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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Mother
    Genre:Comedy

    Reviewed In Issue 27 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Albert Brooks, Debbie Reynolds & Rob Morrow

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

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Paramount Home Video
    (Catalog Number): LV332473-WS
    (MPAA Rating): PG13
    (Retail Price): $39.98
    (Running Time In Minutes): 104
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1996
    (LD Release Date):
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):

    Credits Information
    (Director): Albert Brooks
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
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    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 Digital
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (Remastered Dolby Digital):
    (Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
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    WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Albert Brooks directs and stars in Mother, a simply charming comedy about a man who wants to correct his problems by going back to his roots. John Henderson (Brooks) is a twice-divorced science fiction author who decides the only way to fix his relationship problems is to move back in with his mother (played wonderfully by Debbie Reynolds). There he spends his time with the first woman in his life, even though she can’t understand why he is there.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The picture, matted at 1.85:1, exhibits some slight inconsistencies. Exterior scenes are vibrant with excellent color fidelity while interior scenes are slightly subdued, but fleshtones look natural and blacks are deep throughout. Images are generally sharp and detailed with good contrast and shadow delineation. The slightest noise and occasional artifacts are apparent.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The soundtrack has a terrific music score that is a mixture of modern orchestral scoring and oldies. The soundstage imaging is excellent and presents a wide and deep perspective. Dialogue is naturally produced with good spatial imaging. Surround envelopment is subtle, but nicely presented.
    (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: