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Specifications:

- DVD-Video

- Single-sided

- Dual layer

- Region 1

- Run time: approx. 133 minutes

- Subtitles: English

- Scene selection: Animated menu

- Package: Keep case

Video Features:

- 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

Audio Features:

- English: Dolby Digital 5.1

Bonus Materials:

- Commentary with Roman Polanski

- Isolated music score

- Featurette

- Theatrical trailers & TV spots (3)

- Gallery of satanic drawings

- Storyboard and script selections

- Cast & crew information

- Production notes

Release Dates:

Theatrical Release:       1999

DVD Release:              07/18/00

Review Date:               07/24/00

List price:                     $ 25.00

Avg. on-line price:       $ 17.50

Pre-order price was:    $ 17.50

Starring: Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, Frank Langella,
     James Russo, Jack Taylor, and Emmanuelle 
     Seigner

Director: Roman Polanski

MPAA Rating: R

Studio: Artisan Entertainment

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

Summary: This is Roman Polanski's thriller about a rare-book dealer's search into 
   the secrets of the seventeenth-century satanic manual, "The Nine Gates of the 
   Kingdom of Shadows".  Fans of the thriller genre will sure to enjoy this movie.  
   The DVD is packed with many extra materials, while the video and audio quality 
   is top notch.  Saying that this is another high-quality Artisan DVD release should 
   be more than enough.

The Story

Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is a rare-book dealer hired by millionaire Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to locate the other two existing copies of "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows".  The book is a seventeenth-century manual that is allegedly co-authored by Satan.  As Dean embarks on his journey to Europe to compare the other copies of this rare title, the people around him are murdered, his movements are followed, and attempts on his life are made.  All the while, a mysterious woman (Emmanuelle Seigner) seems to be following him and helps him out in a couple of tight situations.  Dean is completely intrigued by the mystery of the book and discovers a secret that is hidden in the three remaining copies of this demonic title.

The Extras

This DVD is loaded with extra materials.  It includes no less than: an audio commentary by directory Roman Polanski, an isolated music score, a featurette, three theatrical trailers and TV spots, a gallery of satanic drawings, storyboard and script selections, cast & crew information, and production notes.  They are all very entertaining and informative.  However, we found the featurette to be a little too short.

Video & Audio

The image quality of this anamorphically enhanced widescreen DVD is first rate.  The image is very detailed and the colors are beautifully saturated, paying tribute to the beautiful cinema photography.  The digital surround sound was wonderfully mixed as the engaging soundtrack completed this exciting thriller.

Recommendation

This movie has the makings of another Roman Polanski classic.  This demonic-themed thriller will send chills down your spine.  The audio and video quality is top notch and easily seduces your senses.  The extra materials are rich in content and quality by any standard, but they make this DVD a particularly great value when considering its price.  For those who enjoy thrillers, we recommend "The Ninth Gate".

Buy "The Ninth Gate" DVD at:
 

Amazon.com

Express.com

BigStar.com

Rent it at NetFlix.com (Sign up for NetFlix.com "Unlimited" DVD Rental Service 
                                           for only $19.95 per month, click here for details)
 

Visit The Ninth Gate web site and Artisan Home Entertainment web site.

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