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Artificial Eye

Region 0 - PAL

1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.90 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen letterboxed - 1.78:1

Edition Details:
• Theatrical Trailers

DVD Release Date: July 26th, 2010
Keep Case

Chapters 12

Although Jessica Hausner's sophomore feature was met with large indifference upon its release in 2004, I have to say that I enjoyed the film a bit more than most. While it is admittedly a bit stilted and slow moving, I felt as though Hausner had created a creepy and effective supernatural thriller. Star Franziska Weisz isn't given much to do in the script except occasionally looking scared, but the background horror is often created the old fashioned way, with atmosphere and suggesting what's in the shadows rather than explicitly showing it.

The image on the disc is quite good. The grain structure on this widescreen print is pleasing and while the color scheme is slightly cool, what is there is rich. The image is fairly crisp and never dull, and the contrast strong. Equally important, there's never any sign of damage or artifacting. On the whole it's a pretty decent transfer.

The film comes with a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. While it will never knock your socks off, the track is competent and accomplishes the job that its there for. The sound is always clear and dialogue is easily distinguished from other noises and the music is clear enough too. What's more the film is free of unwanted background noises like hisses, pops, and clicks. The disc also comes with optional English subtitles that are easily read and don't interfere with the film's image.

The only extras on the disc comes in the form of a trailer or the film and two other movies by Hausner: "Lovely Rita" and "Lourdes"

This is a very under appreciated film, and one that deserves to find a new audience on DVD, so yes, it is certainly recommended.

  - Brian Montgomery

CLICK to order from:

Artificial Eye

Region 0 - PAL