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Specifications:

- DVD-Video

- Single-sided

- Single layer

- Region 1

- Run time: approx. 120 minutes

- Subtitles: English, Spanish

- Scene selection: Animated menus

- Package: Keep case

Video Features:

- 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

Audio Features:

- English: Dolby Surround

- French: Dolby Surround

Bonus Materials:

- Director's commentary

- Theatrical trailers (2) & TV spots (2)

Release Dates:

Theatrical Release:       1992

DVD Release:              07/25/00

Review Date:               08/04/00

List price:                     $ 30.00

Avg. on-line price:       $ 21.00

Pre-order price was:    $ 21.00

Starring: Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei,
   Fred Gwynne, Mitchell Whitfield

Director: Jonathan Lynn

MPAA Rating: R

Studio: 20^th Century Fox (Fox Home Entertainment)

Movie: A        Video: B+        Audio: B-        Extras: B-

Summary: Jonathan Lynn succeeds in bringing this hilarious mobster/comedy to 
   the screen.  Two pals Bill (Ralph Macchio) and Stan (Mitchell Whitfield) are 
   traveling from New York through Alabama when a series of coincidences lands 
   them in jail charged with first degree murder.  This intriguing mixture of 
   misunderstandings, relationship problems and court formality is a sure 
   entertainment for comedy enthusiasts.

The Story

Two pals Bill (Ralph Macchio) and Stan (Mitchell Whitfield) are traveling through the South on their way to Los Angeles.  As they arrive in Alabama and stop for food supply, they are arrested.  Throughout the interrogation, the two friends think that they are being questioned for shoplifting.  Little do they know that they are charged with first degree murder of the shop keeper.  Desperate to resolve their situation, Bill calls his cousin Vincent Gambini (Joe Pesci), a former auto mechanic from Brooklyn who just passed the bar exam and has never been in court.  Vinny isn't our traditional lawyer in every sense.  He and his girlfriend Lisa (Marisa Tomei) are an unusual couple that stick out in the southern town and courtroom setting.  Vinny and Lisa are very argumentative and share great knowledge in auto mechanic.  Both of these talents come to play in the courtroom to liberate the two young accusers.

The Extras

The bonus material is rather sparse, perhaps because this was originally released back in 1992--well before directors were thinking about bonus materials for the DVD format.  The director's commentary is worth going through.  You would discover information such as the filming location was actually in Atlanta, Georgia instead of Alabama.  The movie has lots of authenticity due to its shooting at locations with true southern atmosphere.  In addition, it also kept movie cost down to shoot on location.  Jonathan Lynn does fantastic job of sharing interesting facts regarding the movie.  Other bonus features are two theatrical trailers and two TV spots.

Video & Audio

The image quality of this anamorphically enhanced widescreen DVD is first rate.  It is amazing that some of the hand-held recordings in small rooms are so well blended into the movie.  The image has that slight dark tone to reflect the seriousness of the first degree murder charge.  The surround consists of only Dolby Surround.

Recommendation

This movie has the makings of another Jonathan Lynn mobster/comedy.  I always enjoy his movies, and this one has great chemistry between Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei.  Seeing it again on DVD makes me laugh as hard as the first time.

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