This movie was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, and as such, it was with some trepidation that I ordered it. A long time fan of sci-fi I was pleasantly surprised by this gem of a tale, which is both disturbing (characteristically Cronenberg) and highly comical (the running dog delivery and cApitaliSation jokes.) Equally nice is the presentation, with the image (although non-anamorphic) being crisp and sharp throughout. The sound stage is dialogue centric, but opens up the rears to great effect in the final sequences. So far as extras go, this is another example of the emerging trend of identical, if not superior R2 releases. On a par with the acclaimed Canadian release, but benefiting from PAL`s higher resolution, we are treated to 3 commentaries and a good documentary. The only features going against this disc are the `exclusive animated Dreamcast` feature, which is merely a misplaced advert for the console (the movie has a 'very strong very real anti-game theme') and the thoroughly bewildering navigation of the menus. All in, this is an above average presentation of a surprisingly enjoyable movie.
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Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Willow Smith, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson, Alice Braga
Advantages: An intriguing plot effectively and intelligently executed; valid and relevant discussion of current ethical issues related to technology; visually striking and with good cast performances. Disadvantages: Will not reward a viewer who is impatient or in need of a very linear narrative; open to charges of repetition of ‘Videodrome’; are the faults a deliberate part of the simulation or just the result of bad filming?
B.Bligh 08.07.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of eXistenZ - DVD