(aka 'Le Rêve de Cassandre')
Directed by
Woody Allen
USA | UK | France 2007
Cassandra's Dream is
Allen's most grim and uncomfortable film to date, surpassing even
Crimes and Misdemeanors and
Match Point. At least in those films the upper class criminals
get away with their deeds and get on with their lives (however psychically
diminished those lives may be). Not so in Cassandra's Dream, where two
lower-middle-class brothers commit a dark crime (almost a British translation of
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead) that not only shatters their humanity but
also destroys their family ties and much more. |
Posters
Theatrical Release: September 2nd, 2007 - Venice Film Festival
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DVD Review: Weinstein - Region 1 - NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution | Weinstein - Region 1 - NTSC | |
Runtime | 1:48:20 | |
Video | 1.78:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 8.18 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 | English (Dolby Digital 3.0) | |
Subtitles | English, Spanish, None | |
Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • none |
Comments: |
I watched this film when it initially out and again today on this DVD and I think it's brilliant, if somewhat contrived at times. I was really scratching my head at some of the 'professional' critic reviews panning it, but I see it is highly lauded by public voting on IMdb (guess that's me on a nutshell). Allen is developing his own niche of 'morality' tales (see Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point - not surprisingly two of my favorite films by this prolific director). Some might consider it to have a European influence but regardless there is wonderfully subtle inventive cinematography (clouded conversations in the rain, through tree branches, up stairs, through mirrors etc.). This is as simple, yet poignant film about human motivation, life, family, death and greed. The competent Weinstein DVD is bare-bones but very clean and anamorphic, progressive residing on a dual-layered disc coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard. The bitrate is very high and colors excel - it looks exceptional for an SD transfer. Audio has a 3.0 channel track which is exclusively dialogue based - it is clear and clean and there are optional subtitles.
Unfortunately no extras but as Allen is such a workhorse director - I'm sure he is onto multiple other projects - too busy to attend to commentaries/interviews and the like. The film is preceded by some trailers. I recommend this film, especially to those who were keen on Match Point. The price gives great value for another strong, if occasionally awkward, film from the substantial crop of 2007. You need a bit of suspension, but, regardless, don't miss this one. |
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