COLUMBIA TRISTAR has gone back to their catalogue for this release to time in with the Christmas Holiday.  The film bombed before in its initial holiday opening, but perhaps new dvd audiences will finally take a chance with this unusual comedy.

Steve Martin stars as the owner of a phone help line, and it's he that's in need of help, with Christmas approaching, his girlfriend just having dumped him, his landlord trying to evict him, and having to let his eccentric but likeable employees know they're about to be out of work.  This is a dark comedy in many ways, and for those who've gravitated towards Nora Ephron's lighter work, "You've Got Mail", and "Sleepless in Seattle" this may be too dark for them.
 

The supporting cast is great, with Gary Shandling as the nefarious landlord, Madeline Kahn, Anthony LaPaglia, and even Adam Sandler, making up some of Martin's help.

All of the characters in this story are left of center. There's a transvestite, and he's got less problems than most of the people depicted!  There is some actual christmas cheer that makes its way through by the film's ending, but this isn't a "family" christmas viewing special! 

The film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio is intact with 16:9 enhancement.  While the image is somewhat soft, the colors are fine and contrast is excellent.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. A pan&scan version is also offered, but the letterboxed framing is preferred.

The Dolby 5.0 mix is fair, but lacking in any major difference from the 2 channel mix that's also offered. The musical score takes on a slightly more prominent display,  but there are no rear speaker effects or separational moments on either track.  Dialogue is generally well focused towards the center channel.