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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Simple Twist Of Fate, A
    Genre:Drama

    Reviewed In Issue 13 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Steve Martin, Gabriel Byrne, Catherine O’Hara.

    WSR Review Scores
    Picture Rating: 3
    Sound Rating: 3
    Download WSR Review
    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score:
    Internet Links

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Touchstone Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 3081 AS
    (MPAA Rating): PG13
    (Retail Price): $$39.99
    (Running Time In Minutes): 106
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1994
    (LD Release Date): 3/95
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

    Credits Information
    (Director): Gillies MacKinnon
    (Screenplay/Written By): Steve Martin
    (Story): NA
    (Music): Cliff Eidelman
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer): Andy Harris
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor): Humphrey Dixon
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers): Steve Martin
    (Co-Producers): NA
    (Producers): Ric Kidney

    DVD Picture Information
    (Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
    (Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1

    DVD Sound Information
    (DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
    (Theatrical Sound): Dolby Stereo A
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (Remastered Dolby Digital):
    (Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
    (Additional Languages):

    WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    A Simple Twist Of Fate is an updated film version of the 19th century classic novel Silas Marner by George Eliot. Written and performed by Steve Martin, he plays the part of Michael Mc Cann, a man turned into an eccentric recluse because of a betrayal. He lives in a small town in rural Virginia working as a cabinetmaker. His only comfort is his gold coin collection. One night a young mother is found dead in the snow, and he adopts her baby daughter, not knowing the child’s father is the local politician John Newland (Gabriel Byrne). The child, now named Matilda, is a delight to Michael who begins to appreciate life and the outside world once more. But his joy is shattered when 10 years later Newland decides he wants to call the child his own.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The 1.85:1 picture is generally sharp and detailed with natural fleshtones and good contrast. Overall the picture is natural with some slight grain and noise as well as artifacts.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The soundtrack is highlighted with a fine orchestral music score that provides subtle ambient envelopment but otherwise the sound the usual conventional exercise.
    (Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
    (Aggressive System Surround):
    (Intense 25Hz Bass):
    (Deep Bass Challenging):
    (Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
    (Holosonic Soundfield):
    (Aggressive Split Surround):
    (Center Back Surround Imaging):
    (Directionalized Dialogue):
    Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
    Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
    Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
    Superb Color Fidelity:
    Superb Cinematography:
    Reference LaserDisc:
    Collector Edition: