to be as well produced as exampled with this release.

We were also a little disappointed to find that this title is strictly the theatrical version, not the expanded director approved version with so much more! Still, it's the first time it's been available in Dolby Digital AC-3(5.1) and that alone makes this fantastic! The surround sound effects jump with great enthusiasm around the room. More importantly, while there had once been worries that DVD compression would hinder special effects heavy films, "everything" about this picture looks terrific! The title has been processed with a dual layer format, meaning there's no need to flip the disc over. Also, the chapter search menu actually has scenes in full motion, not just stills. We hope this becomes the rule, not the exception in future DVD releases.