Ìý Get ready to let "Amelie" charm you like never before, as the long awaited two-disc DVD release finally comes within grasp.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture The picture and sound are exactly the same as the original "Amelie" DVD. Created using digital technology, the film transfers well to DVD with yellowish green hues throughout, and there are no problems with the clarity of the image.
Sound This disc comes with both Dolby and DTS 5.1 sound mixes. There's not much to tell them apart, except for perhaps slightly improved spatial effects in the DTS version, but both showcase the music score well, and the sounds that accompany the various camera tricks.
DISC ONE SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary Jeunet's commentary, as you might have already heard on the first DVD, is great fun to listen to. When pointing out that there's a fly in the first scene of the film, he mentions that he has one in all his films, but then can't quite elaborate why. Who cares though? Real screen magic should always leave people floundering for explanations.
He's not shy, either, of pointing out special effects or scenes he's not happy with. There's nothing wrong with seeking perfection, but it's rather reminiscent of attending a fantastic dinner, only to spend most of the time trying to placate a flapping host who's determined to spoil it by pointing out imperfections you never knew existed. However, Jeunet doesn't at any point commit the cardinal sin of so many commentaries by becoming dull. Not even for a moment.
DISC TWO SPECIAL FEATURES
Disc two is divided into three locations: The Café, The Canal, and The Station. Each offer a selection of special features.
The Café As if Audrey Tautou wasn't charming and delicious enough, here's a gag reel of her slip-ups to chuckle at. Also in this section is a script to screen multi-angle comparison of two scenes, and a behind-the-scenes gallery of teeny-tiny stills.
The Canal You'll never dredge a nicer canal than this one. While there are no prams or rusty bikes, you will find a short Q&A session with Guillaume Laurant, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Audrey Tautou. Laurant says typically little in a session that's high on silly answers and infectious laughter. For more pertinent comments, seek out the 20-minute Jeunet interview. He opens by discussing his love of special edition DVDs, citing his favourites as "The Fifth Element", "The Sixth Sense" and "Rocky".
He moves on to discuss "Amelie", and how the producers insisted that the original script be simplified. Despite his reservations, Jeunet gave it a try but it didn't work, which resulted in the producers (who remain nameless) dropping the project. They must be kicking themselves now, for Jeunet talks with some pride at the unusual sight of the French press applauding at screenings of the film. It wasn't a dumbed down version either, because new backers UGC instantly loved and understood the script as it was.
Also in The Canal are three screen tests, and a 'making of' home video featurette.
The Station Although you might only at first see a section with teasers and a trailer, there is a hidden Easter Egg. It's pointless but funny, and gnome lovers will find much to like.
Region: 2
Chapters: 16
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection, animated menus, and English subtitles.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
