COLUMBIA TRISTAR is offering a "Collector's edition" of TAXI DRIVER, well worth the price, even if you own the already existing excellent version, previously offered through COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  At no added cost, the new purchasers get an even sharper transfer(no artifacts anywhere!!!!)a making-of-documentary,storyboard sequences, the entire original screenplay, and more.  There are some great interviews here!!!  

The transfer is basically the same, although the picture is shaper with more definition, and more distinguishable difference between grays and blacks.  The sound is phenomenal, really complimenting the wonderful Bernard Herrmann score.

"Dancing at Lughnasa" is one truly depressing film.  While there are some wonderful moments, even inspiring, the conclusion is so dismal, that it makes one wonder "why" did the award winning playwright Brian Friel opt for things to consistently go so bad?  The acting is superb. Everyone is wonderful

The dvd transfer is exquisite, with exceptional detail in every scene.  The clarity is greatly assisted by the 16:9 enhancement offered from COLUMBIA TRISTAR.   The dolby surround sound mix offers little in the way of directional effects, but the score is almost unforgettable and really captured wondefully here with a full range.

Minnie Driver stars as a young jewish woman, hiding her identity and falling in love while working as a governess to a wealthy english family in "THE GOVERNESS".   There are some fine moments, and little is predictable, but the film falls short in its conclusion, taking a predictable road rather than the innovative approach to narrative structure that precedes it.

The transfer is extremely sharp for the most part, although we noticed some problems with clarity in some of the darker moments.  However, for the most part the transfer looks exceptional.  Check out the film's opening candle-lit sequence for an example of the detail quality.  The surround sound is fine.

Completely overlooked in theaters, "Shadrach" is a small, but involving film, perhaps best suited for the pleasures of dvd home viewing experience.  I loved this film!!!  It may not make big statements, but it says what is says well!!!  The story involves an old man, "Shadrach" whom has come to the home of a poor white family to seek their help in burying him on their estate, where he was raised as a slave.   The story moves along at an engaging deliberate pace.  The acting, especially by Harvy Keitel, is wonderful.

The dvd transfer is flawless!!!  Every sequences jumps out with lively colors and pristine fleshtones.  There's a wonderful score by Van Dyke Parks that brings another hypnotic dimension to the surround soundtrack as well as atmospheric effects.