" The Dust Factory " MGM - Region 1- NTSC

directed by Eric Small
USA 2004

This film put a heap on its plate... and many will not have the patience to chew properly and swallow. Probably it is their loss. Eric Small's "The Dust Factory" has theme's of maturity, overcoming adversity, love, bereavement and coping. It wavers between a Fellini-esque fantasy and an after school film special. I thought the performances were adequate and Armin Mueller-Stahl, a fine actor, was never tested in his role, which, nonetheless suited him. I suspect that the mediocre to poor reviews it has received could have their basis in the structure which seems a little hap-hazard and without a concrete footing. The dialogue could decidedly have been punched up too.

Above all else though, this film is pretty darn unique and a bold effort by Small, both writer, co-producer and director. If you shoot for such a high ideal and fall short, many will critique in the negative. Although I don't think it transferred its 'inner feeling' to most who will view it, I still enjoyed the experience of watching it. It is a beautifully shot film, but much of the visual development seems without intent, kind of hollow at its core. I hope to see much more from director Small and perhaps he might find more commercial appeal if he tones down his ambitious narratives. Of course, you will never succeed if you don't try - another firm message of the film. If you are in an accepting mood, this film will undoubtedly touch you. out of

Gary W. Tooze

Poster

Theatrical Release: October 15th, 2004 (limited)

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DVD Review: MGM - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	MGM - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:39:15
Video	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.29 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles	English, French, Spanish, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: MGM Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Making Of... (3:32) • Music Videos • Two deleted scenes • Trailer • Other MGM trailers DVD Release Date: March 22nd, 2005 Keep Case Chapters: 16

Comments:

This is probably the best MGM DVD release I have seen in a while. I'm not a fan of many of the DVDs that they put out and even saw some combing in one sequence of this anamorphic transfer, but overall the colors are beautiful, the lines are sharp, a the rarely tested 5.1 sound track is clean and pure. There are some 'small potatoes' extras and decent white subtitles. So a very good DVD from MGM, actually the image is quite stunning at times. out of