Search - The Thirteenth Floor [Widescreen/Fullscreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Language Movie Release: 1999 DVD Release: 10/05/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 40 mins Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Members Wishing: 10 Genres: Science Fiction, Tech Noir See Also: The Thirteenth Floor [Fullscreen], The Thirteenth Floor [Widescreen] [Blu-ray]

The increasingly blurry lines between what is real and what is an artificial construct - both physically and philosophically - are the point of focus in the science fiction drama The Thirteenth Floor. In 1937, a man named Fuller (Armin Mueller-Stahl) gives a note to Ashton (Vincent D'Onofrio), the bartender at a swank hotel, that's addressed to Douglas Hall (Craig Bierko). Fuller tells Ashton it's crucial that no one else sees the note, and that the information enclosed is of great importance. Moments later, Fuller transports himself to 1998. He's soon found murdered, and a shirt stained with Fuller's blood is found in Hall's apartment. Fuller and Hall both work for Intergraph Computer Systems, a cutting edge artificial intelligence firm, and the "past" Fuller was visiting was actually a stunningly realistic recreation of Los Angeles 50 years ago, complete with people you can meet and places you can visit, that exists only in a microchip. The message he left with Ashton, however, is real. Some people, including LAPD detective Larry McBain (Dennis Haysbert) believe Hall murdered Fuller to assume his position of leadership at Intergraph. Jane (Gretchen Mol), Fuller's daughter, soon arrives on the scene, and Hall finds himself infatuated; Hall is determined to clear his name, so with the help of Whitney (also played by (Vincent D'Onofrio), he into the virtual 1937 in hopes of discovering just what happened. The Thirteenth Floor makes copious use of digital effects technology to allow its characters to travel between 1937 and 1998 - ironically using computer technology to create a world that exists inside a computer. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Craig Bierko - Douglas Hall
Armin Mueller-Stahl - Hannon Fuller
Gretchen Mol - Jane Fuller
Vincent D'Onofrio - Ashton
Vincent D'Onofrio - Whitney
Dennis Haysbert - Det. Larry McBain

Produced by blockbuster specialist Roland Emmerich, sci-fi thriller The Thirteenth Floor has probably been overshadowed somewhat by The Matrix, with which it shares themes of computerized worlds and multi-layered realities. But it is well respected by fans of the genre, and Columbia TriStar has delivered a creditable DVD edition. An anamorphic widescreen transfer showcases the film's dazzling visuals -- not only the special effects, but also the stylish '30s sets that form the backdrop to the story. The sound quality is equally efficient, courtesy of a Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio track. The DVD is equipped with a lavish set of special features. Filmographies are provided for the main cast and crew, and the arresting original theatrical trailer is a good taster for the movie. A conceptual art gallery illustrates the vision of 1937 Los Angeles that is realized so spectacularly in the film, and the promo video for The Cardigans' song "Erase/Rewind" includes some footage from the film itself. One of the more unusual extra features is the "Before and After Special Effects Comparison," which offers a fascinating glimpse into how modern-day settings were transformed into a convincing replica of pre-war LA. The commentary track is from director Josef Rusnak, as well as (tellingly) production designer Kirk Petruccelli, and again concentrates on the special effects side of things, although Rusnak in particular also tries to explore the complex themes of the film. Although The Thirteenth Floor remains an overlooked slice of science fiction, this excellent disc should enhance its growing popularity. ~ Patrick Lee, All Movie Guide