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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Besieged


Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 46 (Mar 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Thandie Newton, David Thewlis & Claudio Santamaria

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.newline.com

Special Features
Includes audio commentary by Bernardo Bertolucci and Clare Peploe, a behind-the-scenes featurette focusing on the craft of Bertolucci, cast and director filmographies, the theatrical trailer, and a second commentary track featuring James Lasdun reading his short story on which the film is based.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): New Line Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): N4859
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Rated R for brief sexuality.
(Retail Price): $24.98
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): Yes
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 92
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 1998
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 12/21/99
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Bernardo Bertolucci
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Besieged by her past in a country that arrested her peace-loving husband for anti-government sentiments, Shandurai (Newton) sets out to make a new life for herself. She finds employment in italy, working for an eccentric British composer (Thewlis) who soon falls in love with her. Willing to do anything to make her happy, Shandurai asks Mr. Kinsky to help free her husband from prison. Based on a story by James Lasdun. (Laurie Sevano)

DVD Picture:
The windowboxed, anamorphically enhanced 1.66:1 DVD exhibits mediocre picture quality, with images that are generally soft overall. Colors are rich, with good balance, but are a bit smeared, with undefined blacks, especially in interior scenes. The darker scenes are wanting in visual information. Occasional instances occur in which pixelization or aliasing problems are noticed. Overall, the picture is unimpressive. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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