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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Star Wars: Episode I


    Genre: Science Fiction

    Reviewed In Issue 54 (Nov 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Pernilla August & Frank Oz

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 4
    DD Sound Rating: 5
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
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    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 3.5
    Internet Links
    http://www.starwars.com
    Special Features
    Finally...a Star Wars movie on DVD! Given the irony in that this DVD is clearly the most anticipated release ever, yet so many people seemingly disliked the movie, is the DVD actually worth the wait.? Absolutely! The Force is definitely with home theatre fans with this release. Many Star Wars fans were disappointed back in 1993 when the Definitive Collection LaserDisc set was released, with its partial commentary tracks and apparent lack of focus in having a comprehensive array of supplements assembled. This most certainly is not the case with the Episode I DVD. On Disc One is, of course, the movie...only here it runs approximately three minutes longer than in theatrical release. There


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): 2002391
    (MPAA Rating): PG
    (Rating Reason):
    (Retail Price): $29.98
    (DVD Type): Two DVD-9 Discs
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 136
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1999
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 10/16/01
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): Yes

     Credits Information

    (Director): George Lucas
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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    (Supervising Sound Editors): Subscribe Now!
    (Re-Recording Mixers): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

    (DVD Soundtrack): Subscribe Now!
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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:


    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD picture is quite impressive. When compared to the previously reviewed Japanese import LaserDisc, the detail is excellent. Also very much improved is the contrast and color balance. Hues are better defined on the DVD, with no smearing. Viewed alone, images are sharp and finely detailed, though some scenes appear somewhat lacking soft. Colors are rich and well-balanced, with natural fleshtones, and truly deep blacks. Contrast and shadow delineation appear to be nicely rendered, providing excellent visual information in the darker scenes. Of course, the visual effects are stunning, and the many computer-generated images are sharp and detailed, with superb color. Unfortunately, the "dark side" of this DVD is unquestionably the amount of edge enhancement noticed throughout. Its presence can be downright terrible, but many scenes are free from its distraction. There is also some shimmering noticed in finer details. Overall, the visual presentation is truly an exciting experience, and the disc will surely be viewed many times over due to the exciting sonic experience. But sadly, edge enhancement can be obtrusive enough to downgrade the picture from reference quality. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    The Dolby

    This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
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      WSR DVD-ROM Review
    DVD-ROM Enhancements Rating:
    Mediocre

    DVD-ROM Review:
    Even though most titles that only include Web links do not get reviewed as DVD-ROM enabled discs, Episode I is different in that it offers online features only available to those with the DVD. This includes advanced information on the upcoming Episode II. Also, down the line, there will be more information about the hidden features in your copy of Episode I. As of the time this title was to be reviewed, the most prominent feature available to those with the disc was the ability to see the first Episode II trailer before it was aired to the general public at starwars.com. I assume that down the line subsequent trailers will also be shown the same way. To view this special DVD owner material, just point your favorite Web browser towards dvd.starwars.com. (Danny Richelieu)

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