The dual layered anamorphic widescreen DVD is sharp and detailed with excellent fine detail and definition. Color fidelity is nicely rendered with accurate fleshtones, rich and warm color and deep blacks. Contrast and shadow delineation are superb, exhibiting excellent visual information between darkness and picture black. Sometimes the picture appears slightly plugged-up with minor compression pixelization artifacts, especially in darker scenes, but there are no distracting video artifacts. Overall, the picture will surely please due to a generally natural presence throughout. The anamorphic and letterbox DVD measures 1.85:1. The Dolby Digital 5.1 discrete soundtrack is terrific sounding, especially the wonderfully haunting music score by Bernard Herrmann (adapted by Danny Elfman). The music is well recorded with an expansive soundstage, which images wide and deep. There are plenty of dynamics to stir the emotions as well, especially the shrill staccato strings--the signature theme. The music is an almost continuous pleasure and performed perfectly with great sensitivity. Dialogue sounds natural throughout with good spatial integration at times, though otherwise mono directed, at which time the soundfield collapses. Sound effects are nicely rendered with soundstage directionality and split surround engagement is often effective. Both subtle and aggressive surround is enhanced with phantom center back imaging. Bass response is sometimes deep and powerful, yet always natural sounding, and is effectively enhanced with .1 LFE. The discrete is occasionally holosonic sounding with excellent ambient delineation, though the matrix generally better resolves low level ambience. During the drive-up to the Bates Motel in a rainstorm, soundfield delineation is exceptional. Overall, this soundtrack will not disappoint and is true to the emotional impact created by what critics have characterized as the greatest suspense thriller of all time. Hitchcock's masterpiece is back and the sound is even more frightening. |
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