| Reviews & Columns |
|
Reviews DVD TV on DVD Blu-ray 4K UHD International DVDs In Theaters Reviews by Studio Video Games Features Collector Series DVDs Easter Egg Database Interviews DVD Talk Radio Feature Articles Columns Anime Talk DVD Savant Horror DVDs The M.O.D. Squad Art House HD Talk Silent DVD
|
 DVD Talk Forum |
|
|
| Resources |
|
DVD Price Search Customer Service #'s RCE Info Links |
|
Columns
  
 
|
|
|
Dogma
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
I remember when I first read the script on the internet for "Dogma". It was a original, wild piece of work and kind of like a great novel, I kept reading it till I'd finished it. Although I kind of enjoy the final product, it's not quite as entertaining as it read on the page. Although director Kevin Smith's movies have always been talky, "Dogma" goes on a little too long at over two hours for its own good.
An odd religious comedy/drama about the Catholic faith, Smith's trademark vulgar language remains from his other films, and most enjoyably, we get the return of Jay and Silent Bob(Smith himself), the duo that have been in every one of Smith's films. The two get some of the best lines, and stoner Jay has some of the funniest observations that he's ever had in Smith's movies.
Two outcast angels, Loki(Matt Damon) and Bartelby(Ben Affleck) have been cast out of Heaven and end up wandering around, looking for a way back. They discover that if they enter into a Church in Jersey, they can get back into heaven, but the only bad thing is that by doing so, they end existence in the process. A human named Bethany(Linda Fiorentino) finds herself on the journey to keep the angels from going through the loophole, but only later does she learn the role she plays in the greater whole. Keeping her company on the journey, and trying to score with her, are our two heros - Jay and Bob. Meeting up with them along the way is the 13th apostle(Chris Rock) and a muse(Salma Hayek).
The film goes on a little too long at times, but I was entertained by the ride. Stopping at many points along the way to discuss the nature of religion, the film provides some very interesting conversations, but the film could have done with a little editing here and there to pick up the pacing. Smith is sort of like the Farrelly Brothers in a way. Although their films are sort of different in nature, neither are really the best filmmakers, technically, in the world. He can tell the story with dialogue, but he just needs to work on telling the story visually. Luckily, on "Dogma" he has a little help from "Rushmore" cinematographer Robert Yeoman, who does a rather nice job presenting Smith's first film shot in the wide 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
I still think "Chasing Amy" is Smith's best work to date, but "Dogma" still has its fine moments - it just could have been a shortened a little. And of course, I'm still angry that Jason Mewes was overlooked for a best supporting actor nominee at the Oscars. Seriously.
The DVD
VIDEO: Luckily, Tristar took over DVD duties for "Dogma" and they've done a fine job with the presentation. The film's 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer shows off a sharp, clear image that offers rich, natural colors that never show any signs of bleeding. Black level is strong, and flesh tones are natural and accurate.
I didn't see much to complain about with the effort, although there was a minor, slight trace of pixelation once or twice. Other than a couple of tiny instances of that, there's no shimmering, and the print used is crystal clear and clean of any marks or scratches. A very, very nice transfer from Tristar. A pan/scan version is also included on the flip side.
SOUND: I was actually kind of suprised by how active the audio for "Dogma" was. With creative and occasionally agressive use of the surrounds, the action and various effects come through clearly. The occasional score sounds fine as well, and nicely recorded. Dialogue, like any Kevin Smith film, is always the focus, and it's always easily understood.
MENUS:: Some nifty menus by Columbia/Tristar with a "bright light" effect that happens whenever you make a choice from the menu.
EXTRAS: Note: A major special edition of "Dogma" will be released this fall. Details are not yet available.
Trailers: Trailers for "Dogma" and "The Opposite Of Sex".
Final Thoughts: I wish that the special edition could have been completed in time, but it looks to be a great DVD when it comes out in the fall. As for this edition, I'm going to recommend it. Aside from its few flaws, I found "Dogma" to be a interesting movie and another entertaining feature from director Kevin Smith.
I remember when I first read the script on the internet for "Dogma". It was a original, wild piece of work and kind of like a great novel, I kept reading it till I'd finished it. Although I kind of enjoy the final product, it's not quite as entertaining as it read on the page. Although director Kevin Smith's movies have always been talky, "Dogma" goes on a little too long at over two hours for its own good.
An odd religious comedy/drama about the Catholic faith, Smith's trademark vulgar language remains from his other films, and most enjoyably, we get the return of Jay and Silent Bob(Smith himself), the duo that have been in every one of Smith's films. The two get some of the best lines, and stoner Jay has some of the funniest observations that he's ever had in Smith's movies.
Two outcast angels, Loki(Matt Damon) and Bartelby(Ben Affleck) have been cast out of Heaven and end up wandering around, looking for a way back. They discover that if they enter into a Church in Jersey, they can get back into heaven, but the only bad thing is that by doing so, they end existence in the process. A human named Bethany(Linda Fiorentino) finds herself on the journey to keep the angels from going through the loophole, but only later does she learn the role she plays in the greater whole. Keeping her company on the journey, and trying to score with her, are our two heros - Jay and Bob. Meeting up with them along the way is the 13th apostle(Chris Rock) and a muse(Salma Hayek).
The film goes on a little too long at times, but I was entertained by the ride. Stopping at many points along the way to discuss the nature of religion, the film provides some very interesting conversations, but the film could have done with a little editing here and there to pick up the pacing. Smith is sort of like the Farrelly Brothers in a way. Although their films are sort of different in nature, neither are really the best filmmakers, technically, in the world. He can tell the story with dialogue, but he just needs to work on telling the story visually. Luckily, on "Dogma" he has a little help from "Rushmore" cinematographer Robert Yeoman, who does a rather nice job presenting Smith's first film shot in the wide 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
I still think "Chasing Amy" is Smith's best work to date, but "Dogma" still has its fine moments - it just could have been a shortened a little. And of course, I'm still angry that Jason Mewes was overlooked for a best supporting actor nominee at the Oscars. Seriously.
The DVD
VIDEO: Luckily, Tristar took over DVD duties for "Dogma" and they've done a fine job with the presentation. The film's 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer shows off a sharp, clear image that offers rich, natural colors that never show any signs of bleeding. Black level is strong, and flesh tones are natural and accurate.
I didn't see much to complain about with the effort, although there was a minor, slight trace of pixelation once or twice. Other than a couple of tiny instances of that, there's no shimmering, and the print used is crystal clear and clean of any marks or scratches. A very, very nice transfer from Tristar. A pan/scan version is also included on the flip side.
SOUND: I was actually kind of suprised by how active the audio for "Dogma" was. With creative and occasionally agressive use of the surrounds, the action and various effects come through clearly. The occasional score sounds fine as well, and nicely recorded. Dialogue, like any Kevin Smith film, is always the focus, and it's always easily understood.
MENUS:: Some nifty menus by Columbia/Tristar with a "bright light" effect that happens whenever you make a choice from the menu.
EXTRAS: Note: A major special edition of "Dogma" will be released this fall. Details are not yet available.
Trailers: Trailers for "Dogma" and "The Opposite Of Sex".
Final Thoughts: I wish that the special edition could have been completed in time, but it looks to be a great DVD when it comes out in the fall. As for this edition, I'm going to recommend it. Aside from its few flaws, I found "Dogma" to be a interesting movie and another entertaining feature from director Kevin Smith.
|
| Popular Reviews |
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Release List | Reviews | Shop | Newsletter | Forum | DVD Giveaways | Blu-Ray | Advertise |
|
Copyright 2024 DVDTalk.com All Rights Reserved. Legal Info, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use,
Manage Preferences,
Your Privacy Choices 
| |||||||