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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Donnie Brasco


    Special Edition
    Genre: Drama

    Reviewed In Issue 45 (Jan/Feb 2001) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
    DD Sound Rating: 3
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 4
    Internet Links


    Special Features
    Includes audio commentary, two featurettes, deleted scenes with optional commentary, photo gallery, the theatrical trailer and talent files.


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): 05272
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Rating Reason):

    		 Rated R for some strong graphic violence, pervasive strong language, and for brief nudity and sexuality.
    (Retail Price): $29.95
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 127
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1997
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 11/07/00
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Mike Newell
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

    (Principal Photography): Subscribe Now!
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    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Based on the book by Joseph D. Pistone with Richard Woodley, Donnie Brasco features Johnny Depp as an FBI agent who takes on the persona of gangster Donnie Brasco and maneuvers his way deeper into the mafia chain of command with the help of Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). As he tries desperately to keep the balance with his real-life family, Donnie realizes he is not only crossing the line between federal agent and criminal, but is also leading Lefty to a death sentence.

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD appears to be the same transfer as the sharp and detailed DVD reviewed in Issue 29. Contrast and shadow detail are excellent with fine detail in the darker areas. Color fidelity looks natural with accurate fleshtones, rich and warm colors and deep blacks. However, some background smearing is noticed, as is occasional edge enhancement that prevents this DVD from reference quality. Fine film grain is revealed throughout, but is rarely distracting. Overall, a pleasing picture. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    The Dolby

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