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    About This Item

    Unique ID Code: 0000011416
    Added by: DVD Reviewer
    Added on: 27/11/2000 22:28
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    Donnie Brasco: Special Edition (US)

    9 / 10
    1 vote cast
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    In 1978, the US government waged a war against organized crime. One man was left behind the lines
    Certificate: 12
    Running Time: 127 mins
    Retail Price: $29.95
    Release Date:

    Synopsis:
    Posing as jewel broker Donnie Brasco, FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp) is granted entrance into the violent mob family of aging hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino).

    When his personal and professional lives collide, Pistone jeopardizes his marriage, his job, his life and, ultimately, the gangster mentor he has come to respect and admire.

    From acclaimed director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and featuring an extraordinary supporting cast including Michael Madsen, Anne Heche, Bruno Kirby and James Russo, Donnie Brasco is "one terrific movie!" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

    Special Features:
    Interactive Menus
    Scene Access
    Director`s Commentary
    Exclusive Featurette "Donnie Brasco: Out From The Shadows"
    Original Featurette
    Deleted Scenes
    Isolated Music Score
    Theatrical Trailers
    Weblink
    Talent Files
    Production Notes

    Video Tracks:
    Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1

    Audio Tracks:
    Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 English
    Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 Spanish
    Dolby Digital 5.0 English
    Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 French

    Subtitle Tracks:
    French
    English
    Spanish
    CC: English

    Directed By:
    Mike Newell

    Written By:



    Starring:
    Anne Heche
    James Russo
    Bruno Kirby
    Michael Madsen
    Johnny Depp
    Al Pacino

    Casting By:
    Louis DiGiaimo

    Soundtrack By:
    Patrick Doyle

    Director of Photography:
    Peter Sova

    Editor:
    Jon Gregory

    Costume Designer:
    David C. Robinson
    Aude Bronson-Howard

    Production Designer:
    Brett Goldstein

    Producer:
    Gail Mutrux
    Barry Levinson
    Mark Johnson
    Louis DiGiaimo

    Executive Producer:
    Patrick McCormick
    Alan Greenspan

    Distributor:
    Columbia / Tristar

    Your Opinions and Comments

    9 / 10
    Donnie Brasco is based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who infiltrated the mafia and worked undercover for years, gaining their trust and respect. The film chronicles Pistone`s relationship with Lefty, an aging mobster who suffers from a severe lack of respect from his peers, his failing marriage to his wife Maggie, and his own inner struggle.

    This Special Edition of Donnie Brasco is everything that previous versions should have been, and more. The first thing that strikes you is the excellent anamorphic picture, which is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The print is clean, sharp and well balanced. The image is definitely a huge improvement over the non-anamorphic R2 disc.

    Sound is also given an overhaul, and we are now treated to English tracks in Dolby Digital 5.0 and Dolby Surround, as well as French and Spanish surround tracks. In addition to this there is also an isolated musical score in 5.0. Dialogue is very clear, and the lack of a sub channel has no bearing on a film of this nature. Overall, the disc is very impressive sonically.

    Extras are really the order of the day on this disc. As well as the aforementioned isolated score, we are treated to a director’s commentary from Mike Newell (of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame), two featurettes, deleted scenes (with optional commentary), theatrical trailers, web links, talent files and a photo library. This last extra shows a series of on set stills with accompanying music and dialogue from the film.

    Donnie Brasco is one of those films that doesn’t seem to get the recognition it deserves. Everyone I know remembers Goodfellas, but Donnie Brasco has been somewhat forgotten along the way. It is a fantastic film though, Johnny Depp and Al Pacino are both incredible, and there is a strong supporting cast featuring stars like Michael Madsen and Anne Heche. This disc finally does the brilliance of the film justice. Buy it.
    posted by Chris Gould on 5/12/2000 03:03