| SRP $27.96 | 1.85:1(16:9) | DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1/DTS 5.1 | COLUMBIA TRISTAR |
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Love his films or hate them, Director Ken Russell's films have certainly made an impact on other filmmakers as well as music videos. "TOMMY" is actually a lengthy music video, filled with elements, both good and bad, affecting its overall quality. Russell tries to assault the viewer's senses, and he succeeds, sometimes miserably! There is a lot in "TOMMY" that is discomforting to watch. It's not an enjoyable film. However, it is amazing at times, and while extremely depressing in spots, it even has moments of beauty. It's conceivably much like an acid-trip gone bad!
Robert Powell and Ann-Margret are husband and wife. When Powell is killed during combat in Europe, his wife, Margret, gives birth to Tommy. She takes on a new lover, Oliver Reed, and when Powell returns home, injured but very much alive, Reed kills him. Tommy witnesses the act, pushing him into a state wherein he loses his sight, hearing and speech! The rest of the film involves Tommy being shuttled around from one character and horrible situation to another, in the attempt to restore his senses.
As already mentioned, Russell's visuals can be too much on the eyes. One can't be bombarded with images without it taking a toll, and "TOMMY" should come with "tylenol." The one visual delight in the film is Margret. It's easy to see why she was so popular at the time. In "TOMMY" she looks the way one wishes a sex-kitten would age,...she's absolutely beautiful, even when covered in beans, as in one over-the-top sequence.
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a top-notch presentation for this release. It's much brighter and sharper than the previously available version. However, the improved resolution also shows the image's flaws. The film's colors are surprisingly lackluster in many spots. Fleshtones appear natural. Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays.
Being a Superbit, "TOMMY" has both a Dolby Digital "and" DTS 5.1 mix. Both mixes show off an improved ambient atmosphere. The musical orchestration is impressive at times, but like the visuals, often bombastic! There are some worthwhile surround moments, but most of the effects are focused towards the front soundstage. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.
The DTS version has better clarity and bass control than the Dolby Digital mix.