WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Before and After
Genre:Drama

Reviewed In Issue 22 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson, Edward Furlong, Alfred Molina, Julia Weldon, Daniel Von Bargen, Allison Folland, John Heard & Ann Magnuson

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 3
Sound Rating: 3
Download WSR Review
Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
Internet Links

Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): Hollywood Pictures Home Video
(Catalog Number): 7047 AS
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Retail Price): $39.99
(Running Time In Minutes): 108
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1996
(LD Release Date): 9/9/96
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): Barbet Schroeder
(Screenplay/Written By): Ted Tally
(Story): NA
(Music): Howard Shore
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Stuart Wurtzel
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor): Lee Percy, A.C.E.
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): Roger Birnbaum & Joe Roth
(Co-Producers): Chris Brigham
(Producers): Barbet Schroeder & Susan Hoffman

DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.67:1

DVD Sound Information
(DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
(Theatrical Sound): Dolby Digital
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Before And After is a “controversial and provocative” drama featuring two of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson star as Dr. Caroline Ryan and her husband Ben, a successful couple who are faced with a gut-wrenching dilemma. Their teenage son, Jacob (Edward Furlong), is accused of murdering his girlfriend and he is nowhere to be found for questioning. The close-knit community is rocked by the murder and turns against his family as a result. The ensuing investigation pits husband against wife over the issue of defending their child at all costs, or telling the truth in this examination of responsibility.

LaserDisc Picture:
The matted 1.67:1 picture delivers subdued and slightly undersaturated colors with grayish fleshtones. Generally sharp and detailed with excellent shadow detail, only the slightest noise and minor artifacts are apparent.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is conventional throughout, possessing a monaural emphasis. Surround envelopment and occasional sound effects are subtle. There is a wonderful orchestra score with a beautiful string section which weaves through the soundtrack. Dialogue is ADR-produced and wanting in spatial presence. Overall, the result sounds “manufactured.”
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
(Aggressive System Surround):
(Intense 25Hz Bass):
(Deep Bass Challenging):
(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
(Holosonic Soundfield):
(Aggressive Split Surround):
(Center Back Surround Imaging):
(Directionalized Dialogue):
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: