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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Ghost Writer, The

    Featured In Issue 149, July/August/September 2010

    Picture4.5
    Sound3.5
    WSR Score4
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    Summit Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    66115508
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG-13
    (Rating Reason):
    Language, brief nudity/sexuality, some violence and a drug reference
    (Retail Price):
    $40.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    128
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    A
    (Theatrical Year):
    2010
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    08/03/10
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Roman Polanski
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    When a gifted ghostwriter (McGregor) is hired to write the memoirs of former British Primer Minister Adam Lang (Brosnan), he quickly finds himself trapped in a web of political and sexual intrigue. Lang is implicated in a scandal over his administration's harsh tactics, and as "The Ghost Writer" digs into the politician's past, he discovers secrets that threaten to jeopardize international relations forever. Based on the book "The Ghost" by Robert Harris. (Gary Reber)

    Special features include the featurette "The Ghost Writer: Fiction Or Reality?" (HD 10:46), the cast (HD 11:48), and an interview with Director Roman Polanski (HD 08:38).

    The 1080p AVC picture exhibits a natural, but dreary Massachusetts look, especially evident in the exterior scenes. The color palette is natural with well-balanced hues. Fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout. Contrast is well balanced as well, with excellent shadow delineation and deep, solid blacks. Resolution is revealing of fine facial features and object textures, especially during close-ups. Overall, this is a pleasing picture that presents a very natural visual experience. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is generally monaural focused, with closely-miked dialogue that is wanting in spatial integration. The music score is nicely recorded, with a wide and deep soundstage that spreads to the surround channels. Atmospheric sound effects are effective when pronounced and aggressively present in the surrounds. As well, sound effects are at times directionalized. There is limited aggressive surround energy, but occasionally the effects provide an engaging presence in the surrounds. Bass extension is limited as well, but the low-frequency foundation to the music score is solid. Overall, this is a nicely produced soundtrack with a haunting music score, but generally monaural focused. (Gary Reber)

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