(aka 'Italianetz' or 'The Italian')
Directed by
Andrei Kravchuk
Russia 2005
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Given the choice between a life of sun-dappled ease in Italy with adoptive parents or a harsh, probably inevitably hazardous solo jaunt through rural Russia with angry adults in pursuit, most kids would choose the former. Six-year old Vanya (Kolya Spiridonov), the hero of Andrei Kravchuck’s marvellous drama The Italian, isn’t most kids, however. So he flees his dilapidated orphanage (where he’s in line for black-market adoption) in search of the mother who unceremoniously abandoned him there. What began as a vivid tour of enclosed institutional rot segues, smartly and seamlessly, into a compelling open-road odyssey. |
Poster
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Theatrical Release: February 14th, 2005 - Berlin Film Festival
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DVD Review: Sony Pictures - Region 1 - NTSC
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| Distribution | Sony Pictures Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 1:38:45 | |
| Video | 1.66:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.93 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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| Audio | Russian (Dolby Digital 5.1) | |
| Subtitles | English, Spanish, French, None | |
| Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • Previews |
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| Comments: |
NOTE: Per-Olaf has sent in a capture from EYE-TV indicating the Sony is significantly cropped on all 4 sides (see below).
Despite being single-layered, the
anamorphic, progressive image is quite acceptable.
The elusive 1.66 ratio has been faithfully maintained and
although the image is on the dark side the subtle color palette looks
intentional and appropriate. Optional subtitles are available in Sony's
choice of ghastly, intrusive yellow and there is a clean, yet untested,
5.1 soundtrack. The transfer is quite good if tending to look
occasionally thin.
No extras save some preview trailers and the price is high considering the lack of supplements but the film itself is surely worth it with an exceptional lead performance. The film is highly recommended but Sony get a sideways glance for the exorbitant price tag. Our recommendation is powerful enough to encourage you to indulge this time. |
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Subtitle Sample
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Screen Captures
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EYE TV TOP vs. Sony NTSC BOTTOM
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| DVD Box Cover |
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CLICK to order from:
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| Distribution | Sony Pictures Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC | |
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Gary Tooze
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Thank You!
