This bundle of contradictions and neuroses certainly provides a great subject for a film biography. Like so many other dictators, he probably climbed to the top through sheer force of will and charisma. Who knows, had Idi Amin Dada been an actor, he could´ve won an Oscar.
(Astute observers will notice that the film credits Idi Amin Dada for his contribution of a music score.)
Video:
Originally shot on 16mm film, "General Idi Amin Dada" appears on DVD with a 1.33:1 (full-frame on 4:3 monitors) aspect ratio. (Due to the fact that a few letters of a printed word were cut off during the film´s opening credits, I think that the film image was meant to be framed at 1.37:1.) At any rate, the video image exhibits the usual "dated" look, complete with dark colors (courtesy of poorly captured light) and film grain in abundance. There are several moments where scratches, dirt, or hairs intrude degrade the quality of the print. On the other hand, the video is generally stable, and the compressionist did a good job avoiding digital specks. This is a professional transfer of a problematic source.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 1.0 mono English track seems to indicate that the film´s audio sourcing survived better than the video. While mono tracks sound rather thin during moments meant to exhibit strong bass levels (for example, when planes fly overhead), there aren´t any hisses, pops, or audio "drop-outs". Obviously, the audio does not contain any directionality effects since the entire soundtrack emanates from the center speaker in a home theatre set-up.
Optional English subtitles support the audio.
Extras:
Rather than housing an audio commentary, the DVD offers a 26-minute video interview with Barbet Schroeder. As with other such interviews found on Criterion discs, the interviewee has been directed to provide informative anecdotes concerning a film´s production, but the interviewee can be a bit dry.
Aside from an interactive timeline of Ugandan history, there´s nothing else on the DVD.
(Since Idi Amin Dada is still alive, living in Saudi Arabia, I wonder if the Criterion people tried to obtain an interview with him for the DVD release of the film. LOL.).
A glossy fold-out insert provides notes on cuts made to the film requested by General Amin, notes on the film´s production, film credits, DVD notes and credits, and chapter listings.
Entertainment Value:
Idi Amin Dada is one of the most grotesque historical figures of all time. Surprisingly, his contradictory nature did not prevent him from becoming the dictator of Uganda. While listening to his unfocused ramblings concerning a variety of topics, you will marvel at how Idi Amin Dada sounds educated and idiotic simultaneously. "General Idi Amin Dada" the film plays as an ironic, darkly humorous exposé of a monster who thought of himself as a great man.
(Astute observers will notice that the film credits Idi Amin Dada for his contribution of a music score.)
Video:
Originally shot on 16mm film, "General Idi Amin Dada" appears on DVD with a 1.33:1 (full-frame on 4:3 monitors) aspect ratio. (Due to the fact that a few letters of a printed word were cut off during the film´s opening credits, I think that the film image was meant to be framed at 1.37:1.) At any rate, the video image exhibits the usual "dated" look, complete with dark colors (courtesy of poorly captured light) and film grain in abundance. There are several moments where scratches, dirt, or hairs intrude degrade the quality of the print. On the other hand, the video is generally stable, and the compressionist did a good job avoiding digital specks. This is a professional transfer of a problematic source.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 1.0 mono English track seems to indicate that the film´s audio sourcing survived better than the video. While mono tracks sound rather thin during moments meant to exhibit strong bass levels (for example, when planes fly overhead), there aren´t any hisses, pops, or audio "drop-outs". Obviously, the audio does not contain any directionality effects since the entire soundtrack emanates from the center speaker in a home theatre set-up.
Optional English subtitles support the audio.
Extras:
Rather than housing an audio commentary, the DVD offers a 26-minute video interview with Barbet Schroeder. As with other such interviews found on Criterion discs, the interviewee has been directed to provide informative anecdotes concerning a film´s production, but the interviewee can be a bit dry.
Aside from an interactive timeline of Ugandan history, there´s nothing else on the DVD.
(Since Idi Amin Dada is still alive, living in Saudi Arabia, I wonder if the Criterion people tried to obtain an interview with him for the DVD release of the film. LOL.).
A glossy fold-out insert provides notes on cuts made to the film requested by General Amin, notes on the film´s production, film credits, DVD notes and credits, and chapter listings.
Entertainment Value:
Idi Amin Dada is one of the most grotesque historical figures of all time. Surprisingly, his contradictory nature did not prevent him from becoming the dictator of Uganda. While listening to his unfocused ramblings concerning a variety of topics, you will marvel at how Idi Amin Dada sounds educated and idiotic simultaneously. "General Idi Amin Dada" the film plays as an ironic, darkly humorous exposé of a monster who thought of himself as a great man.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]10337[/release]