Review of Mighty Quinn, The

Introduction

Come all without, come all within,
You`ll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn.

So goes Quinn the Eskimo (also known as The Mighty Quinn, from which the film takes its name), written by Bob Dylan in 1968 (although that version is not used here). You might have heard the song before, but I wonder how many people have seen the film starring Denzel Washington? One of the early films in his career, following on from the success of 1987`s Cry Freedom. It also features the ever-annoying Mimi Rogers (I`m not a fan), Robert Townsend and Norman Beaton (Desmond from Channel 4 sitcom Desmond`s). The production designer was one Roger Murray-Leach - a name that might be familiar to Dr Who fans.

The very simple plot is outlined above, and there`s not much more to it than that - it`s a gentle murder mystery.

Video

A 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, which like quite a few MGM catalogue titles hovers around "above average for its age" mark. It`s about 14 years old now, and it does look its age now and again, but it`s pretty clean, with only minor traces of dirt and dust popping up now and again. The colours are quite good, but it never seems bright and sunny enough to be the Carribean - maybe that was intentional, or maybe the weather wasn`t that great anyway?

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo soundtrack which is rather average. That`s a shame, since there`s a nice little selection of reggae to keep the film rooted in the Carribean - tracks include UB40`s cover of Johnny Clarke`s "Keep on Moving" (from Labour of Love), Guess Who`s Coming to Dinner, and a cover of The Mighty Quinn featuring 2 Marley offspring (Cedella and Sharon). Rita Marley also appears in the film, and acted as "reggae consultant" - a good job if you can get it!

The rest of the soundtrack is average, and uninspiring. Dialogue is clean and crisp, and everything is audible.

You can also take your pick from a variety of other European dubbed soundtracks.

Features

Just a trailer.

Conclusion

There`s a reason why you`ve probably never seen this early piece of Denzel Washington`s work - it`s not really that great. The story meanders along gently, negotiates its way around some stereotypes and cliches, and then carries on. The music is probably the best part of the whole film. Denzel`s performance is ok, but he`s not really given much to work with.

The disc itself is another of MGMs average back catalogue DVDs, with reasonable picture, average sound and a distinct lack of extras.

A gentle murder mystery which doesn`t tax the brain, but doesn`t reward it for watching the film either. Maybe worth a rental if there`s nothing else in the shop, if you`re a massive Denzel fan, or if you fancy listening to the music (you could just buy the soundtrack).