Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
WSR Detailed DVD Review
Series 7: The Contenders
Genre: Thriller

Reviewed In Issue 59 (April 2002) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Brooke Smith, Glenn Fitzgerald, Marylouise Burke, Richard Venture, Michael Kaycheck, Merritt Wever & Will Arnett

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
Download WSR Review
Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.series7movie.com

Special Features
Includes audio commentary with director Daniel Minahan, a 12-minute director


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): USA Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 963060243-2
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Strong violent content and language
(Retail Price): $24.95
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 87
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2001
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 12/18/01
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Daniel Minahan
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
(Story): Subscribe Now!
(Music): Subscribe Now!
(Director Of Photography): Subscribe Now!
(Production Designer): Subscribe Now!
(Visual Effects): Subscribe Now!
(Costume Designer): Subscribe Now!
(Editor): Subscribe Now!
(Supervising Sound Editors): Subscribe Now!
(Re-Recording Mixers): Subscribe Now!
(Executive Producers): Subscribe Now!
(Co-Producers): Subscribe Now!
(Producers): Subscribe Now!
(Academy Awards): Subscribe Now!

  DVD Picture Information

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

  DVD Sound Information

(DVD Soundtrack): Subscribe Now!
(Theatrical Sound): Subscribe Now!
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack): Subscribe Now!
(DTS Bit Rate): Subscribe Now!
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate): Subscribe Now!
(Additional Languages): Subscribe Now!
(Subtitles): Subscribe Now!
(WSR Superb Sound Qualities): Subscribe Now!

  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Under the guise of a deadly reality TV show, Series 7 The Contenders follows six competitors (normal people living everyday lives) who are randomly (and at times unwillingly) picked by lottery, given a gun, assigned a cameraman, and turned loose to kill off one another until a lone champion survives. The reigning champion, Dawn (Smith) has just one round to go before she wins her freedom from the show. However, to do this she must return to her hometown for the hardest tour that she has ever endured. (Suzanne Hodges)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD exhibits images that are supposed to be sourced to appear raw and amateurish. The video-sourced images are nicely rendered, with generally accurate fleshtones and deep blacks. The picture lacks fine detail and definition, but images are generally sharp. Some source element artifacts are noticed. For what the picture is intended to look like, the DVD should be satisfying. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
This rather interesting Dolby