| Released on DVD by MGM and distributed by
Waner Home Video in Australia, The Thomas Crown Affair is the story of Thomas Crown (Steve
McQueen) who is a emotionally frustrated but financially successful businessman, Crown
organises the theft of $2 million by masterfully executing a daring daylight bank robbery.
Crown hires five guys who don't know each other to walk into a bank and rob it. After the
robbery the bank's insurance company isn't willing to swallow the bill without a thorough
investigation, so they put their best agent, Vicky Anderson, (Faye Dunaway) on the case.
The pursuing story entails Vicky deciding to toy with Crown, meeting him, letting him know
who she is and what she's after, and attempting to trick him into making a mistake. But
Crown, aware of what she's up to, calculates her every move. The attraction between them
proves to be too much to resist and they end up falling in love. Filmed in 1968, the movie utilises the split screen effect often
(think of frames on Netscape and you'll get the idea). Thankfully not used much anymore,
alot of films in this era used it. On several occasions, as many as six or seven separate
images appear on the screen at the same time, each showing a different character. It's an
effective way of cramming a lot of information into one frame. Whilst reported as a good
film in it's time, it is a little too dated for my own personal taste. Also the film is
famous for the reportedly longest kiss on screen, a 70 second smooch between McQueen and
Dunaway.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up??
VIDEO
The transfer is very good. It is presented in a letterboxed aspect ratio of 1.85:1
and is generally clear of artifacts. I did notice a tiny bit of shimmering here and there.
The movie is 30 years old so the colours look a little flat. However detail is excellent,
look at Steve McQueens face at 1.09:56sec. Fleshtones are natural. Also there is a tiny
bit of film grain present, not much it's just got a fraction here and there which I'd say
is due to the age of the print. Overall anybody would be more than satisfied due to the
age of the film.
AUDIO
The audio is presented by way of a Dolby Digital mono soundtrack,
dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score is chessy and over the top, typical of
films of this era. Dynamic range is limited and there is no bass as you would expect. Alot
of films of this age recorded in mono have a harsh and edgy sound to them at times and
this is no exception. Also included as a pleasant surprise for fans of this film is a
audio commentary by the Director, this is also present on the Region 1 version as well.
EXTRAS
Apart from the already mentionted audio commentary, the DVD includes a
handy 6 page colour booklet.
The DVD contains scene selection, not really an extra but hey and the theatrical
trailer. Overall a good DVD, if you like the movie then there is nothing that
would keep you from adding this to your collection.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
8/10 |
| SOUND QUALITY |
8/10 |
| FEATURES |
7/10 |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T43W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Toshiba 2109 Region Free
Receiver: Yamaha RXV995
Speakers:-
Fronts: Polk Audio RT55
Centre: Polk Audio CS350
Rears: Polk Audio AB705's
Subby: M&K V125
- Reviewed 4th January 2000
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