Review of Rated X

Introduction

It`s the late 60`s and you`ve got a hobby of making films that are not exactly mainstream that you would like to share with a wider audience. What do you do? You buy your own cinema! Jim and Artie Mitchell (Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez) are two brothers who are pushing the boundaries of what America considers acceptable viewing for the general public. They also just happen to be current godfathers of porn.

The authorities aren`t happy, especially given the outstanding success the cinema becomes and eventually the brothers themselves start to increasingly dislike each other. Things can only get worse.

Video

An anamorphic release that was a pleasure to watch, and not only for the subject matter. The image was extremely sharp and the colours wonderfully captured the sights, sounds and feeling of the period depicted. Skin tones, of which there are many, are superbly replicated.

There is no problem with variation of quality between light and dark scenes or interior and exterior, but as this is a modern day release with 2 big name stars involved, no cost cutting on lighting standards was to be expected.

Audio

The box states that the only soundtrack is a stereo 2.0 offering, but on entering the discs main menu there is an option for the full 5.1 effect, and a joy it is too. There is a strong emphasis on music from the era and it really is replicated well.

The surround channels aren`t used to a massive effect, but when they are it is with a subtlety that is a pleasure to listen to. The front sound stage is used to good measure, with speech and effects moving with the action, but never getting caught out.

An extremely good soundtrack.

Features

Animated and scored menus, with transitions in and out apparently, although I am at a loss to accurately describe this after watching them. There is also a trailer, which is of a lower quality than the main feature. I find it surprising that the trailer is so often overlooked in the production quality stage and just thrown onto the disc as an extra. I believe that it would make a world of difference to the disc if the trailer was given the same treatment as the main feature with regard to cleaning and making the most of the master. Maybe economics just don`t allow such niceties.

Conclusion

This is an excellent film. Emilio Estevez does a good job of directing his brother Charlie Sheen, and there really is a brotherly bond that comes across well as they play the two Mitchell brothers.

The subject matter may put some viewers off, but it is tackled in such a way so as to not offend the majority of the viewing public, although there will of course always be people who take offence. There is no excessive nudity in the film.

The sound is good, the video is superb and overall it is a funny enjoyable film.

Recommended.