WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Dead Ringers
Genre:Thriller

Reviewed In Issue 22 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold, Steven Lack

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 3.5
Sound Rating: 3
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
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Supplementals
Special features in this boxed set of Dead Ringers include a new digital transfer, hundreds of publicity and production stills, a gallery of drawings and photographs and a remarkably fascinating running commentary by director Cronenberg, Irons, cinematographer Suschitsky, editor Sanders, production designer Spier who explore all aspects of the production and much, much more.

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): Criterion Collection
(Catalog Number): CC1457L-305
(MPAA Rating): Not Rated
(Retail Price): $124.95
(Running Time In Minutes): 115
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): No
(Theatrical Release): 1988
(LD Release Date): 8/8/96
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): David Cronenberg
(Screenplay/Written By): David Cronenberg & Norman Snider
(Story): NA
(Music): Howard Shore
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Carol Spier
(Visual Effects): Film Effects
(Costume Designer):
(Editor): Ronald Sanders
(Supervising Sound Editors): NA
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): Carol Baum & Sylvio Tabet
(Co-Producers): NA
(Producers): David Cronenberg & Marc Boyman

DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.66:1

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:
Dead Ringers is based on the book Twins by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland, which is loosely based on a true story. Identical twin gynecologists, sensitive Beverly and suave Elliot (both played by Jeremy Irons) share everything—their home, their medical practice, and their women. Elliot seduces one of his patients (Genevieve Bujold), and, unbeknownst to her, turns her over to Beverly who elicits kinky behavior. When Claire discovers that she has secretly been involved with both twins, she leaves Beverly with the seeds of drug addiction planted for his destruction.

LaserDisc Picture:
The matted 1.66:1 picture exhibits generally good visual qualities but indoor scenes are hued in blue and there is slight noise and artifacts.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack’s dialogue is natural, surround is subtle, and the music is subdued.
(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: