Titanic (DVD)

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What we've got is decent, anyway, digitally remastered to THX standards. The screen ratio is 2.35:1, its original theatrical dimensions. The picture quality is OK, but it is not anamorphic, not enhanced for widescreen TVs. There are slightly ragged edges to some of the most brightly colored images. Faces are sometimes a bit more shiny than they might be in reality, and there are a few instances of shimmering horizontal lines. Otherwise, skin tones are natural and hues accurately represented.

Audio:
The audio options are Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Surround. Remember that like other DVDs from Paramount, this one requires that a person choose DD 5.1 from the setup menu; Dolby Surround is the default. Both modes are fine, but DD 5.1 provides more dynamic impact and, of course, discrete five-channel separation. Bass is thunderously deep and voices are lifelike. Special aural effects like the groaning and creaking of the ship sinking, the rushing waters, and the waves washing overhead are vividly conveyed. So is James Horner's haunting, melancholy soundtrack music and Celine Dion's end-credits song.

Extras:
Not much else to report on, though. English and French are the spoken language and subtitle choices. Scene selections and a trailer round it out. Paramount must figure they have enough going for them without the additional expense of any bonus items. Given the sales of this DVD, I suppose they're right.

Parting Thoughts:
The recreation of the disaster and the exquisite period detail involved are important, to be sure, but by personalizing the story of the world's most famous shipwreck, writer-director Cameron has made "Titanic" more than an ordinary historical melodrama. The sinking is almost anticlimactic, a backdrop to the story of the young lovers. By approaching a well-worn topic in a novel way, Cameron has produced a canvas that reaches out to everyone.

"Titanic" is as gargantuan as its name implies; yet for all its drama, it is intimate and passionate, too. Outside of a theater, I can't imagine watching it in any other format than DVD, particularly the second half.