Synopsis
Welcome to North Bath, New York, a small town where everyone knows everyone, and thebest-known figure is Sully (Paul Newman). His landlady (Jessica Tandy) is his former 8th-gradeteacher. He works off and on for Bruce Willis, and while the two men appear to hate each other,they also weirdly look after each other. Newman flirts shamelessly with Willis’ neglected wife(Melanie Griffith). Newman walked out on his own family many years ago, but during theChristmas season his son …nd grandson re-enter his life. Seeing his son’s life collapsing in all-too-familiar ways, Newman begins to assume his responsibilities as a parent. This tale could soeasily have been soppily sentimental, but the understated approach keeps things under control, asdoes the consistently droll tone. Time Out describes this film as “quietly superb” and I can’tthink of a better way of capturing the feel of this unqualified delight.
Audio
The sound comes in both 5.1 and 2.0 versions, but you might wonder why they bothered. Thesound is extremely front-heavy, with virtually nothing by way of sound effects coming from therear speakers. This is not true of the music, however, which is given a nicely enveloping mix.The dialogue is perfectly clear, and that is what really counts with this movie, when you get rightdown to it.
Video
One terrific anamorphic widescreen transfer. The blacks are superb, and the colours are verywarm, meshing well with the feel of the film as a whole. Contrasts and flesh tones are also verygood. the image is sharp, and there is no grain or pixellation difficulties.
Special Features
Nothing here, unfortunately.
Closing Thoughts
A stripped-to-the-basics disc, but the transfer is very good, and the movie even better. Amost rewarding viewing experience.
