Film Reviews by None

Regularly listed as one of the best ever British films this was the film that made Richard Harris a star. It's a powerful film, unflinching in it's portrayal of the problems that can hit young men with too much money.

But why do Cinema Paradiso send out a 4:3 version? The film was shot in 5:3 (1.66:1) and (newer) r2 DVDs are available with this ratio so why are getting palmed off with crap older ones that spoil e original composition of the image?

FARAON is a great film, one of the best of the whole epic genre with sumptuous visuals a nicely paced plot. It's ruined, however, by Cinema Paradiso's DVD which is dubbed with no other options. It has a big impact on the film, not least because the actors who can only find work dubbing are not exactly at the top of their field. So see this, just don't get it from Cinema Paradiso. ***** for the film: ** for the version.

Far more of a grotesque abomination than any of the imagery in this film is the fact the the DVD is in 4:3 not the original 1.85:1. Call me film snob if you want, but I want the rest of my image, almost as if Lynch might have carefully composed his images.

I tried the Bluray version at first, but when that didn't work on either of my Bluray players, I sent it back and got this instead, not realising it was 4:3. Boo.