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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Mr. Reliable
    Genre:Comedy

    Reviewed In Issue 25 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Colin Friels, Jaqueline MacKenzie, Paul Sonkkila & Frank Gallacher

    WSR Review Scores
    Picture Rating: 2.5
    Sound Rating: 3.5
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    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score:
    Internet Links

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): PolyGram Video
    (Catalog Number): ID3914PG
    (MPAA Rating): R
    (Retail Price): $39.99
    (Running Time In Minutes): 113
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1996
    (LD Release Date):
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):

    Credits Information
    (Director): Nadia Tass
    (Screenplay/Written By): Don Catchlove & Terry Hayes
    (Story): NA
    (Music): Phil Judd
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer): John Dowding
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor): Peter Carrodus
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers): NA
    (Co-Producers): NA
    (Producers): Jim McElroy, Terry Hayes & Michael Hamlyn

    DVD Picture Information
    (Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
    (Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.82:1

    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:
    Mr. Reliable is a wickedly funny film based on the true events surrounding Australia’s first hostage drama during the hot summer of 1968. Wally Mellish (Colin Friels), an illiterate cab driver out of prison and on probation, is determined to make a fresh start. He begins a new life by renting a run-down shack in Sydney with Beryl Muddle (Jaqueline McKenzie), an unmarried mother. When the police arrive to investigate Wally’s home, he pulls a gun on them setting of a chain of events so outrageous he becomes the most unlikely hero of the decade.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The picture, matted at 1.82:1, appears to be slightly washed out in some scenes, but general color fidelity is good. Some scenes have a slight green hue to them. Images are wanting in sharpness and detail, with good shadow detail and only the slightest noise apparent.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The soundtrack has a fun and well recorded music score with subtle surround envelopment and good soundstage imaging. Dialogue is natural sounding with good spatial integration overall. While a low budget production, the soundtrack is engaging—especially the music and dialogue.
    (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: