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(About Our Ads) DVD REVIEW FOR "IN DREAMS" (1999) (Annette Bening, Robert Downey, Jr.) (R) Length Screen Format(s) Languages Subtitles Sound Sides 100 minutes Letterbox (1.85:1) 16x9 - Widescreen English English Dolby Digital 5.1 1 PLOT & PARENTAL REVIEW VIDEO: (B+) While the overall picture quality is good, two problems are somewhat distracting. The most obvious is the over-saturated colors that are present throughout much of the film. Although the fact that they don't occur during the entire film signals that its use was selective (I can't recall from the theatrical presentation how it looked), at times some of the scenes -- and particularly the flesh tones present in them -- are simply far too warm. Beyond that, some compression-related pixelation is present and is particularly noticeable in the opening under water scenes as well as shots featuring grey skies or other lighter-colored solid parts of the picture. In addition -- and presumably intentionally done -- the picture is never bright and ultra sharp, but instead somewhat murky, all the better to suggest the film's eerie tone. AUDIO: (A) As is the case with any decently produced horror film, the audio on this release is effectively spooky and plays as much a part in suggesting and/or creating mood as the plot, performances and/or direction. From the generally creepy score -- courtesy of composer Elliot Goldenthal -- and sound effects to the often bass resounding ominous tones that play during it, the disc's audio is very good. EXTRAS: Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images). Theatrical trailer. Cast & Crew filmographies and biographies. Production notes -- 11 pages of on-screen text. COMMENTS: Unfortunately, and despite some unnerving scenes and disturbingly compelling visuals, this horror film from stylistic director Neil Jordan ("The Crying Game") eventually jumps its tracks, derailed by an increasingly preposterous plot, some wooden acting, and stilted dialogue. Wasting its early potential, what seemed to be a strong entry in the supernatural thriller genre simply becomes a hokey variation of the serial killer plot that would even cause the folks at those telephone psychic hotlines to scoff. This isn't to say that I normally debunk such plots. On the contrary, I've often enjoyed such paranormal stories -- no matter how campy they may occasionally get. This film's plot -- as written by Jordan and Bruce Robinson ("Return to Paradise," "Jennifer 8") and based on the novel "Doll's Eyes" by Bari Wood -- initially seems like it has a decent premise. However, and not withstanding some unnerving submerged town elements (the film's coolest and spookiest scenes), it's simply an uninspired variation that blatantly pilfers the "I can psychically see the killer and/or his plans" elements from films such as "Eyes of Laura Mars," "The Dead Zone," and even "Dreamscape" and "Fear" (as well as many other similarly based novels). As such, the "killer is controlling your dreams for later to be disclosed and definitely warped domestic reasons" plot comes off as too goofy to be either scary or believable (in a genre that already necessitates a big dose of suspension of disbelief from the get-go). Simply put, the story idea has been run into the ground and without a sufficient subplot to support the proceedings (think of the dual stories in "The Silence of the Lambs"), the film quickly sinks as the story plummets into further -- and progressively less frightening -- silliness. Things aren't helped by the script's weak and often quite stilted dialogue, as well as some downright stiff acting from an otherwise decent and talented cast. Better than the recent onslaught of teenage slasher films, but nowhere near as good as it could and should have been, the film may feature some creepy and effective visuals, but its many problems -- much of which are related to wasted cast and story potential -- made sure this film didn't stay afloat for long in the theaters. As far as the quality of the DVD, while the sound appropriately sets the right mood and creates a creepy atmosphere, the picture's color information often looks way too over-saturated, and at times become a bit distracting. Supplemental materials are rather sparse, with just a trailer and some on-screen text of production notes and cast and crew filmographies and biographies being offered.