Former cinematographer turned director Ernest Dickerson’s latest film, “BIG SHOT: CONFESSIONS OF A CAMPUS BOOKIE” is an extremely entertaining, often funny, look at college-life, and the travails faced by those seeking big money, fast.  Based on the true story of Bennie Sillman, a kid from New York, finding temporary success as a college bookie, the film has a captivating style to it.  Dickerson uses film techniques that we’ve already seen in every Scorsese film, but they still work here.  The voice-over, subjective camera angles, violence, and more, all come together in actually helping the film rise above its cable-tv content. 

The acting is excellent, and Nick Turturro, of “NYPD BLUE” fame, is on hand briefly to add even more to the film’s stature, and he does so impeccably.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX has presented the transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  Colors are rich in some sequences, enhancing the film’s atmosphere significantly in key scenes.  It’s a slick looking image throughout. Contrast is in good shape, offering deep blacks and grays. Fleshtones appear natural. 

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX has presented a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix for “BIG SHOT: CONFESSIONS OF A CAMPUS BOOKIE,” and it too, is impressive.  The film features a terrific score and a fair share of surround/directional effects complimented through all the speakers.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

Some supplements have been included with this edition, including a highly entertaining commentary with the real Bennie Sillman, Dickerson, producer Kevin Messick and the film’s star, David Krumholtz.  These guys get along well, and offer their own unique personality in describing the filmmaking process, as well as some interesting tidbits about various personalities involved with the film. 

Additionally, two featurettes are also offered.  Both explore, in capsulated form the events leading to Sillman’s eventual downfall.  They feel a little redundant after seeing the film, but it’s still entertaining to see the real Sillman in the 2^nd featurette.