听 The courtroom thriller "A Civil Action" oozes quality, from the cast right through to the production. It's pleasing then that it receives such a good transfer to DVD.
While this is an enjoyable film, it is true to say that the efficient script brushes lightly over certain events and details that are left unresolved. But key to distracting you from any anaemic plot points is the atmosphere of the movie, which is beautifully captured on DVD.
The superb cinematography by Conrad L Hall is highly absorbing with muted autumnal shades that look stunning on disc.
Immersing you further into the drama is a 5.1 Dolby mix thick with subtle effects that recreate the sounds of the countryside beautifully. But if you think that'll just put you to sleep then watch out for some fine thunderclaps in chapters 13 and 20.
A lot of intelligent work and performances to match make this a superior legal thriller. Unfortunately the DVD will not help shed much light on the working process with only a three-minute featurette offering any insight into the making of the movie. More in this case would definitely be nice but at least the film transfer is good.
Chapters: 25
Ratio: 1.78:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, trailer, production featurette, multiple languages, subtitles, English for the hearing impaired.
