Prozac Nation DVD Review

by Casimir Harlow
Movies & TV Shows Review

Prozac Nation DVD Review
MSRP: £18.59

Picture

Prozac Nation is presented in a fairly average 1.85:1 aspect ratio anamorphically enhanced widescreen transfer. The detail is acceptable but un-exemplary, with some excellent clarity but occasional, sporadic softness that is simply disappointing. Although there is no overt grain, the softness does make the movie seem a little hazed and out-of-focus from time to time. There is no noticeable edge enhancement and no other digital artefacts to mention. The colour scheme seems dilapidated - perhaps to suit the material - much of it looking correctly realistic rather than overly glossy. The blacks are largely solid and deep but overall the transfer is not quite as good as I would have expected from such a recent production.
Prozac Nation

Sound

The main track is a Dolby Digital 5.1 effort with the main focus on the dialogue - understandable considering that it is the most important aspect of the soundtrack - coming from the frontal array. There are few effects, limiting the use of the surrounds, but the lovely, subtle score - and, in particular, the fairly frequent gigs and loud rock music played - allow the rears to see some of the action. They even provide for a bit of bass support, although nothing to write home about. It is a solid and well-defined mix for this movie, perfecting suiting the material.
Prozac Nation

Extras

Aside from a couple of trailers played on start-up - the fun Ricci horror Cursed and the quaint little drama Dear Frankie - there is only one single extra feature. Anatomy of a Scene is a twenty-minute Sundance Channel Original Production where Ricci, the director Erik Skjoldberg and some of the rest of the cast and crew discuss a single key scene from the movie. Talking about the book and how they brought it to life, it is an interesting dissection of a small part of the movie, cramming in a great deal about the whole production despite its small focus. Ricci discusses her character, the director talks about the story and the screenwriter draws parallels between his script and the very similar original biography. They talk about the supporting cast, the set design and the way the movie was shot, occasionally offering split-screen comparisons. There are a few too many segments from the main feature itself, with too little behind the scenes footage and on-set stills along the way but overall it is well worth your time if you liked the main feature. The one shame is that there is no input from Elizabeth Wurtzel herself.
Prozac Nation
Christina Ricci is reason alone to watch this moving and harrowing tale that follows a very troubled young lady through her highs and, more frequently, her lows. The video presentation is perfectly adequate, the audio treatment slightly more enthusiastic and the extras are limited to one good but not comprehensive feature. Although it may not be to everybody's tastes, if you like Ricci or like your painful stories of life's many journeys, then this is definitely worthy of your time and consideration. It gets a recommended rental from me, but still has the potential to become a part of anybody's collection.

Scores

Movie

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.
.
7

Picture Quality

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.
.
.
6

Sound Quality

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8

Extras

.
.
.
.
6

Overall

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.
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7
7
AVForumsSCORE
OUT OF
10

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