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Perfect Man (A)
R2 - United Kingdom - Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (12th January 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** In a city where anything goes she finally found her Mr. Right... again! Since the day they met, James (Liev Schreiber, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Salt) and Nina (Jeanne Tripplehorn, Sliding Doors, Basic Instinct, The Firm) have challenged, infuriated, enraged and adored each other completely. They are seemingly the poster couple for the perfect marriage, until, one day, Nina sees James embracing her best friend. Suddenly, her world falls apart and she is left questioning the very foundation of their marriage. Believing she has nothing to lose, Nina pretends to be another woman, striking up a relationship over the phone with her husband in an attempt to prove his infidelity. However, it is only when she is certain that her womanizing husband has fallen in love with her that Nina must face her true feelings and decide whether to walk away or give love another chance.
Video
Independent British distributor Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment have released "A Perfect Man" on to DVD in the United Kingdom using the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer is anamorphic and in PAL format, but has a couple of niggling issues. Originally filmed on 35mm using an Arriflex 535 camera in 2000 before funding issues delayed the finished project by thirteen (!) years, the biggest issue that bit away at me throughout my viewing was that at times the transfer felt slightly stretched vertically. This can be noticed mostly in faces in more enclosed scenes, but isn't a problem that appears in every scene. Some edge enhancement and aliasing can also be spotted from time to time, normally along long straight lines, such as buildings in the background or along the shoulders and arms of the cast. There are also a number of positives to be had with this transfer, the main being the strong level of colour. The film utilises a lot of whites, creams, and other light colours well, with good clarity. Blacks are perhaps not quite as deep as they should be, but don't tend to suffer from crush. Details aren't bad either, with facial close-ups the easy highlight. Smaller items in the background of the apartment such as a silver mirror with a detailed frame also look quite good. There are no issues with damage such as scratches or dirt, but some light compression artefacts have sneaked their way in. This is a good, if slightly problematic transfer overall. The feature is uncut and runs 90:55.
Audio
Two audio options have been included: - English Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo For my viewing, I opted for the English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, though it must be noted that the stereo track is what plays by default. The 5.1 track isn't particularly immersive, with the surrounds used almost exclusively for the rather bland score by Jeff Cardoni, and for the occasional environmental effects such as pouring rain. Dialogue is very central throughout, but gives no causes for concern with every line delivered clearly and at a consistent volume level. There are no issues present such as drop outs, pops, scratches or background hiss. Overall, it is a technically sound, but unexciting experience, that does the job adequately without any problems. No subtitles have been included.
Extras
Nothing exciting. Start-up Trailers: - "Very Good Girls" (2:08) - "Not Another Happy Ending" (1:39) Theatrical Trailer (1:59)
Overall
A by-the-numbers romantic drama. Worth a rental for those who are fans of Liev Schreiber and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
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