Review of Bronx Tale, A

Introduction

Before I say anything about the DVD, I have to point out that this is an excellent movie. De Niro makes an excellent directorial debut as the strict father of a young boy torn between his working class family and the lure of the local crime boss. Great acting throughout and watch out for the odd cameo.....

It`s a long film and, if judged as a rites of passage movie rather than a true gangster flick, a very good one.

Now to a whinge before I get on with the review - the Region one disc has a widescreen transfer (non-anamorphic) and Dolby 5.1 sound.

Video

1.33:1 Pan and Scan does little justice to this film, robbing it of some of the impact the street scenes should posess. Quality of the transfer is ok but not brilliant with dust staining evident in many places. Colour fidelity is good however.

Audio

Well at least it`s in stereo! The region one disc has a 5.1 track and this has been used to great effect during some of the excellent fight scenes (especially the one scored to `Nights in White Satin`) Here in the UK we don`t get that ;(

What we do get is a little muddled and muddy in places with some dialogue quite dificult to make out on occasion.

Features

A Trailer (Region 1 gets 3), a photo gallery and a basic filmography - nothing exceptional and not worth the premium over VHS.

Conclusion

Bah, Region two uesrs get the lesser offering again. Here is a great film, ruined by a poor disc and with no obvious excuse as the Region one offering is much better - the correct ratio and an improved soundtrack.

If you like the film, and your player can handle them, get the region one disc. It`ll probably be cheaper anyway.