directed by Chris
Kentis
USA 2003
Based on the true story of a couple on vacation who decide to go on a paid scuba diving excursion. The boat guide miscounts the head total and they are left stranded in jellyfish and shark infested waters. Both characters go through the gamut of emotions in eventual acceptance of their fate - disbelief, fear, anger and resignation.
It is quite exhilarating to see independent films like this
that do not overly-pander to the audiences most base desires. Frankly, I find it
quite unusual in the American market. Nothing about "Open Water" is
exceptional - not the narrative, the performances, nor the cinematography, but
it all pulls itself together wonderfully in the end. I suspect that many
seasoned film viewers can see through the manipulations quite easily, but
regardless they are a welcome expression from where a film of this nature could
find itself going for the sake of money. I honestly had a good time watching
this film, it held no pretension for obviousness and its minimal plot was not
easy to deduce. Yes, I think I recommend it -
out of
Poster
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Theatrical Release: October 26th, 2003 - Hamptons International Film Festival
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DVD Review: Lions Gate Home Entertainment - Region 1- NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution | Lions Gate Home Entertainment - Region 1- NTSC | |
Runtime | 1:19:36 | |
Video | 1.85:1
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.94 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate: |
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Audio | English, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, DTS 6.1, DD Surround | |
Subtitles | English, Spanish, None | |
Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • Trailer |
Comments: |
The image on this DVD is quite
poor. The film was shot on digital and then transferred over to film and
this becomes quite obvious during viewing - certain close-ups have that
unfiltered realistic look, but far away pans and vistas look hazy and
cheap. Colors looked vibrant, bordering on saturation, but movement was
so clouded at times it almost gave me a headache. I realize this was an
indie film but I don't think the picture should look this amateurish. I
have seen other digital to film to DVD picture quality films look far
more impressive. I blame Lions Gate for the weak transfer as evidence
indicates it looked much better in the theaters. On a positive note -
The audio is some of the best I can ever remember hearing, especially
the DTS track which intensified the theater experience that seems absent
in the image. There are some extras worthy of watching and the subtitles
are a white font and acceptable. Overall - a small recommendation if
only for the film itself and the audio. |
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