Beethoven's 4th

The DVD of Beethoven's 4th presents the film in wonderfully, crisply contrasted widescreen (1.85:1) images, with the superior lighting design benefiting most; for much of the movie the actors seem to have a halo of sharp back lighting that adds dimension to the sets. The benefits of Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound is used cleverly and convincingly, with sound effects frequently emerging from rear channels representing offscreen action (usually a St. Bernard doing something noisy and messy). Special features are limited to text production notes and bios of the principal cast and the filmmaker. There also is a preview of Balto: Wolf Quest.