And the Band Played On takes place mostly within interior settings of doctors' offices, meeting rooms, and labs, so opportunities for innovative visuals remain fairly limited. The 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer presents the images decently without containing anything exceptional. A few minor specks of dirt do appear intermittently, but they aren't too distracting to cause any serious hindrance. The black levels are fairly solid, and the bleak colors look fine. The events onscreen come across clearly and in good form, and the amount of grain is minimal. With the exception of the mournful score, there are few significant sound elements in this film. Nearly all of the story consists of dialogue spoken in meetings between scientists, the press, and AIDS patients. The 5.1-channel Dolby Digital transfer features an impressive level of clarity and depth. Although it is hardly tested, all of the pivotal moments are easy to decipher. This disc also contains a 2.0-channel Dolby Surround track that varies only slightly from its companion. Both transfers are worthwhile and work effectively to present the film and its message. The lone extra feature on this disc is a nice collection of cast and crew biographies. Each entry contains several pages covering the careers of the major actors, writer Arnold Schulman, and director Roger Spottiswoode. Although there are no filmographies, the 11 sections do provide a decent overview of each individual and their past works. Also noteworthy are the impressive menus, which improve over HBO's usually drab, static presentations.
Warner Brothers Home Entertainment releases this single-disc issue of Vertigo Comics' crass character John Constantine's big-screen debut. Containing the original widescreen presentation of the film, the disc comes with a stunning 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer along with Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in both English and French. The picture quality is befitting to the unique look of the picture, which only looks better and better as time goes on. The disc not only shines with its fine presentation, but with its inclusion of 18 minutes of deleted scenes that feature an alternate ending and a cut storyline featuring Constantine and Michelle Monaghan as a demon seductress. Director Francis Lawrence provides optional commentary for the scenes, as well as a feature-length track along with producer Akiva Goldsman and screenwriters Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello that provides the viewer with insight on the filmmaking process of this adaptation. Add in the theatrical trailer, and you have a solid release that delivers just enough from the incredible 2 Disc Deluxe Edition to make it a worthwhile single disc investment for those low in the pocketbooks or not interested in substantial bonus features. This film is also available in the less-recommended single-disc full-screen version.
When the success of your next mission hangs in the balance, or only one more zombie stands between you and immortal glory, nothing matters more than the controller in your hands. The DUALSHOCK 4 brings an exciting array of additional features that are designed to usher your gaming experience into the next generation. Equipped with a multitouch touchpad on the face of the controller, the DUALSHOCK 4 opens up a new world of gameplay. Press the share button to upload screenshots and video of epic gaming moments or live-stream sessions with your pals. The future of gaming is now, and the features of this controller live up to the hype.