Synopsis
On the tenth anniversary of his wife’s death (and his daughter’s tenth birthday), TimothyHutton finds a mysterious briefcase (we see it appear out of nowhere near his wife’s grave). Thecase has his name on it, and when he unlocks the combination, Hutton finds a file containing thedetails of his murder five days in the future. The clock starts ticking. Once he accepts that he isnot the victim of a hoax, will he be able to alter his destiny?
If the idea of a man inves…igating his own murder sounds familiar, recall the 1949D.O.A.. The idea is still a good one, and given extra spice by the time travel and quantumphysics angles. The usual time paradox problems open up to trouble the film, however. The paceneeds picking up — one can’t help but think that this would have been a much tighter, lesspadded tale as a feature. Then there’s the superimposed physics equations lifted from ABeautiful Mind, and the massive overuse of slow-motion.
Audio
The music is solid, with fine bass. The “boo” sound effects are given a strong surroundpresence. More mundane effects are present, but in a much more limited way. The dialogue isfree of distortion. An acceptable 5.1 mix, then (also provided in 2.0), though not a completelyimmersive experience.
Video
The picture is an odd mixed bag. There are some very sharp, attractive moments, and therearen’t any edge enhancement difficulties. However, the pinks and oranges are frequentlyhideously overdone, with very ugly results. The grain is extremely variable, but when it’s bad,it’s very bad.
Special Features
Diretor Michael Watkins and DP Joel Ransom provide commentary on Episodes 1 and 4,and the result is a bit dry. The four featurettes – “The Formula for Design,” “Fractures of Time,”“Remixing Reality” and “proving Destiny: The Weatherby Oak Tree Stunt” – are promotional innature, but are still not-bad behind-the-scenes exercises within the limits of their running time(10-12 minutes). The menu’s main screen and intro are animated and scored.
Closing Thoughts
Intriguing though flawed work. An honest try, but far too long for its own good.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary
- “The Formula for Design” Featurette
- “Fractures of Time” Featurette
- “Remixing Reality” Featurette
- “Proving Destiny: The Weatherby Oak Tree Stunt” Featurette
