REVIEWS-VOYAGER/CRITERION

CHASING AMY

    Kevin Smith's third installment of his "New Jersey Trilogy" is here, and VOYAGER has given it their typical all-frills extras.  Ben Affleck plays a comic book artist in love with another artists, Joey Lauren Addams.   The basic conflict revolves around the fact that she's lesbian.  Smith's dialogue is outstanding and recalls the best elements found in "Clerks" and the overlooked  "Mallrats."   One scene in particular, in which Holden realizes he's in a gay bar, is hilarious, and a preview of what's to come.   The transfer looks sharp, with excellent contrast and fleshtones.  The Dolby Digital surround offers more definition than found on  the standard Dolby Surround track.  Most of the separation is confined to the rear speakers.  A running commentary is provided by Director Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck and others.  There are also ten deleted scenes. Although Smith explains why they were left out, once can't help but believe several of them should have been left intact.  At least, they're available now on laser for fans to decide for themselves.   

MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN

    Alas, the first domestic letterboxed version of  Monty Python's Life of Brian is here.  Although its image suffers at time to time, it's definitely due to the quality of the original film negative.  In fact, the picture appears sharper here than in the last movie theater showing we'd seen.

    The letterboxing is at 1.85:1 and it appears to be accurate with no information missing from the theatrical release.  The stereo sound is a vast improvement over the previous p&s release.   Monty Python utilizes their vast wit in a spoof of almost every biblical film ever made as well as Star Wars.  For those who can only take Python in small doses, the film's 94 minute running time may still be too long.  However, for the fans that are out there, including this reviewer, VOYAGER IMAGE has filled this release with enough to satisfy the most demanding viewer.  In addition to the audio commentary by Terry Gilliam,Eric Idle and Terry Jones on analog track 1, a seperate analog track offers commentary by John Cleese and Michael Palin. The gang's all here, and their distinct observations provide an abundance of  funny moments. There are deleted scenes,   one of which, "The Suicide Squad" should have definitely been left in.  It's as funny as anything the Python group has ever done.  An excellent documentary film, "The Pythons,"  providing some great insight into the group as well as the mechanics behind their guerilla brand of  filmmaking, is also included.

CRASH

This reviewer didn't like anything about David Cronenberg's newest film besides Deborah Kara Unger and Rosanne Arquette. But, to be fair, the film seems so banal, that it's hard to enjoy in a theater. One can't help but feel a little embarassed at watching what unfolds on screen. It's truly disturbing. However, having had the chance to watch the film on the small screen, it somehow works. It's still inevitably flawed, the ending should anger anyone with its inconclusiveness, but, like a car accident, it's hard to take your eyes off of it. The Criterion edition has maintained the 1.66:1 theatrical aspect ratio, and the image is quite impressive, in spite of some grain. The Dolby Surround is effectively low key except for some crucial moments, and the musical score is as emotionally disturbing as the film, and also just as captivating. An audio commentary with Cronenberg is also featured on an analog track. Cronenberg's commentary is extremely interesting, and although he often leaves from discussing scenes-at-hand to discussing film in general, it's worthwhile.

SLING BLADE

Easily one of the finest examples of American Cinema in the last decade, "Sling Blade" has been given a fine tribute with this Criterion release. In addition to a stellar transfer, the sound quality is also excellent. The film is presented in its orginal 1.85:1 theatrical ratio, and the Dolby Surround Stereo does wonders in bringing to life, the small-town atmosphere Thornton sought to create. Based on a one-man-show and subsequent short film by Thornton, the story follows Karl, a mentally disturbed patient, upon his release from an Arkansas mental institution. As the story progresses, we find that Karl was jailed for having killed his mother and her lover with a Sling Blade when he was a child. We also learn that no one, and no issue is as simple as it seems. It's due to Thornton's masterful writing,acting, and direction that audiences warm up so easily to Karl's character. The supporting cast, including a surprisingly effective performance by John Ritter, is outstanding. It's actually nothing short of a travesty that the young boy who portrays Karl's newfound friend wasn't nominated for best supporting actor! The kid's outstanding! The transfer is first-rate, doing justice to a film whose low budget couldn't afford pristine glossy prints. There's little grain or noise, and contrast is sharp. The sound is also first-rate. The audio commentary is always insightful, and Thornton has an engaging manner to him that keeps the listener interested without hesitation. There are deleted scenes which are also worthwhile. Thornton introduces them and explains why they were cut. In addition, the documentary is sure to thrill any fan of the film as well as young aspiring filmmakers.