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Dragnet
R2 - United Kingdom - Fabulous Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (12th February 2016). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** This is the city... and only Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks can save it in this hilarious box-office blockbuster that pays homage to the famed original police drama of the 50's and 60's. Aykroyd is at his comedic best as the namesake nephew of Detective Sgt. Joe Friday. Like his uncle, he's a blue suited, by-the- rules cop who reluctantly joins forces with his footloose partner Pep Streebek (Hanks) to rescue the City of Angles from the machinations of a power-mad Reverend and corrupt Police Commissioner. And those are "just the facts" of this hysterically funny action-comedy.
Video
Fabulous Films have licensed the eighties cop comedy "Dragnet" from Universal Pictures, and have released what is an exact port of Universal's disc they released way back in 2003. The film is given an anamorphic transfer at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (original aspect ratio is 1.85:1), and unsurprisingly, whilst an obvious improvement on VHS, is not quite up to the standard we have come to expect for catalogue titles (though is the standard of the time of the original disc). It appears as though the master for this release is dated considerably further back than 2003, with there being some noticeable damage in the print throughout the run time. It never becomes an issue as such, as it generally consists of low level dirt and small blemishes, with no major damage to be concerned with. Detail is distinctly average with external scenes faring much better than internal scenes. Clothing details are fine, with more minute patterns of Tom Hanks suit among the highlights. Whilst close-ups are fine though, some of the mid to long range shots appear slightly hazy and clunky, particularly the writing on shop fronts, and brick work of buildings. Colours are good, though on occasion blacks could have been deeper. Skin tones can look slightly warm but are generally not too shabby. Some mild banding can be seen in the sky during day time external shots, but there are no large-scale or extensive problems. I have seen many eighties catalogue titles on DVD and this sits firmly in the middle when it comes to transfers. Not great, but far from poor. The feature is uncut and runs 101:35 PAL.
Audio
The following tracks are included: - English Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - Czech Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - German Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - Hungarian Dolby Digital 1.0 - Polish Dolby Digital 1.0 For my viewing, I obviously opted for the original language English Dolby Digital 2.0 track which is surround encoded, even if it sounds much closer to being a stereo track. Dialogue is easy to understand at all times (even if not crystal clear), which is an absolute must for Dan Aykroyd's fast moving dialogue, and there are no issues with mumbling or inconsistent volume levels. The score by Ira Newborn is pretty basic and formulaic, but suits the tone of the film well and is managed by the sound stage without any problems. Channel separation, when it occurs, is done well with good directionality. There are no signs of damage such as scratches, drop outs, or pops, and I didn't notice any background hiss. Subtitles are available in Dutch, English, and Swedish.
Extras
A basic selection of extras are included, and they are self-explanatory. Production Notes Cast and Crew Biographies: - Dan Aykroyd - Tom Hanks - Christopher Plummer - Harry Morgan - Alexandra Paul - Dabney Coleman - director Tom Mankiewicz Theatrical Trailer (1:29)
Overall
An enjoyable little romp with Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, is given a sufficient but unspectacular disc. Worth picking up cheap for fans.
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