Search - Paycheck - Remember the Future [Widescreen] [Special Collector's Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Adult Language Movie Release: 2003 DVD Release: 05/18/2004 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 58 mins Studio: Paramount Total Copies: 78 Genres: Action, Science Fiction, Sci-Fi Action, Tech Noir See Also: Paycheck - Remember the Future [Fullscreen] [Special Collector's Edition], Paycheck [Blu-ray], Paycheck

John Woo directs the sci-fi action thriller Paycheck, based on a story written by Philip K. Dick in 1953. Waking up with his short-term memory erased, engineer Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck) learns that he has been doing highly secretive work for the last three years in exchange for billions of dollars. But when he tries to get paid, he finds out that he himself had previously exchanged the money for an envelope of random clues to his life. Chased by an FBI agent (Michael C. Hall) and his old boss Rethrick (Aaron Eckhart), Michael uses the clues to find out his identity and prove his innocence. Uma Thurman appears as his love interest and partner, Rachel. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Ben Affleck - Michael Jennings
Aaron Eckhart - Rethrick
Uma Thurman - Rachel Porter
Colm Feore - Wolf

Some time ago, the unique action in a film by John Woo was something to look forward to. With Paycheck, the action is still there, but the originality has clearly dissipated. This film is certainly not a wasted effort, but it's also not the highlight of his career. That said, Paramount recognizes they still have a big title and bestow it a fitting DVD release. This disc has just about everything in the right place, starting with exceptional picture and sound. The image, framed at the aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and enhanced for widescreen televisions, is excellent. Of course, a pan-and-scan version is available separately. Outstanding use of color is made all the more evident with the contrast of darker scenes, which are perfectly captured on this disc. The transfer is pristine, showing no signs of scratches, grain, or deterioration, as would be expected from a new film. The sound, while maybe a small step lower than the picture, is also top-notch. The 5.1 Dolby Digital track kicks in appropriately, though the surround speakers aren't used as often as would be expected. That's not to say that the sound field isn't active. It certainly is, with some very creative and, at times, aggressive effects, but it falls short of ranking among the best. Paramount, the studio that rarely offered supplements on early releases, has warmed up to extra content. Two commentaries are on hand, one from director Woo and the other with screenwriter Dean Georgaris, and while each has enough to say, there may have been more benefit from a single track with both men. Two decent featurettes are also available: "Paycheck: Designing the Future," which is a good press-kit-style look behind the scenes and "Tempting Fate," which goes into some fairly nice detail about the stunts. Very interesting is a handful of deleted and extended scenes, most of which really would have worked in the film (something that most discs can't claim). Not quite as appealing is an alternate ending, which is high on sentimentality. Wrapping things up are other Paramount trailers, including the thrilling Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the less exciting Timeline. Generic in many ways, this film still has enough action to keep anyone involved. For those that really enjoy it, this DVD is an first-rate companion. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide