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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Maniac
    Genre: Horror

    Reviewed In Issue 56 (Jan 2002) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Joe Spinell & Caroline Munro

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 2.5
    DD Sound Rating: 3.5
    DTS Sound Rating: 3.5
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 3
    Internet Links
    http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com
    Special Features


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): Anchor Bay Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): DV11653
    (MPAA Rating): Not Rated
    (Rating Reason):
    (Retail Price): $24.98
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 88
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1980
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 08/21/01
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): Yes

     Credits Information

    (Director): William Lustig
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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    (Supervising Sound Editors): Subscribe Now!
    (Re-Recording Mixers): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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    (Measured DVD Anamorphic Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!
    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Frank (Spinell) is an embittered Maniac who talks to himself and his dead mother, and spends his spare time scalping women and placing the trophies on the heads of mannequins. Receiving star treatment from Anchor Bay with a limited edition tin and special features, the movie belongs in the gutter, delectably (for some) embodying everything that is vile, gory, and unpleasant...even for a horror film. (Suzanne Hodges)

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD picture looks dated with images that appear soft and at times slightly smeared and undefined. Color fidelity seems slightly shy of full saturation, especially evident in the weak blacks. Contrast seems a bit low, and visual information is limited in the darker scenes. The source element is revealing of some film grain and artifacts. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    The remastered Dolby

    Reason #123 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:

    I read WSR for the articles—honest. Terry Paullin's industry insight is refreshing and lively. The lack of comparisons of which home theatre-in-a-box is best or which sub $200 DVD player is best leaves more room for in-depth product and movie reviews. Most importantly, though, I read WSR for the caricature of Gary Reber morphed on to the movie featured on the cover in the Editor's Couch page. Pierce Brosnan had better watch out!

    Brian Schrumpf
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