I don't know if it's that I'm getting older or what, but I have become a real sucker for a good romance. I now find myself enjoying films like 'An Affair To Remember' (despite the transfer) and 'Sleepless In Seattle' when not so long ago I would have dismissed these as 'chick movies'. Well, so much the better. One of the most entertaining and well acted romances in recent years, 'Moonstruck', has been remastered by MGM/UA.
Released in 1987, 'Moonstruck' was directed by Norman Jewison and boasts as good an ensemble cast as one is likely to find these days. Cher proved she was not just another singer-turned-actress by turning in a spectacular performance, earning an Oscar® for her efforts. The cast also includes Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis (also an Oscar® for supporting actress), Vincent Gardenia and Danny Aiello. The screenplay also earned an Oscar® for John Patrick Shanley.
The original full-frame transfer of 'Moonstruck' was pretty good, so I was curious how much improvement newer technology could provide. As it turns out, more than I expected. First, the letterboxed framing, matted at about 1.85:1, provides a more pleasing balance to the compostions. There is a bit more information on both sides with the bottom of the frame matted. The original transfer appears to have used a 'common top-line' as the top of the frame is about the same on both transfers. The quality of the transfer is absolutely first rate. Though the older transfer is good, by comparison colors, particlarly reds, are slighly oversaturated. The image on the older disc has a slight softness and small details in shadow are lost in the overall darker transfer. The color balance on the new disc seems more natural and lifelike. The image is noticably sharper but not so much as to enhance grain or other video artifacts. The near perfect sharpness and color give this disc a look more faithful to the film source making it easier to forget you are watching video.
The audio on the new disc is nearly identical to the original, this being quite good to begin with. Though this is obviously not an effects movie, the Dolby Stereo soundtrack has good depth and some nice atmospherics.
The older disc was what I consider 'early MGM' and therefore did not include chapter markers or the trailer. MGM has included the trailer as well as chapters on the new disc. The chapter marker guy must have been in a good mood as this 102 minute film contains 51 markers with the trailer at number 52. List price is $34.95.
I like 'Moonstruck' a lot. And I like this disc a lot. If you already have this disc then I must assume you like the film so can easily recommend upgrading. If you don't have the older disc but like this movie, then you have a terrific opportunity to add a true gem to your collection. Enjoy.
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