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The Movie:
Steven Zaillian has only directed two films, but he has contributed to a number of other great ones. The writer of such films as "Schindler's List", he has also directed the recent "A Civil Action". Although he has only directed 2 films, both have been excellent ones, with characters who engage and interest the audience, and stories that are dramatic and compelling. "Searching For Bobby Fischer" is the first of his two directorial works, and although it does get a little slow in spots, the majority of the movie is an excellent piece of work.
The film starts by introducing us to the main character, a young boy named Josh, who we (as well as his parents) soon find out that he is a chess prodigy many consider similar to famed chess talent Bobby Fischer. Although his parents are surprised at first, they remain looking out for the child's best interest - his father (Joe Mantenga) is a loving parent who encourages his child's gift; his mother (Joan Allen) is there to support him as well. On the outside is a local park champion player (Laurence Fishburne) and a cold teacher(Ben Kingsley). All of them become involved as the child begins to enter competitions.
Although the game may not sound too interesting, director Steven Zaillian infuses the games with enough energy to carry them through; James Horner's score may be a bit too emotional at times, but its pace helps along the film as well. The performances are excellent across the board (get it? across the board...?) and the film remains solid entertainment.
The DVD
VIDEO: It's nice to see that Paramount has seen fit to give their catalog titles the same solid treatment that they give their newer releases. Although the transfer for "Bobby Fischer" is not quite perfect, it's pretty stunning at times. Sharpness varies, but is generally very pleasing with the majority of images containing good clarity and looking well-defined. Detail is good, although not great. Colors are pleasantly displayed, looking accurate although never really calling attention to themselves. Colors don't display any problems and generally appear solid throughout the movie. Flesh tones remain natural and black level is strong as well.
Aside from the picture looking soft now and then, there isn't much wrong with the picture. Only the slightest amount of pixelation and shimmering is available, but neither are distractions from the movie. The print used is in quite good condition, looking clean and free of scratches, marks or any other sort of damage. A mixed effort at times, enough of the presentation looks good enough to be enjoyable.
SOUND: Although still a primarily dialogue-driven movie, Paramount has offered a very enjoyable Dolby Digital 5.1 track for "Searching For Bobby Fischer"; the results still aren't going to be anything agressive, but there are touches that make for a nicely involving experience. Many of the indoor scenes are simply conversations and offer just dialogue and maybe some touches of score; there are outdoor scenes though that do open up nicely. Surrounds are used for subtle and some not-as-subtle background/environment sounds as well as the dramatic and emotional score from James Horner. Horner's score sounds especially good here, with a warm and richness that is especially pleasing to listen to. Dialogue is successful as well, sounding natural and easily understood. This is still a very dialogue-heavy soundtrack, but it reaches outward with a subtle touch on occasion.
MENUS:: As with most Paramount menus, there's no animation or anything special to these menus. Although I don't mind that menus for a film like this are subtle, they could be less bland.
EXTRAS:: Well, suprisingly, there isn't anything here. Certainly the most dissapointing aspect of the DVD, there's not even a theatrical trailer included.
Final Thoughts: "Searching For Bobby Fischer" is an excellent movie, but deserving of a special edition, which it definitely doesn't recieve here. The presentation is fine, with good audio and video quality. For those who highly enjoy the film, Paramount's DVD might be worth a look, even though the film does not contain any extras. Otherwise, it's more of a rental.
Film Grade
The Film A-
DVD Grades
Video 85/B = (340/400 possible points)
Audio: 86/B = (344/400 possible points)
Extras: 0/F = (0/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 80/B- = (240/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1064/1600
DVD GRADE:D/66%
FILM GRADE: A-
DVD GRADE: D
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