![Next [HD DVD]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/c/c3/50x50px-ZC-B000TGJ8F8-51XJIA6u63L.jpg)
Lee Tamahori's Next is an interesting film, and although not reviewed with the highest of grades by critics, has found it's way to high definition via Paramount, and is a worthy candidate for home viewing.
Based upon the Phillip K. Dick tale, The Golden Man, it is one of those productions that for technical reasons has a special place on DVD.
The basic premise is the ability of Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) to see into his own future by a mere two seconds. Because of this he is tracked in a very Hitchcockian way -- think The 39 Steps or Young and Innocent -- concurrently by both criminals and the law, and must attempt to avoid both.
The premise works. The setup is good. Mr. Cage and co-star Julianne Moore work well together.
But it is the action sequences, beautifully staged and intricately performed and photographed with the two second concept in mind, that may well take center stage for the home video enthusiast, making re-plays a very interesting capability.
I must admit, that based solely upon reviews, I wasn't thrilled with the concept of viewing Next, but am pleased that I gave it the 96 minutes that it requires. With a very interesting turn at the end, I was fully expecting the film to go on for another reel or two, and would not have been against the extra time commitment. The running time goes by that quickly.
Paramount's Next comes Recommended as both entertainment as well as the high quality HD disc on which it has been delivered. Paramount has again delivered an HD experience that shines on a technical level both visually as well as aurally, especially when played via the Dolby TrueHD track.
As an aside, I normally attempt not to jump street dates with on-line comments, but in this case, I would like to give potential viewers the opportunity to lock in a pre-order for a release that I would hate to see overlooked with the myriad of titles about to hit the street in the coming weeks.
RAH
Based upon the Phillip K. Dick tale, The Golden Man, it is one of those productions that for technical reasons has a special place on DVD.
The basic premise is the ability of Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) to see into his own future by a mere two seconds. Because of this he is tracked in a very Hitchcockian way -- think The 39 Steps or Young and Innocent -- concurrently by both criminals and the law, and must attempt to avoid both.
The premise works. The setup is good. Mr. Cage and co-star Julianne Moore work well together.
But it is the action sequences, beautifully staged and intricately performed and photographed with the two second concept in mind, that may well take center stage for the home video enthusiast, making re-plays a very interesting capability.
I must admit, that based solely upon reviews, I wasn't thrilled with the concept of viewing Next, but am pleased that I gave it the 96 minutes that it requires. With a very interesting turn at the end, I was fully expecting the film to go on for another reel or two, and would not have been against the extra time commitment. The running time goes by that quickly.
Paramount's Next comes Recommended as both entertainment as well as the high quality HD disc on which it has been delivered. Paramount has again delivered an HD experience that shines on a technical level both visually as well as aurally, especially when played via the Dolby TrueHD track.
As an aside, I normally attempt not to jump street dates with on-line comments, but in this case, I would like to give potential viewers the opportunity to lock in a pre-order for a release that I would hate to see overlooked with the myriad of titles about to hit the street in the coming weeks.
RAH
