听 A mismatched couple with a strange sexual relationship collide on an island castle with a pair of gangsters on the run in Roman Polanski's stunningly shot comedy-thriller, "Cul-de-Sac".
Released onto a fine new DVD, this is available as a single disc, or as part of a Roman Polanski Collection boxset.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture Apart from some minor print damage, this is a fine image transfer with excellent contrast showing off the depth within the striking cinematography.
Sound Both the Dolby and DTS 5.1 mixes sound unnatural and you'd be better off just sticking to the original mono mix which does the job far better.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Two Gansters and an Island The extraordinary location of Holy Island (in Northumberland) and the shoot that took place on it is discussed in some detail in this documentary. The title for the film came from producer Tony Tenser, who thought of it after considering that the plot was all about "two gangsters who get themselves into a hole".
Donald Pleasence is revealed by all to have been a moody chap who shaved his head every day despite Polanski not wanting him to do so. As Polanski puts it, "Donald came shaven and that's the guy we got". He does admit, though, that in retrospect it was a good look for the character.
Additional Extra Features Also on the disc is a trailer, an animated image gallery, detailed cast and crew biographies, and a booklet of notes and stills.
"Cul-de-Sac" is released on DVD in the UK on 25th August 2003.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Chapters: 18
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0, 5.1, and DTS 5.1
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: None
Captions: None
Menus: Animated, with music
Special Features Subtitles None of the special features come with subtitles.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.
