Jeremiah Chechik’s remake of “Diabolique” has been released on dvd with a Dolby Digital 5.1 remastering, and an anamorphic transfer.  Sharon Stone and Isabelle Adjani star as the wife and mistress of the very cruel Chazz Palminteri.  The film has a slow, methodical pace that actually builds in tension until the film’s climax, which will please as many as it disappoints.  Chechik utilizes various cinematic effects, film speeds, colors, and “sound” to great affect.  In some ways, it actually seems as if these enhancements will improve upon the original, but, ultimately,  Henri Clouzeout’s original film has more has more atmosphere, and more of a disturbing, satisfying payoff.  The acting is first rate, with Sharon Stone giving a fine performance as the “cold”, unsympathetic mistress.  Kathy Bates’ character, a detective investigating the disappearance of Palminteri, comes off like a poor man’s “Columbo”, something entirely inappropriate for the plot. 

The 1.85:1 transfer is 16:9 enhanced, offering a mostly slick look to the film overall, although it’s a little soft in spots.  However, there isn’t the grain problem present in the laserdisc version.  Most pleasing is the 5.1 mix, filled with directional effects and great bass on the LFE track.  Note: sound levels vary from time to time, requiring some adjusting.

Director Peter Hyams demonstrates great talent when given the right material, eg. "The Star Chamber”, and now   “STAY TUNED”.  While not a masterpiece, this family-oriented film stars John Ritter and Pam Dawber as two unlikable heroes thrown into various television scenarios, including a homage to “Three’s Company” and a great Chuck Jones Cartoon, where both appear as cartoon characters.  The pace picks up after a slow start, and there are plenty of laughs.

The transfer has sadly not received the full 2.35:1 ratio or been enhanced for 16:9 viewing.  Still, the picture looks sharp in spite of inconsistent contrast.  The dolby digital 5.1 soundtrack has a restrained sound mix, but the directional effects add a great deal to the film’s enjoyment.

Matthew Perry  correctly suspects his new neighbor, Bruce Willis, is a gangster turned snitch in “THE WHOLE NINE YARDS”.  Rosanna Arquette plays Perry’s greedy wife bent on turning in Willis to the mob for a fee.  Her plan sets in motion more complex scenarios as Perry becomes more involved with Willis’ continuing criminal activities, and the body count begins to rise.  While there’s some very funny moments, there’s a lot of violence, though not in the same successful manner achieved in “PULP FICTION”. 

Even though we noticed some minor artifacts, this WARNER BROS release exhibits an extremely impressive picture., and the 16:9 enhancement only aids in the display of vibrant colors and wonderful definition.  Contrast is perfect.  The dolby digital 5.1 mix is aggressive, featuring virtually non-stop directional effects, and the wonderful score adds to the already outstanding surround environment.   Director Jonathan Lynn provides a running commentary that’s mostly production oriented.  While not very entertaining, it should prove worthwhile for any aspiring director or film student. 

WARNER BROS. Has given the overlooked “MY DOG SKIP” the wonderful treatment it deserves.  Kevin Bacon stars in this nostalgic look at a “boy and his dog”.  Kevin Bacon gives one of his best, restrained performances as the father of a young boy whom is given a dog as a birthday gift.  The film carefully blends drama and comedy as the small town Mississippi setting and WW2 period present plenty of opportunities for loss and redemption. The entire cast is excellent, including the title character, a wonderfully gifted dog, whose trainer along with child star Frankie Muniz and the film’s director, all provide running commentary.  There are also deleted scenes, all of which are impressive on their own, but would’ve hindered the perfect pacing achieved in the final film.  There’s also a biography of the novelist, whose story has been adapted here, Willie Morrie.  While we only wish they could’ve secured the rights from Morrie’s interview with Charlie Rose, this is a wonderful “Special Edition”.

 The 1.85:1 aspect ratio has been enhanced for 16:9 viewing, offering a wonderful looking picture with rich colors and great detail, in spite of minor artifacts.  The contrast offers deep blacks and grays.

The dolby digital 5.1 mix offers a wonderful environment.  While it’s not extremely aggressive, it always sounds natural.  It has its share of directional effects and some LFE bass moments, but is most effective in its rendering of the moving film score.

Natalie Wood and Rosilind Russell star in the film version of the hit play, “GYPSY”.  Wood is wonderful as the “Burlesque dancer” dealing with an overbearing stage mom and a would-be stepfather, played magnificently by Karl Malden.  While the story has its narrative problems, this is a musical first, and as a musical it works well!  The musical numbers stand on their own merit, and the song “You Gotta Have a Gimmick” is a real show-stopper! 

 The 2.40:1 image has been enhanced for 16:9 viewing, and appears windowboxed.  There is great resolution.  Fleshtones are accurate, and the contrast is fine, although there is minor grain.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix offers no real directional effects, except for the musical numbers which utilize surround sounds with great accomplishment.  The LFE bass adds to the range of the score.