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In Short: So-so comedy from the director of "My Cousin Vinny" gets a fine anamorphic transfer .
The Movie:
Director Jonathan Lynn had a major success with his courtroom comedy "My Cousin Vinny" in 1992 and decided to try to achieve it again with this similar film in 1997 with mixed results. He certainly has a talented cast, but the script is full of jokes that fall consistently flat. The story revolves around Charlie Tuttle(Jeff Daniels), a lawyer who is about to get married. His best friend Ricky("Seinfeld"'s Michael Richards) plans to be the best man at the wedding. Of course, something happens to drag him away before the wedding can begin: the cousin of his boss at the law firm needs defense in a trial for selling "copper engravings" (which turn out to be, of course, pennies) for $17.99 to unsuspecting victims.
Richard decides to show up at the small town where the trial is being held and throw his friend a party anyways. Charlie wakes up completely hung over the next day, and Richard goes to the trial in his place, pretending to be the lawyer. When attempts to stall fail, Richard has no choice but to continue being the lawyer in the case. It's a fine plot and ripe for comedy, but the script involves too much in the way of predictable jokes. It's only when the actors grab hold of a joke or two that they get the full effect out of it. Richards is especially funny, but there are a few times where he goes a little too close to playing his "Kramer" character from "Seinfeld" in the way that the character is a little too much in the way of physical comedy, but it's not as hilarious as the "Seinfeld" character. In fact, a good way to describe this character would be "Kramer"-lite.
It's the debut of actress Charleze Theron that is really the highlight of this film. She plays a waitress that falls in love with Charlie, and although it's kind of hard to believe that her character would fall in love with his, she plays the character with a sweetness and life that's an early preview of the talent she's displayed in films like "Mighty Joe Young" and "Celebrity", and in dramas like "Devil's Advocate". Even when the script doesn't quite work, it's the actors that make "Trial and Error" at least somewhat entertaining.
The DVD
VIDEO:
Uh oh. Although the image quality itself is actually quite good, there seems to be an issue with the aspect ratio that's presented in the widescreen transfer. Looking at the IMDB, the original aspect ratio for this film is 2.35:1. Looking at the disc itself, the aspect ratio is 2:1 and a look at the back of the box says, "2.1- as specified by the director". While the aspect ratio is not the correct one that was shown in theaters, the change was apparently the choice of director Lynn for this new transfer.
As for the quality of the transfer itself, it's excellent. The letterboxed transfer is anamorphic and sharp throughout, with very good detail apparent. Colors are excellent, looking wonderfully vibrant and rich. Colors are well saturated and there are never any instances of bleeding. There are some wonderful shots of the scenery on occasion, as well, with a deep blue sky and moutains in the background. There really are some goregous shots scattered throughout this picture. The image attains a nice depth, as well, never looking flat. Flesh tones are natural as well.
There are no flaws to this picture, with no shimmering or any other problems. The print used is also in very good condition, with no noticable marks or scratches. Excellent work from New Line, although I would really like to know why the aspect ratio was changed for this release. There is the choice of a widescreen or pan&scan presentation and both can be chosen from the menu.
SOUND: This is a very basic sound mix with nearly all of the audio coming from the front. The most important thing in a movie like this is dialogue, and that remains the focus throughout this movie. Occasional touches of music are pleasant, but don't leave much of an impression.
MENUS:: Basic menu art, non animated.
EXTRAS: Just the trailer. No more, no less.
Final Thoughts I didn't really care for the movie, but if you're a fan of it, the disc offers a nice presentation. Although the aspect ratio is not the original, the image quality itself is quite good.
The Film 75/C = (375/500 possible points)
Video 93/A- = (372/400 possible points)
Audio: 81/B = (324/400 possible points)
Extras: 65/D = (195/300 possible points)
Menus: 65/D = (130/200 possible points)
Value: 80/B- = (240/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1636/2100
Average:78%/C
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