One of the best foreign films in years, "CHARACTER," has been released by COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  Based on a famous Dutch novel, "CHARACTER" is self-descriptive.  The film has been compared to the works of Dickens, and rightfully so.  For the most part, the film takes place in Rotterdam during the 1920s, as we follow the rise of a young man from a life of poverty to scholarly success. The film has a terrific production design and the camera moves in and out of tenement buildings, busy streets and more, providing a sense of what that period may have felt like.  The film opens with a young man confronting Dreverhaven, a man he apparently hates, for reasons unknown to us.  The young man is in custody for Dreverhaven's murder, and the rest of the multi-layered tale is told in a flashback sequence, before returning to the present.  The young man, Jacob Katadreuffe, is burdened like Job.  Born to a detached mother, who was basically raped by Dreverhaven, a wealthy and despicable bailiff.  The mother wants nothing to do with Dreverhaven, although the man wants to marry her.  Her refusal to accept either his love or assistance leads to a life of great hardship for her and young Jacob. Still, Jacob has great abilities and tries hard not to be a victim.  He actually teaches himself English, by repeatedly looking at books left behind in an old room he inhabits.  Eventually, fate brings him to a law firm, where his abilities are recognized by a truly decent man, whom ends up taking on the role of both mentor and father figure.  In fact this man ends up defending him in court when his real-father tries to ruin him.  Jacob learns many important lessons, helping him develop into a fine man, most dealing with "CHARACTER."  Needless to say, "CHARACTER" is a great film

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has rpeserved the film's 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The color scheme is intentionally muted at times, capturing the solemn atmosphere of the tenement buildings and industrial areas depicted.  However, colors do become rich and vibrant, for calculated effect during pivotal moments.  There's great clarity in every scene, and contrast is flawless, allowing for incredible depth to many of the darker, nighttime sequences.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

The Dutch soundtrack is presented in DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 sound.  This is a dialogue-driven film, with numerous characters, so surround effects aren't pivotal, and this isn't an aggressive mix. Still, there are some pleasing ambient effects, and the film's score is outstanding, and complimented through all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.