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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Formula 51
Genre: Action Comedy

Reviewed In Issue 71 (Apr 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Carlyle, Emily Mortimer, Sean Pertwee, Ricky Tomlinson, Rhys Ifans & Meat Loaf

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 4
DD Sound Rating: 4
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 1.5
Internet Links
http://www.sonypictures.com
http://www.51ststatethemovie.com
Special Features
Includes a 13-minute making-of special.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 08030
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

Strong violence, language, drug content and some sexuality
(Retail Price): $24.96
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): Yes
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 93
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2001
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 02/04/03
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Ronny Yu
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Elmo McElroy (Jackson) had a promising career ahead of him after graduating with a degree in pharmacology. Unfortunately, a little mishap with the law changed all that. Fast forward 30 years to find Elmo working as a master chemist and creator of a little blue wonder drug known as "Formula 51." He decides to find buyers on his own, without the help of his boss, The Lizard (Loaf). But the Lizard and his cohorts will, of course, be hot on McElroy

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD exhibits a very satisfying picture, with sharp and nicely detailed images. Colors are nicely balanced, with rich hues, accurate fleshtones, and deep, solid blacks. There is occasional edge enhancement that contributes a minor distraction, and finer details occasionally break up from pixelization. The source element is revealing of a bit of grain, but no distracting artifacts. (Suzanne Hodges) The disc also includes a modified 1.33:1 (4:3) version of the movie (not reviewed).

Soundtrack:
The Dolby