It's a mystery why this film wasn't a box office blockbuster!!!!  This is a terrific film!  One of those rare events wherein one feels they've been taken somewhere wonderful and are saddened when it ends. Wanting a three hour film to go on speaks for the magic of the film itself.  "Suggested" by the film, "Death Takes a Holiday", it bears no resemblence to it other than the fact that death takes over the body of a victim, Brad Pitt, to explore what life's all about.   Four gifted screenwriters have developed a splendid tale of love, honor and purpose in this exploration of the human spirit, that's touching, funny, and unforgettable. 

Director Martin Brest continues to improve with each film he makes.  While, like "Scent of a Woman", the film moves at a deliberate pace, it's never boring, but each individual scene manages to stand on its own.  The film actually improves with repeated viewings! 

The transfer is excellent!  The wonderful visual compositions are left intact with all their romantic lighting and glossy hollywood "of yesterday" appeal.   Both laserdisc and dvd offer a demonstration quality transfer, but the dvd has a slight edge in that it has anamorphic enhancement for 16:9 tvs.  While the sharp transfer compliments Brad Pitt, it also helps in establishing actress Claire Forlani as one of the most breathtaking beauties Hollywood has ever produced.  Grace Kelly would've had stiff competition had Ms. Forlani been around in her time.  

The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound on both laserdisc and dvd is equally outstanding.   Director Martin Brest truly knows how to utilize the impact of music to individual scenes and the film as a whole.  The score from Thomas Newman makes this worth owning alone!!!!  The sound mix is extremely active, assisting in its use of directional effects at key moments, as well as adding a wonderful LFE track for atmospheric effects, e.g. the film's fireworks in the end!!!   GRAB THIS QUICK!!!!!