Dolls (1987) R1 2005 DVD Widescreen vs. Fullscreen

[captainjoe]

DOLLS (1987)







Video:

Dolls is presented on DVD for the first time in North America on a dual-sided disc featuring the theatrical 1.85:1
framing and the pan and scan 1.33:1 framing. By observing the screen comparisons below, we can see that the
anamorphic widescreen option is the way to go. The framing is just about right. The fullscreen opens up the framing
on the bottom and slightly on the top. But it loses a lot to the right side leading to missing characters and backgrounds.
In regards the quality, the widescreen version is minutely better but this difference is extremely hard to see.
Overall the two transfers are the same. Generally the film comes across quite detailed for a film of its age with
a nice appealing sharpness that doesn't look filtered in production of this disc. Unfortunatetly, there are a few
times when dirt is seen scattered all around but it never does become a major issue and I didn't get too
distracted by it. On the upside, we do get a nice grain structure throughout with it never becoming
to excessive or looking like video noise.
Dolls has recieved quite a nice transfer from MGM, something I wouldn't have expected given the company's
past transfers for horror films, (Child's Play) even though they did have the occasional gem.


Audio:

Not too much to talk about in the audio department. What is here is the original 2.0 Dolby Stereo surround track.
Encoded at 192KBPS, the dialogue came through pretty clear. Some work must have been done to restore the
audio because what is here is well rendered. The creepy music during Teddy's revenge and during the rest of
the running time is well balanced with effects and dialogue. No real hiss or any other problems present. Optional
subtitles are provided for those interested.


Top: Fullscreen
Bottom: Widescreen

[captainjoe]

Interactive Menus:



Main Menu of Side B (fullscreen presentation)




Main Menus of Side A (Widescreen presentation and supplements)







The menus are static and easy to navigate. By today's standards they are dated. There is an odd
picture to the left of the main menu of some people standing around a person strapped to a
chair. As far as I know this scene is neither in the movie or has anything to do with it.


Special Features:

Around the time this DVD was released, seeing a horror title like this from MGM getting
actual features was rare. So when this disc hit shelves complete with not one but two
commentary tracks, I was surprised and happy. Listening to each of them made for an enjoyable time.

Audio Commentary with director Stuart Gordon and writer Ed Naha
If you are familiar with the commentary by Gordon on his other film Re-animator,
then you know he's great to listen to. He's a very well spoken individual who tells it
like it is and won't skip past anything. Naha is a good addition to the track, providing
us with the writing details and how he was asked to write. The two of them cover
a lot about the movie, both on-screen and off. We hear about the making of the actual
dolls themselves and how they were effectively animated for the screen. This commentary
makes up for the lack of a making-of documentary. Highly recommended.

Audio Commentary with Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, Stephen Lee, Ian Patrick Williams and Carrie Lorraine
While it took a little while near the begining for the participants to get really into
the commentary, once they got going it was a great listen. Stephen Lee seems to
lead the commentary adding anecdotes and such to each scene. He also asks his
fellow actors about certain things in the movie. Carolyn is also on board to tell those
unaware about other parts about the making and Stuart's experience about the
making. Surprisingly, Carrie remembers a lot about the the film even
though she
was only 8 or 9 at the time. She says the only thing she was truly scared
of while making
it was the giant Teddy bear and when it transformed. Gordon used
this to his
advantage while filming. Ian sits out for most of the commentary
only saying
things when asked. Overall though the commentary is a nice look back with the actors.



Storyboard-to-Film

Three scenes are compared to the storyboards originally drawn before production.
You can switch between the film and the storyboards by using the angle button.
The three scenes include one of my favorites, Teddy's Revenge. Also included
is Carolyn Purdy-Gordon's demise and The Transformation scene at the conclusion.







Photo Gallery

Included is a standard photo gallery including posters and advertising materials
along with on-set photos.









Theatrical trailer

Finally, the original red-band theatrical trailer is included in anamorphic widescreen.








Final Thoughts:

Dolls, for some reason, appeals to me. There is something erie about the set design
coupled with killer mini-dolls. While the plot is simple and borderline ridiculous,
this fable is worth atleast one watch.
MGM's DVD release features the film in a well rendered transfer complete with some
excellent special features. And with a $13.99 price tag, it can't be beat.


Features: 3.5/5

Video: 4/5
Audio: 3/5
Menus: 2/5
Extras: 3/5