Search - The Brother From Another Planet on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Humor, Profanity Movie Release: 1984 DVD Release: 09/16/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 50 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 1 Genres: Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy Comedy, Urban Comedy

Filmmaker John Sayles' first bonafide box-office success, Brother from Another Planet centers on a black escaped slave from a faraway planet (Joe Morton) who finds himself on the mean streets Harlem. Though the locals are put off by the slave's inability to speak, they are won over by his technical wizardry. He is adopted as a "brother" by his new friends, who protect him from pursuing white aliens played by director Sayles and David Strathairn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Joe Morton - The Brother
Darryl Edwards - Fly
Steve James - Odell
Leonard Jackson - Smokey
Bill Cobbs - Walter

Corresponding with its very small budget, The Brother from Another Planet receives a very minimal DVD release. Its menu consists of a simple "Start Movie" prompt and offers no chance to access specific scenes. The disc does contain chapter cues, but they are only accessible by using the remote control during the film. While not totally surprising, the lack of even the most basic interactive menus here is disappointing.

The movie appears in the basic 1.33:1 full-frame version that is only marginally superior to its VHS release. It does feature less grain than before, but the colors still lack the clarity normally associated with the DVD format. However, the fair quality is almost certainly a product of its low-budget stature, and nothing provides a major hindrance.

The 5.0-channel Dolby Digital audio track is actually a pleasant surprise when compared to the video transfer. The limited effects and music move nicely across the sound field, which leads to an effective listening experience. The clarity level is not remarkable, but it still represents an impressive enhancement over the VHS release. ~ Dan Heaton, All Movie Guide