Epitomizing the heights of “tabloid journalism” all three major networks aired their own “tell all” versions of the Amy Fisher story, all in the same week eleven years ago!  Some may have forgotten shows like “Hard Copy,” but they thrived upon the kind of sensationalism that this story is made from.  While there’s no debate that Amy Fisher shot the wife of Joey Buttafuoco, the older man she’d had an affair with, there are different perspectives concerning how innocent he was in the whole matter.  While we have a bias towards seeing anything sexually exploitative with Alyssa Milano, Drew Barrymore makes the ABC version, “THE AMY FISHER STORY,” now available on dvd from ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT, worth watching. 

While Barrymore may is viewed as possessing a certain cuteness to her now, she was downright sexy ten years ago, and her sex-kittenish looks help provide a steamy atmosphere to the story.  Surprisingly enough the actual shooting incident is barely touched upon, focusing instead on Amy’s motel sessions and other encounters. All the while, Barrymore fans get to view her in one sleazy outfit after another. The narrative device to this story focuses on a New York Post reporter researching the incident, Amy Pagnozzi.  Harley Jane Kozak is miscast in this role, and it provides some unintentional laughs as her character is meant to provide some depth to the project.  It’s hard to take anything about this film seriously, as the acting and writing is so inconsistent.  Even when it’s unintentionally bad,” it’s still campy fun!  Additionally, the jacket promotes that this version includes additional nudity, obviously unavailable in the original broadcast. There is a brief sexual interlude, but it’s obviously not Drew on screen.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio for this transfer.  Colors are solid, even rich at times. Contrast is a bit disappointing, as the lack of delineation between blacks and grays causes a lack of definition in darker scenes.

 
ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided a stereo mix for this release.  There is some minor separation, but overall, fidelity is mediocre.  Dialogue is intelligible and free from distortion.