Comedy is measured in laughs, not weight, in the Jack Black comedy Shallow Hal. Fox has done a passable job on this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, though overall this is an only mediocre effort. While the colors and black levels are all mostly solid and detailed, a fair amount of edge enhancement and haloing show up in multiple spots. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English. This is an adequate sound mix that aptly supports the film. There are a few directional effects to be found here, though nothing that would constitute a thoroughly exciting track. All aspects of the mix are free and clear of any hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are Dolby 2.0 Surround tracks in Spanish and French, plus English subtitles. Fox has made sure this DVD is worth its weight in extras, starting with a commentary track by Peter and Bobby Farrelly. While this commentary is full of funny and amusing anecdotes about the production, overall there isn't a lot of technical information to be found here. An HBO special titled "Being Shallow Hal" features actress Brooke Burns interviewing people on the street about being shallow, as well as some clips from the film. This is a fluffy yet entertaining piece that should please fans looking for a few more chuckles. "Reel Comedy: Shallow Hal" is a 22-minute piece that doesn't give one much insight on the making of the film -- it's basically an extended trailer. Next up are some deleted scenes with optional director's commentary. Some of these cut sequences are fun, though most were rightly left on the cutting-room floor. Two featurettes give the viewer a rather neat look at the special effects and body suits used in the movie ("Seeing Through the Layers" and "In the Deep End"), allowing a rare peek into the effects department. Finally there is a music video by Shelby Lynne for the song "Wall in Your Heart," a 30-second promo for the film's soundtrack, a non-anamorphic theatrical trailer, and various trailers for other Fox films.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Shallow Hal is at times a somewhat silly movie, but the message is powerful. People do need to look beyond another person's appearance to see the real person inside.
Hoosiers may be one of the most loved sports films, but it has not received the attention it deserves on DVD. Originally released on DVD by Live Entertainment (now Artisan), then acquired by MGM, this disc is lacking in many ways. The image, framed at the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, is an anamorphic transfer and shows a fair amount of grain. Still, even with the grain, the image holds up quite well, especially in the use of color. Reds, prominent throughout the film, are solid and really stand out. The sound, a Dolby Digital Surround mix, is centered up front, but is recorded far too low. It's necessary to turn up the volume in order to hear dialogue, but needs to be lowered when the rousing music begins. The only soundtrack is in English. Closed captions are available in only English. As for extras, there aren't very many. There is only a trailer, which is a real shame, as a commentary or a documentary on actual Indiana high school basketball would be a real treat. It is hard not to love this film, but one is saddened that more could not be done for the disc.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.