Review of Summer Of Sam

Introduction

Just occasionally, I buy a DVD of a movie I`ve not seen and not read any reviews of - an impulse purchase if you like.

Monday brought the UK release of Goldfinger and whilst in Virgin, I took advantage of their "2 for £30" offer and picked up "Summer of Sam" at the same time...

The film features music from Abba, Chic, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Roy Ayers and more and looks at life in New York, 1977 during a heatwave and the hysteria caused by a serial killer "The Son of Sam".

Video

Video is presented in anamorphic widescreen in a ratio of 1.85:1. Picture is clear, vivid and sharp throughout. There are no signs of compression problems and no grain.

The locations used are convincing, well shot and appropriate for the 1977 setting of the movie. There are no special effects or CGI to speak of - this is a film that relies on real filmmaking and acting to be a sucess.

Audio

Like the video transfer, the audio is fantastic. Dolby Digital 5.1 is put to good use in the film with incidental effects etc - there`s several scenes with a fly buzzing around a room and you`ll look up to your right at one point to check its not actually flying around inside the speaker!

The 70s setting of course allows for an excellent soundtrack - there`s some great disco music on offer, fantastically mixed and really re-creates the atmosphere inside the clubs.

The dialogue is clear and precise throughout the film.

Features

Extras on offer include cast and crew bios, production notes, interviews with the cast, still image gallery, director`s commentary, a behing-the-scenes documentary and tv spots - plenty to keep you occupied!

The menu system itself is based on newpaper clippings and is very well put together.

Conclusion

Overall, an excellent film. Very strong script, well acted, superbly shot, great sound and great picture.

This is not a film for the feint-hearted however - there is a lot of strong language, drug abuse and sex (including a gay stripper) along with the shootings. However to be a realistic film and portray life in New York in the 70s, it needs to be done properly and in context - which it is.

The film runs for 2 hours and 22 minutes - long by normal standards but held my interest all the way through and I recommend it.