(aka 'Long Island Expressway')

 

directed by Michael Cuesta
USA 2001


"Harry Chapin was killed on the Long Island Expressway, so was director Alan J. Pakula... and so was Howie Blitzer's Mother."

 

"Michael Cuesta has written and directed a disparaging film revolving around a disaffected, sexually confused youth, his lack or guidance, direction or even a stable father figure. His circumstance is juxtaposed by the beautifully shot richly colored landscapes and affluent homes and cars in the neighborhood where he lives. We are kept at arm's length from 15 year-old Howie and feel his pain even if he does not seem to. The tragedy in his life and of the story is how an affable pedophile involves himself in Howie's life, while his father and nefarious friends selfishly desert him. In the films only humorous moment Street-smart Howie remarks to his perverted new mentor Big John. 'Yeah, I think you are like James Bond... except James Bond doesn't go around blowing little boys.' How sad does life get when this is the most helpful, stable role model in your life? L.I.E. strikes me as a modern American 'Mouchette'."

Gary Tooze

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DVD Review: New Yorker Video  Region 1 

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Distribution New Yorker Video Region 1 - NTSC 
Runtime 1:37:09  minutes
Video 1.85:1.00 Letterboxed WideScreen / anamorphic
Average Bitrate: 5.57 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

  

Bitrate: New Yorker:

Audio English (Dolby Digital 2.0), Commentaries also in DD 2.0  
Subtitles None
Features Release Information:
Studio: New Yorker Video
Theatrical Release Date: January 1, 2001
Production Company: New Yorker Video

Aspect Ratio(s):
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

  
   

Discographic Information:
DVD Encoding: Region 1 (US and Canada only)
Layers: Dual

Edition Details:
• 2 Audio Commentaries. One by director Michael Cuesta and one by actor Brian Cox.
• Trailer: Non anamorphic ( 1:56 )
• 2 Trailers for other New Yorker Releases : 

   "Happenstance" - non-anamorphic ( 1:40 ), "Life is to Whistle" - non-anamorphic ( 1:40 )
• 3 Deleted Scenes totaling ( 3:29 )
• No subtitles

Comments:

'L.I.E.' is presented in a sharp, tight 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer.  It is soaked in rich colors beautifully contrasting the storyline with natural earthy skin tones bringing you back to stark reality. Film-sourced, this DVD is one of the better releases of the year sporting two highly diverse and interesting audio commentaries, one with director Michael Cuesta and the other with actor Brian Cox. The much acclaimed film itself is no slouch either, winning awards from Boston to Stockholm.

Black levels are deep and balanced while detail is sharp throughout the entire 96 minutes. No edge-enhancement to speak of and its nice to see vibrant colors without the over-contrasting of the image. This is very close to theater viewing. The Dolby Digital 2.0 audio does not play a factor in the film. It is clear.

Negatives?, well the trailers are not anamorphic which, if is this is the only complaint, is being too picky I realize. With the commentaries and excellent detailed image, this DVD is a winner.   out of

DVD Release Date:  June 4, 2002
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Chapters: 12





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Distribution New Yorker Video Region 1 - NTSC 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gary Tooze

Many Thanks...