Heartburn
Picture: B- Sound:
B- Extras: D Film: B-
Most people will remember Mike Nichols for his film The
Graduate, and although he has made some memorable films since then, he has
rarely put anything forth nearly as recognized. Although his 1994 film Wolf was an interesting take on the
werewolf genre, which would also re-team Nichols with Nicholson, it was after
their work together on 1986’s Heartburn. The film also stars Meryl Streep and includes some other familiar
faces such as Kevin Spacey in his first film role; Jeff Daniels, Stockard
Channing, and Catherine O’ Hara are also some well-knowns.
The film is based on Nora Ephron’s novel and plays out rather
tediously as we stumble through some trite material that does not execute as
well as it should and would have been a complete mess with a lesser cast. Luckily these are talented enough people
that they make the material watchable, even at its lowest moments. The film has dated a bit too, which makes
its arrival on DVD nothing to cheer about per se.
The film is presented in an anamorphic widescreen transfer at 1.85
X 1, which looks bland to say the least and gives an analog appearance as
well. Detail is kept to a minimum
throughout and gives the film a flat appearance. Colors are balanced pretty well with whites looking a bit softer
and darker scenes are much more washed out than should be. Overall the entire presentation is a notch
above VHS, but certainly not stellar.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 is as standard as it gets, which made me question
most of Dolby Digitals work on DVD, especially for films during the
1980’s. Then I had the chance to check
out Warner’s recently re-issued A Room With A View (1985) and discovered
that its presentation was exception for an older title. Not only that, but it had a dynamic range
that I seldom find in Dolby soundtracks, which means that most of these films
are just not being remixed or taken care of to their best ability and just
being passed onto people in average ways.
Heartburn’s 5.1 mix is one example of this.
Chances are that the demographics for a film like Heartburn
are not going to be as concerned about its audio/visual muster, but that is not
to say that average treatment should be given to titles on DVD, regardless of
their aim. If you liked the film and
can tolerate a basic DVD, then go for it.
If you are curious about the film and just want to see it, then this is
a starting point, but otherwise use the skip button.
- Nate Goss
