Intro

As a textbook definition of “drab,” this new release is pretty tough to beat.

Synopsis

John Savage is Ivan, shell-shocked soldier just back from WWII. Coming home has its own set of challenges, not least of which is his relationship with Maria (Nastassja Kinski). The two former sweethearts marry, but Ivan’s psychological baggage casts a pall over the marriage. Further complicating the mix is the arrival of seductive singer/drifter Keith Carradine. Brace yourself too for a love sc…ne between Kinski and Robert Mitchum.

Audio

The box claims that the English soundtrack is in stereo, but if it is, it’s the worst stereo I’ve ever heard. The only time I heard anything coming out of the rear speakers is when I turned off the front ones and cranked the volume. Sure, the film dates from 1984, but that’s no excuse – compare this sound with mind-blowing audio on the same year’s Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai.

Video

The picture is better, but could do with some improvement. It is presented in both 1.85 widescreen and 1.33:1 full screen. While there are no image enhancement problems, the print has some speckles and isn’t the cleanest in the world. There is also a fair amount of grain in some of the panoramic shots, and the whole affair could be brighter.

Features

The menu is still and silent. Apart from the theatrical trailer, there are also trailers for the DVD releases of When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and Fiddler On The Roof.

Closing Thoughts

There really isn’t too much to recommend here. The film is uninspiring, and the package is even less so. Anyone interested in what director Andrei Konchalovsky can do on a good day should check out MGM’s Runaway Train.

Special Features List

• Trailers