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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Pennies From Heaven
    1981
    Genre: Musical

    Reviewed In Issue 88 (Sep 2004) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Jessica Harper, Vernel Bagneris, John McMartin & Christopher Walken

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 2.5
    DD Sound Rating: 2
    DTS Sound Rating: NR
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 2
    Internet Links


    Special Features
    Includes scene-specific commentary by film critic Peter Rainer and footage from the 20th Anniversary Pennies From Heaven reunion (36 minutes).


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): Warner Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 65924
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Rating Reason):
    (Retail Price): $19.97
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Single Layer (DVD5)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 108
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1981
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 07/27/04
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Herbert Ross
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      DVD Picture Information

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      DVD Sound Information

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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Every time it rains, it rains Pennies From Heaven. A remake of a 1978 Piers Haggard version (which stars Bob Hoskins) and adapted from Dennis Potter

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD picture seems a bit undersaturated, especially noticed in the blacks that lack true depth. Sharpness is satisfactory at best, often appearing hazy and soft. While some of this look can be attributed to the 1930s setting, the scenes which lack definition and exhibit poor contrast are pretty mediocre. Viewing in a completely blackened room is recommended to compensate for the darkest scenes. The source element is revealing of some dirt and plenty of film grain. Edge enhancement is not a problem, and pixelization is minimal. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    It is extremely disappointing (and a real shame) that this soundtrack only received the Dolby

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