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The Movie:
A haunting, often dream-like picture, "Smilla's Sense Of Snow" stars Julia Ormond("Sabrina") as Smilla, an isolated woman who has moved into a small apartment in Denmark. On her way home one evening, she finds that the young neighbor boy who she has befriended has fallen from the roof, and is dead. Although the police say that the boy was playing on the roof, evidence suggests otherwise, and Smilla looks for answers on her own.
Smilla thinks has the help of a neighbor(Gabriel Byrne), or does she? Like many of the characters in this film, he remains vague and mysterious. There's also the matter of an evil scientist named Tork(Richard Harris) who has ancient parasitic worms at his disposal. And yes, there are times during the film where you might wonder if you've stepped into an episode of "The X-Files" as the film has a similarly creepy and cold atmosphere. Smilla, with her rather intense nature, could be a relative of the "X-Files"'s Scully(Gillian Anderson).
In fact, much of the movies oddness and unrealistic events are made watchable by a couple of elements. Although it's unfortunate that Ormond really hasn't done much in her career after this particular film and a couple of others that were released around it, she gives a good performance here. It's not a particularly likable character, but at least she gives it a nice undercurrent of unpredictability. I'm not sure I quite believed that she would persue things as far as she does, but Ormond remains engaging. Byrne, on the other hand, really doesn't provide much of a performance (certainly not his best) - although, to be fair, he's working with a character that is rather vague to begin with.
The film becomes slow going towards the middle as the atmosphere begins to dissapear and it starts to drag as editing could have helped to pick up the pace at times. The ending isn't a particularly solid finish, but the film did keep me moderately interested about the outcome for the most part. Overall, the film had the potential to be a more effective thriller, but doesn't end up being completely successful.
The DVD
VIDEO: Although much of this film looks very good, there are moments when this film doesn't look quite as enjoyable. The opening credits, actually, look rather dirty with some visible marks and scratches. Soon after though, the movie looks clear and crisp, and the film's often breathtaking scenery is a pleasure to watch. Sharpness and detail are not always consistent throughout the movie as some scenes have a bit of a soft look, with only a couple of dark scenes appearing a little bit murky and undefined. Still, overall, I found the picture to never really become blurry or hazy.
Aside from the minor softness that occasionally creeps in, there are some additional slight flaws. Mainly, print flaws appear in the form of some minor marks and slight speckles. These are visible occasionally and aren't a consistent distraction. Also, some slight edge enhancement and traces of pixelation appear, but don't cause much of a distraction.
Colors aren't much of an issue to talk about here, as the scenery mainly remains cold and snowy. Many scenes appear blueish or colors seem subdued. Overall, "Smilla" remains decent effort from Fox, although not among their better efforts recently. The film is presented in it's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and it is anamorphic.
SOUND: Although "Smilla's Sense Of Snow" starts off sounding like "Armageddon" as a meteor crashes into the snow during the opening, bringing forward a wave of ice, it really calms down quite a bit after that. Much of the film remains an almost completely dialogue-and-music driven piece, although not one without its minor pleasures. Surrounds are used rather inconsistently; they do occasionally offer some enjoyable background sounds or the score, or simply remain quiet. The score is enjoyable and one of the elements that help to add to the atmosphere. Dialogue is natural and clear, with no flaws. Overall, a couple of more active moments in the middle of a subtle audio presentation.
MENUS:: Menus are non-animated, with very basic images serving as backgrounds.
EXTRAS:
Featurette: Although promotional in discussing the story, this is actually a mildly interesting featurette as it shows the stars attempting to film scenes in Greenland. Additional great shots of the scenery are offered, and interviews with the stars discuss shooting in the snowy conditions. The featurette lasts about 5 minutes and 45 seconds.
Trailers: The trailer for "Smilla's Sense Of Snow" as well as trailers for "Titus", "Grand Canyon", "Inventing The Abbotts", "Paradise Road" and "The Ice Storm".
Final Thoughts:
Positive: Fox provides good audio quality and watchable but not impressive image quality.
Negative: "Smilla" is a flawed, but watchable picture. Those who enjoy subtle, "X-Files"-ish mysteries may enjoy this as a rental, while others may think it a bit too slow.
Film Grade
The Film ** 1/2
DVD Grades
Video 84/B = (336/400 possible points)
Audio: 88/B = (352/400 possible points)
Extras: 70/C- = (210/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 80/B- = (240/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1278/1600
DVD GRADE:C+/79%
FILM GRADE: ** 1/2
DVD GRADE: C+
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