Review of Limbo

Introduction

Limbo is a strange film. If you like other films by the director, John Sayles, then you`ll enjoy this film. Sayles is teh acclaimed director of such films as Lone Star and Passion Fish and also had a hand in Apollo 13 and The Quick and The Dead.

This seems to be a love it or hate it film, the ending is especially contentious, with some (most) people calling it excellent and the rest a cop-out. You`d have to decide for yourself :)

Video

Nothing exceptional, just a good anamorphic transfer of the 1:1.85 ratio theatrical screening. There are no exciting special effects but what you do get are some exceptionally beautiful lanscapes and outdoor scenes which look wonderful on a big television!

The dvd menu is simple and easy to navigate but nothing special.

Audio

The feature is presented in 5.1 Dolby digital but there isn`t a lot going on in the surround channels as this film is motly about dialogue and interpersonal relationships. What surround there is, adds useful atmosphere and never intrudes.

The dialoge is crisp and clean and the singing and music, of which there is a lot, comes across very well. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio performed all the singing parts for the film live during filming and it works very well.

Features

Not a lot. What you do get is an excellent director`s commentary, one of the few I`ve ever managed to (or wanted to) sit through to the end. Well worth doing AFTER you`ve seen the film for the first time :) as it has some spoilers as to the end. Then there`s the usual filmographies and a trailer.

Conclusion

An interesting film. My other half liked it a lot, I wasn`t too impressed but it`s not a `me` film. From reactions across the net, I`d guess most people will enjoy it and some people will enjoy it a lot.

The picture and sound quality of the dvd are excellent overall, and well worth buying if you are a fan of the director.