1996's mega-movie comic book, 'Judge Dredd', is out on disc, and whether you liked the movie or not (I did), this gorgeous new laser disc is one for the demo list.
Filmed in Panavision, the transferred ratio is about dead-on 2.35:1. The THX approved transfer is one of those that simply takes the format to its technical limits. Colors are beautifully saturated and absolutely stable without a trace of chroma noise. Contrast is perfect, as is sharpness and detail. Oh, and what detail. The most awesome cityscapes since 'Bladerunner' and some of the most elaborate sets this side of James Bond. All flawlessly (for NTSC) rendered. On a well set-up rig, the visuals are mesmerizing.
The soundtrack is everything the video is. Wide dynamics and range with perfectly balanced dialog. Like the image, the soundtrack covers a wide sonic vista with clear, clean highs and solid low end. The matrixed Dolby mix is excellent with good seperations and directional effects and agressive use of the surround channel. The disc also has AC-3 audio.
'Judge Dredd' stars Sylvester Stallone and is set in a rather bleak future where climate and social upheaval have caused people to crowd together in "mega-cities". Traditional law enforcement has collapsed and has been replaced by an elite force called Judges. Judges act as police, jury, and if necesssary, executioner, carrying out sentences on the spot. The cast also features Armand Assante, Diane Lane (where's she been), Max Von Sydow, Jurgen Prochnow, Joan Chen and for comic relief, former Saturday Night alum, Rob Schneider.
The film runs 96 minutes and the disc contains 16 chapters. No trailer or other extras has been included. The disc is on the Hollywood Pictures Video label with a list price of $39.95. The quality of the transfer alone is enough to recommend this disc. Add in the terrific special effects and the fact that science-fiction fans rarely get a big budget movie with a top-notch cast and this is a "gimme". Enjoy.
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