Time Out

(also known as "L'emploi du temps")

directed by Laurent Cantet

Region 1 - NTSC - 1.85:1 Released by ThinkFilm

DVD by Seville Pictures, Canada 

No MPAA rating. Times guidelines: adult themes.

Technical Information

Release Information:
Theatrical Release Date: September 4, 2001 (Venice Film Festival) 
DVD Release Date: September 24th, 2002
Run Time: 2:08:12 minutes
Production Company: Seville Pictures (Canada)
Package Type: Keep case

Aspect Ratio:
Anamorphic Widescreen  - 1.85:1

Discographic Information:
DVD Encoding: Region 1

Bit rate: 5.91 Mb/sec
Layers: Dual (smooth layer change at 1:14:10)
Available Audio Tracks: French (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 2,0 Stereo)
Available subtitles:  English and none (removable).

Edition Details:
• Region 1 encoded  NTSC

Extras include:

• Theatrical Trailer Gallery : For "In the Mood For Love", "Love Street" and "Pandaemonium"

• Scene Index: 20 Chapters

 Click on the cover for larger version

"Time Out" is not just an especially subtle and thoughtful psychological drama, it's a provocative, even an unnerving one as well. It's the story of a daring impostor named Vincent, a world-class dissembler who goes to extraordinary lengths to carry out an increasingly elaborate deception. What does Vincent take all these pains to pretend to be? A man with a job.

Though you wouldn't necessarily guess it, except for Recoing as Vincent and Cesar-winning actress Viard as his wife, the performers in "Time Out" are not professionals. Director Cantet enabled the cast to have input into their dialogue, a process that adds to the film's uncanny naturalness. "Time Out's" reality level is one of the many things making this look at living a lie truly haunting. Does Vincent lose track of who he is through this complex deception, or get tantalizingly closer to his actual core being? It's not as easy a question to answer as you might think."  - From Kenneth Turan

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Screen Captures

Comments: 

Seville Pictures are quickly making a name for themselves for not only the quality of their DVD production, but their choice of film to distribute. This is a magnificent offering from Laurent Cantet, one worthy of the fine DVD that Seville have produced.

Pros: The image quality is sharp and tight without excessive contrast or brightness. It is in an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, anamorphic widescreen. Negligible Edge Enhancement exists, but you could only see it in detail with a magnifying glass against your television tube. The white subtitles are over two lines using the bottom border as the bridge. They are visible but small enough to remain discreet and not detract from the onscreen activities. There are 20 Chapters stops, audio options of French 5.1 Dolby Surround and French 2.0 Stereo. Being in bi-lingual Canada (Seville) the first DVD Menu option is a choice of French or English for your subsequent menu screens.

Cons: A commentary or short documentary would have been a benefit, but it is unknown that one exists or the principles were available for a commentary. I couldn't find the advertised 'theatrical trailer', but I have been know to miss things before.

This DVD is clean, concise and professional. Well done Seville Pictures! out of .

Gary W. Tooze