Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we? Follow me back to that bygone era known as the eighties. Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer were consolidating their formula for slick, commercial fluff, Harold Faltermeyer’s synthesized scores were inescapable, and Steven Bauer actually rated star billing.
Synopsis
Steven Bauer is a professional cat-burglar, aided and managed by cocaine-sniffing restaurant employee David Caruso (looking geekily young). On one particular job, Bauer finds, amid hi… loot, the diary of Barbara Williams, who is not finding her marriage as fulfilling as it could be. Armed with the knowledge in the diary, Bauer sets out to seduce Williams, fulfilling her most private fantasies.
Some films from the eighties have aged well. This one hasn’t.
Audio
The 5.1 surround seems to have been reserved for the exclusive use of Harold Faltermeyer. The score, omnipresent, maddening, is loud and strong, but you’ll likely wish it were otherwise. Dialogue is good and clear. But sound effects? What sound effects? Very rare indeed from the rear speakers. The only environment is provided by the music.
Video
The flesh tones are good, and the blacks are deep and solid. In fact, they’re almost too deep and solid: the film looks a bit dark in some scenes. The format is 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, and the print condition is good, though there is some grain.
Features
Nothing. Lots of these discs lately, bereft even of a trailer. The start of an unfortunate trend?
Closing Thoughts
We’re still waiting for a definitive DVD release of Metropolis. But Thief of Hearts is out on disc.
