One of, if not the most, successful films in Mexican history, “EL CRIMEN DE PADRE AMARO” has been released  by COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  Gael Garcia Bernal stars as a priest in love with a young woman from his church, is sad, funny, disturbing, and even beautiful, all at different times. 

Because it’s so hard to define, it makes watching and re-watching it a welcome experience. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  Colors are solid, and the image is outstanding in every way. There’s great depth, and the contrast is also wonderful, allowing for excellent definition in darker scenes. Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented both a Dolby Digital 5.1 in English and Spanish, but the dubbing is so bad, that only the original track is recommended. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included a running commentary with the film’s director and Gael Garcia Bernal.  It’s a decent enough commentary for fans of the film, but there’s probably not enough production information in it to please aspiring filmmakers.  However, both have a certain type of camaraderie which is conveyed throughout, in an appealing manner.  Because this film adaptation of the 19^th century novel is so literal, and the way it’s filmed, it is a bit difficult at times to discern one character’s motivations from another, as they’re typically voiced off-screen.   

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has also included a “MAKING-OF FEATURETTE,” but it’s not only short, it’s also a mediocre self-promotional fluff piece.  

Additionally, there is a section with promotional art for the film, as well as trailers.