MovieFreak.com - Catch Me If You Can DVD Review

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks
Director: Steven Spielberg

Rating: PG-13

Studio: DreamWorks SKG

Review Posted: 5.14.03

Spoilers: None

Synopsis

Based on a true story, Frank W. Abagnale was employed as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline company—all before reaching his 21st birthday. A successful con artist and master of deception, Frank is also a brilliant forger, whose skill at check fraud has netted him millions of dollars in stolen funds--much to the chagrin of the authorities. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty has made it his prime mission to capture him and bring him to justice, however Frank is always one step ahead of Carl, baiting him to continue the chase.

The Video

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1; image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. This was a terrifically detailed and accurate film transfer. Sharpness always appeared very crisp and concise. I detected no signs of jagged edges, however there were situation were some edge enhancement appeared; nonetheless the image was very clean and fresh. Colors offered a focal point of the film. From the scenery to the vivid wardrobe warn by our characters, the film takes place in the seventies so the colors jump off the screen.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN presented a splendid image from start to finish. Black levels were deep and rich, while shadow detail appeared to be appropriately heavy but never excessively thick. As a whole, I can give nothing but praise for such a wonderful transfer. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN looked magnificent.

The Audio

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is presented in both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS track. While I thought the two mixes were very similar, I felt that the DTS had a better base quality to it.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN featured an active and involving soundfield, but for the most part our sound stays centered to its forward spectrum. Audio quality was great; dialogue always came across as warm and natural, and I discerned no problems related to edginess. Music was bright, with fine fidelity and strong presence. Effects were clear and accurate and displayed excellent dynamics. At no time did I hear distortion or other flaws during the presentation. Overall, this was a terrific soundtrack that really worked well for the film.

The Extras

"Catch Me if You Can": Behind the Camera
Cast Me if You Can: The Casting of the Film
Scoring "Catch Me if You Can"
Frank Abagnale: Between Reality and Fiction
The FBI Perspective
"Catch Me if You Can": In Closing
Photo galleries
Production notes

Summary

Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. For over twenty-five years he has lectured to and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world. Frank Abagnale has been associated with the FBI for over 25 years. He lectures extensively at the FBI Academy and for the field offices of the FBI. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs. In 1998, he was selected as a distinguished member of "Pinnacle 400" by CNN Financial News.

Spielberg felt that Abagnale’s story was interesting enough to justify a Hollywood film, and he was correct. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is a great film with great performances from Hanks, Walken and DiCaprio. Although extensive at 2.5 hours, the film does take off rather quickly and the viewer is engrossed from start to finish. I felt the film was pleasing and engaging and well worth a rental.

Established fans of the film will be pleased; DreamWorks has put together a fantastic DVD with terrific video transfer, great audio and some good extras. While not Steven Spielberg’s most celebrated film, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is still excellent. The movie offers strong characters whose interaction makes the flick an unfailing delight, and it illustrates them in such a way to make them more intricate and captivating than usual. It’s hard not to recommend this film; CATCH ME IF YOU CAN comes highly recommended.

Film Rating: 4 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

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