DVD Released by : Columbia

Player reviewed with : Sony S3000

Receiver reviewed with : Sony 925

Features:

Widescreen Presentation

Scene Access

Trailer

Isolated Music Score

Cantonese (mono) and Mandarin (mono)

English, French, and Spanish subtitles

Enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs

Running Time : 127 mins.

Jackie Chan stars in this charming story of a country boy who by chance becomes the boss of a gang. He attributes his good luck to the roses he buys from a woman who sends the money to her daughter. When this woman finds that her daughter is planning to visit, she reveals to Jackie that her daughter thinks she is wealthy and a member of the upper class. Jackie tries to help and finds that it's not as easy as he thought.

The movie is set in the 1930's and has a wealth of cameos from several Hong Kong movie stars. Anita Mui is great as Jackie's girlfriend. There are some action scenes but this is definitely more of a comedy. I know Jackie is inspired by Buster Keaton and I think it shows more in this movie than any of his others.

The picture quality on my Sony S3000 was good. I didn't notice the problems that many people have with the transfer. On my computer, the picture did look blurry. I was surprised at the difference that the player made. The film print itself has a few nasty splices. Even though this is from Columbia, the transfer isn't too much different from the import.

The sound is a little disappointing. There are times when the vocals can't be heard because of the music. Some have also had problems with the sound going out of sync, most noticeably at the end. I didn't have the sound go out of sync so I'm not sure if it is do to the player or if I was lucky enough to get a corrected one. Other than the low vocals at times, the sound is tolerable.

The subtitles were done pretty well. The picture is anamorphic so you won't have any problems if you have a widescreen TV. The subtitles are in sync with what is spoken and are easy on the eyes.

The extras consist of a trailer and isolated music score.

I really enjoyed MIRACLES. Action fans will be disappointed but the movie stands on its own merits. I recommend this one. The flaws in the sound are tolerable as long as it's in sync. So, if you have the Columbia version of MIRACLES with out of sync sound, send for a replacement to :

CTHE
Attention Anthony Herron
10202 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

You may want to write first and make sure this address is still correct.