PARAMOUNT has released the unusual and overlooked film, "WHO IS CLETIS TOUT."  While it's likely to alienate as many viewers as it wins over, it's got enough humor, creativity, and fine performances to recommend it.

Director Chris Ver Wiel utilizes various storytelling techniques to fashion this tale about mistaken identity, love and stolen loot.  Christian Slater and cellmate Richard Dreyfuss are cellmates who've successfully escaped from prison.  Finch(Slater) has a friend from the outside, a forger, create a new identity for him. Unfortunately, it belongs to "Cletis Tout," a blackmailer who's recently extorted money from a crime boss, and is now wanted, ...dead!  The unique story encompassing the rest of the film, revolves around a hit-man, named Critical Jim, and his mark, Finch(Slater.)  Of course, Jim has been hired to kill Cletis Tout, and while awaiting the final payoff to complete his job, he's strapped Finch to a chair, and wants him to tell him a tale, and his yarn is thoroughly entertaining, and very well written.

The flashbacks and other cinematic devices may be troublesome to certain viewers, but if one's patient and sticks with the film, it offers many great moments. There are plenty of inside jokes, and enough film knowledge cited by movie fan/hit man, Critical Jim, to please movie lovers all over.

PARAMOUNT has preserved the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The colors are excellent, offering vibrant textures and great detail. The contrast is also impressive, with deep blacks and grays.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.   i

PARAMOUNT has presented a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, which offers little in the way of surrounds.  Still, this is a dialogue-driven story, and there are a few decent directional effects in the front soundstage. The wonderful musical score is complimented through all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.