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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Series 7: The Contenders
    Genre: Thriller

    Reviewed In Issue 59 (April 2002) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Brooke Smith, Glenn Fitzgerald, Marylouise Burke, Richard Venture, Michael Kaycheck, Merritt Wever & Will Arnett

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3.5
    DD Sound Rating: 3.5
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 4
    Internet Links
    http://www.series7movie.com
    Special Features
    Includes audio commentary with director Daniel Minahan, a 12-minute director


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): USA Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number): 963060243-2
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Rating Reason):

    		 Strong violent content and language
    (Retail Price): $24.95
    (DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): No
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 87
    (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): 12/18/01
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Daniel Minahan
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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

      DVD Sound Information

    (DVD Soundtrack): Subscribe Now!
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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Under the guise of a deadly reality TV show, Series 7 The Contenders follows six competitors (normal people living everyday lives) who are randomly (and at times unwillingly) picked by lottery, given a gun, assigned a cameraman, and turned loose to kill off one another until a lone champion survives. The reigning champion, Dawn (Smith) has just one round to go before she wins her freedom from the show. However, to do this she must return to her hometown for the hardest tour that she has ever endured. (Suzanne Hodges)

    DVD Picture:
    The anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD exhibits images that are supposed to be sourced to appear raw and amateurish. The video-sourced images are nicely rendered, with generally accurate fleshtones and deep blacks. The picture lacks fine detail and definition, but images are generally sharp. Some source element artifacts are noticed. For what the picture is intended to look like, the DVD should be satisfying. (Suzanne Hodges)

    Soundtrack:
    This rather interesting 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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