Following are some short comments on three new discs. I will forgo more detailed reviews because, in my opinion, these films don't warrant such, however, many collector's may have use of technical info.
'Assult On Precinct 13' is one of John Carpenter's earliest features and has achieved something of a cult status among his fans. Image has released a collector's edition laser disc that will most likely suprise everyone that sees it. The video transfer is, considering the material, incredible. Perfect Panavision framing at 2.35:1 and a wonderful filmlike look make this disc a treat for the eyes. The soundtrack is mono, but like the video, is a knockout. It's amazing that film and sound elements of this quality have survived. This transfer also features a running commentary by John Carpenter on analog track 1 and the film's score isolated on analog track 2. The film runs 91 minutes and the disc contains 48 chapters. The theatrical trailer ('boxed at 1.85:1 and in very poor condition) is included. A good deal at $39.95.
'Runaway' has been released on disc by Columbia/Tristrar with a new letterboxed transfer. This not very successful sci-fi film from 1984 was written and directed by Michael Crichton and stars Tom Selleck, Gene Simmons, Cynthia Rhodes and Kirstie Ally. This transfer is among the weakest this reviewer has seen recently though better than the average a few years ago. The Panavision framing has been slightly trimmed to about 2.25:1. Colors, though fairly accurate, are a bit pale. Contrast is only average and the image appears overly bright in many scenes. Sharpness and detail are good though there is some visible graininess. Audio is similar to the video. Frequency response is limited with little low bass. Dialog is fairly natural but highs are a bit brittle and harsh. Overall sound is somewhat flat. A rather lackluster effort, though still head and shoulders above the VHS. $34.95.
'Krull' is a film that tries to cross genres, science fiction and fantasy, and that is, perhaps it's failing. Had the producers been more faithful to one or the other, who knows. As it is, 'Krull' is at times a story of alien invasion and other times a tale of sword and scorcery. Ultimately, it's just boring. The special effects are pretty good, though, and fans of the film will certainly be happy with Columbia/Tristar's new letterboxed laserdisc. The video transfer is excellent. Deep, vivid colors are solid and stable without a hint of chroma noise. The image is very clear and sharp with excellent detail. Contrast and brightness are also very good. The Panavision ratio has been transferred at about 2.30:1 and is easily the most attractive feature of this disc as the film contains some very impressive widescreen vistas. The audio is good, though not quite up to the video. The lowest octaves are rolled off and the highs are a bit harsh but the James Horner score comes through quite nicely. 'Krull' runs 121 minutes and has been spread to 3 sides with well placed side and platter breaks. Side 3 is in CAV. The disc contains 50 chapter markers. List price $39.95.
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