MSRP: £27.98
Picture
Framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphically enhanced the image here is crisp and detailed looking. Colours are deep, rich and true to life. I noticed virtually no video noise at all; even in dark shadows the picture has a very clean look. I did notice some edge enhancement, but this was never a distraction. Strangely, for such a modern movie, there are quite a few areas of the film that appear to suffer from print damage and I noticed quite a few nicks and scratches throughout.
Overall, though, the image is smooth and detailed and any criticisms I've made are of a fairly minor nature.
Overall, though, the image is smooth and detailed and any criticisms I've made are of a fairly minor nature.
Sound
In America is a dialogue driven movie. The rears do come alive at times, mainly for musical reasons, and although certainly never of “reference quality” the Dolby Digital 5.1 (384Kbps) audio track is never less than perfectly adequate. Not one, then, to show off the abilities of your amp/speakers setup, but more than able to help convey the feel of Manhattan life.
Extras
This is a dual sided disc - on side A there is a Full Screen version the movie of, along with audio commentary and deleted scenes. Side B has the widescreen version, repeat of the audio commentary, and short making-of feature. The rear cover does mention an alternate ending, but I can only assume this has been included with the deleted scenes. Jim Sheridan's audio commentary is performed with a smooth and laid back delivery that gels perfectly with the style of the movie itself, although if you prefer a more get up and go type of commentary it may take a while to get used to.
The nine deleted scenes don't really add much by way of extending the movie in any form, but again, listening to Sheridan explaining why he deemed them unnecessary for the movie is quite enlightening.
The Making Of Featurette is frankly a bit feeble... which is really no more than can be expected - it lasts all of five minutes and one second!
In America gets the thumbs up from me. It has strong performances all round, under tight direction by a man who knows exactly what he wants to achieve. The best recommendation I can give the movie, aside from it making me bawl like a baby, is that having watched it twice for this review... I'm eager to put it back on for a third viewing! Definitely recommended.
The nine deleted scenes don't really add much by way of extending the movie in any form, but again, listening to Sheridan explaining why he deemed them unnecessary for the movie is quite enlightening.
The Making Of Featurette is frankly a bit feeble... which is really no more than can be expected - it lasts all of five minutes and one second!
In America gets the thumbs up from me. It has strong performances all round, under tight direction by a man who knows exactly what he wants to achieve. The best recommendation I can give the movie, aside from it making me bawl like a baby, is that having watched it twice for this review... I'm eager to put it back on for a third viewing! Definitely recommended.
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