WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Out To Sea
Genre:Comedy

Reviewed In Issue 28 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Dyan Cannon, Gloria De Haven, Brent Spiner, Elaine Stritch, Hal Linden, Donald O’Connor, Edward Mulhare & Rue McClanahan

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 4
Sound Rating: 4.5
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
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Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 610585
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Retail Price): $29.98
(Running Time In Minutes): 106
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1997
(LD Release Date):
(THX® Digitally Mastered):

Credits Information
(Director): Martha Coolidge
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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 Digital Surround
(Theatrical Sound): Dolby Digital
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(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
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WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
After their first appearance on-screen together over thirty years ago, Out To Sea is Jack Lemmon’s and Walter Matthau’s ninth co-starring film. Excessive gambler Charlie Gordon (Matthau) and his mourning widower brother-in-law Herb Sullivan (Lemmon) decide they need a break from their habitual lives. Charlie has his sights set on Liz (Dyan Cannon), a wealthy poker player, and plans on charming her aboard a Caribbean cruise. But because the conniving Charlie has no money and two left feet, he needs Herb to help work as an on-board dance host for the free cruise passes. However, the incompatible duo must work carefully to avoid getting caught by their unrelenting cruise director (Brent Spiner). Matthau and Lemmon are great with a supporting cast that also includes Rue McClanahan.

LaserDisc Picture:
The picture, matted at 1.85:1 exhibits excellent color fidelity with rich and vibrant colors, natural fleshtones and deep, solid blacks. Only sometimes in interior scenes does the color fidelity seem a bit veiled. Images are sharp and detailed with excellent contrast and shadow detail. Noise is only occasionally apparent in interiors, but artifacts are virtually non-existent.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Digital 5.1 discrete and matrix PCM soundtracks are terrific, but dramatically different in presentation, except for dialogue, which is virtually identical and nicely spatially integrated. The music score is wonderful with a soundstage that images wide and deep, more so with the discrete version, which is slightly better delineated. Surround envelopment is wonderfully aggressive with the discrete at moments sounding very directional. But it is the matrix version that projects a constant enveloping presence though with no discrete surround delineation. Nonetheless, the matrix surround supports each scene where the discrete often does not materialize or is at a dramatically reduced level. Still both soundtracks are sure to delight.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
(Aggressive System Surround):
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Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: