Brian De Palma's underrated masterpiece Carlito's Way finally gets a Collector's Edition DVD treatment by Universal, although fans who've been awaiting an extras-packed disc might find themselves being sorely disappointed with what's been released. Technically, the disc looks and sounds exactly like the previous 1998 release, with the exceptions of a sorely needed anamorphic transfer of the 2.35:1 widescreen picture and the addition of a French 5.1 and a Spanish 2.0 Mono tracks, which go alongside the original 5.1 English mix. The main bonus feature of the disc is "The Making of Carlito's Way," a meaty documentary that includes chats with director De Palma, book scribe Edwin Torres, writer David Koepp, and producer Martin Bregman. Clocking in at 30 minutes, the various interviews provide great insight to the making of the film as discussions range from the origins of the character to the hardships needed to bring the stylish tale to the big screen. Given the initial bad reaction to the film and Universal's first slim DVD treatment, it's refreshing to finally hear some of the heavy-hitters talk about Carlito in hindsight. Rounding out the disc is the only other extra listed on the back of the box: the Photo Gallery. Made up of three different sections, it includes a throwaway Portraits Gallery, a cool Brian De Palma section dedicated to shots of the director on the set, and a packed, although suspicious, Posters Gallery, whose unlabeled designs don't quite represent any international one-sheet or are listed as being early mock-ups. With the inclusion of the original theatrical trailer and a few throwaway recommendations, that's pretty much it for the disc. For a "collector's edition" in this day and age, it's sad to see Universal put so little time into this release. Previous owners of Carlito's Way will undoubtedly be enticed by the new featurette, but there's little to nothing else worthy of notice in this re-release for which to jump for joy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miller's Crossing is the Coen brothers film that few are familiar with, which is a shame, since it's one of their best works. For the most part, this DVD does justice to an amazing work of art. The high point is unquestionably the image. Framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, it's impossible not to recognize Barry Sonnenfeld's gorgeous cinematography. Of particular interest are the browns, which permeate the film. They are warm and full of detail, as is the remainder of the color scheme. The darkness of the film is obviously part of the Coens' master plan, and it comes across spectacularly here. It's refreshing to see that this film wasn't give a lesser treatment. The 4.0 Dolby Digital soundtrack can't match the visuals, but that doesn't mean it's not noteworthy. Though surrounds are rarely heard, there is some separation up front, giving the film extra life. Sadly, the supplemental features are rather thin. Though good, an interview with Sonnenfeld on a number of subjects related to this film just isn't enough. It seems clear there is so much more that could have been discussed, but simply isn't. Brief interviews from Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, and John Turturro don't have the time to add much either, though the actors' love of this film is quite obvious. Finally, along with a photo gallery of meager proportions, are trailers for this film, Raising Arizona, and Barton Fink. While lacking in some ways, Fox has done just enough to satisfy the fervent legion of fans that adore this film.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This two-sided, Dolby Digital 5.1 DVD offers both anamorphic standard (1.33:1) and widescreen (2.35:1) versions of the film. The DVD plays rather dark throughout, possibly enough to require an occasional adjustment of one's television brightness knob. Nevertheless, the scenery is stunning, the outdoor shots panoramic, and the action sequences evocatively directed. Also included with this DVD are brief production notes (text only), two theatrical trailers, and English, Spanish, and French subtitles. The audio track is available in English only. The remastered music plays clearly and with adequate bass and treble in surround mode; the film's audio effects are well integrated into the soundtrack without any distracting pr unexpected background noises. The picture, though sharp throughout, has poor contrast here and there due to the omnipresent darkness, shadows, and flesh tones.
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.