WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Leave It To Beaver
Genre:Comedy

Reviewed In Issue 28 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Christopher McDonald, Janine Turner, Erik Von Detten, Adam Zolotin & Cameron Finley

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 5
Sound Rating: 4
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
Internet Links

Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): Universal Studios Home Video
(Catalog Number): 43356
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Retail Price): $34.98
(Running Time In Minutes): 88
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1997
(LD Release Date):
(THX® Digitally Mastered):

Credits Information
(Director): Andy Cadiff
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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): DTS Digital
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
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WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Based on the television show from the ‘60s, Leave It To Beaver is the story of a kid born into the perfect family, who is just trying to fit into the ‘90s. Theodore Cleaver, a.k.a. The Beaver (Cameron Finley) finds a thousand ways to mess up. But to guide The Beaver through his mischevious life is his wise and wonderful dad Ward (Christopher McDonald) and ideal mother June (Janine Turner). Barbara Billingsley and Ken Osmond from the television series also appear in the film.

LaserDisc Picture:
The picture, matted at 1.85:1, exhibits fully saturated, rich and warm colors with natural fleshtones and deep, solid blacks. Images are sharp and detailed with excellent contrast and shadow detail. There is no apparent noise, only occasional artifacts, for a picture that is always pleasing.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Surround soundtrack is excellent with an expansive soundstage that images deep and wide. Dialogue is sometimes natural, but often ADR-produced. Surround envelopment is aggressive with both music and sound effects wrapped into the soundfield with good bass extension.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
(Aggressive System Surround):
(Intense 25Hz Bass):
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(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
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(Aggressive Split Surround):
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(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: