Quite often you'll come across a movie being
released on Home Video with a relatively big name star and wonder why it never made it to
the cinemas.
Jack Frost is one such film, a Michael Keaton Vehicle actually, here's a fellow with some
box office clout right?
After seeing this film, I understand why it went straight to home video!!! Okay okay so
it's not terrible, but it's not that great either.As
lead singer of a rock band Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) is always on the road. As
much as he loves his wife Gabby (Kelly Preston) and his son Charlie(Joseph Cross), he
simply doesn't get to spend enough time with them and this is impacting on his
relationship with his son.
After missing another hockey game, young Charlie is quite
miffed with his Dad and when Jack is called upon to perform a gig that may land them a
contract, and on New Years Eve, Charlie gets even more miffed.
On their way to the gig, Jack gets a case of the guilts and tells the band to forget the
gig. On his way home Jack runs his car off the snowy road and dies.
One Year later Charlie and Gabby are finding it hard to get
over the death of Jack. One night Charlie decides to build a snowman, and uses some
of Jack's clothes to dress it. With his magic harmonica in Hand (one his Dad gave
him) Charlie wishes his Dad would come back and Walla' he returns as a snowman. Jack
Frost get it...jeez)
Charlie and the snowman have some fun, everyone thinks
Charlie's nuts, Yada yada yada.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up??
VIDEO
Thankfully it's only the film that's lame as this 16:9 Enhanced transfer is actually
pretty good. Framed at 2.35:1 (and available on the flip side in a heavily cropped
Pan and Scan version) the only real problem is aliasing. Though not really constant,
when it does raise it's ugly head it's quite noticeable (especially the sequences in the
kitchen....eeeewww). Colour Saturation is high throughout, but remains quite
pleasing to the eye. There is only a small sign of grain, with it being more evident
on the P&S version. Sharpness is pretty good with only a few instances of a
slightly softer focus.
Video Highlights
Ch 02 04:59 - 05:02 Eat snow!!
Ch 06 19:22 - 19:43 Fair Play and sportsmanship
Ch 16 52:36 - 52:41 You Steer I'll scream
Ch 25 83:33 - 83:46 I need a full description
AUDIO
Complimenting this fine picture is a pretty decent Dolby Digital 5.1 mix in English,
French and Italian. While quite aggressive at times, the overall sound quality is a
tiny bit muddled. It's nothing to serious, but it lacks crispness overall. A
solid LFE attack is frequently used, and surrounds have great stereo imagery.
Being a movie with a 'band' theme, there are a few instances of tunes being knocked out.
Some are okay, and they all sound pretty good.
Audio Highlights
Ch 01 00:03 - 00:13 Warner Snow Logo
Ch 12 38:45 - 39:11 Jack's Back!
Ch 15 50:18 - 50:21 Snow balled
Ch 20 67:04 - 67:06 He Shoots, He Scores
Ch 26 90:33 - 91:04 Goodbye Jack!
EXTRAS
Sadly the only extra, if you can call it that on offer is some audio over the main
menu...That's it!!
Jack Frost is not the sort of film that has much to offer I'm afraid, but a decent
transfer and good sound help some, but not that much.... My Advice is to rent this one
first
| PICTURE QUALITY |
7.5/10 too much shimmering |
SOUND
- Quality
- 5.1 WOW Factor |
- 8/10 A little heavy sounding
- 8/10 Good use of surrounds and bass.... |
| FEATURES |
1/10 Just some Audio on
the menu..please! |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T50W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Pioneer DV717 (using RGB outputs)
Receiver: Marantz SR870 & Sony SDP-EP9ES
Speakers:-
Fronts: B&W 602
Centre: B&W CDMC-SE
Rears: Jamo Magic 14
Subby: M&K V125
- Reviewed 13th January 2000
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