'Mrs. Doubtfire', was one of 1995's biggest moneymakers and 20th Century Fox's biggest film in years. Fox released the laser simultaniously with the VHS and at a price point $10 less than usual. The film runs 125 minutes and is spread to 3 sides, 1 and 2 in CLV and side 3 in CAV. This 2 disc set lists for $39.95.
The film was transferred and the disc manufactured under the THX quality control program so no one should be suprised that the quality of this presentation is excellent. The almost complete lack of video artifacts makes watching this disc a pleasure. Color, contrast and detail are so well balanced that, except for resolution, I doubt this film looked any better in the theater. Certainly it did not sound any better. The soundtrack is exactly what one would expect from THX. Crisp, clear dialog with wide frequency response and excellent dynamics. 'Mrs. Doubtfire' was filmed in Panavision and the transfer is framed at about 2.25:1.
I very much hope Fox's decision to release this film on disc at the same time as the tape and price it lower than usual is not just an exception. Fox has proved that they can be a leader in the industry when it comes to laser disc quality and production values. Perhaps they will finally consider adopting some of the policies of studios like Warner, Universal and Paramount and shorten the delay between the VHS and laser releases and set their prices at a point that makes their excellent laser product accessable to more laser collectors. Anyone that is considering adding this disc to their collection should do so. Maybe Fox will get the message.
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