Disc Details
Special Features:	Audio Commentary by Director Soundtrack Featurette Theatrical trailer Production Notes Newsletter
Video Format:	Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) [SS-DL]
Languages:	English (Dolby Digital 5.1) French (Dolby Digital 5.1) English (DTS 5.1)
Subtitles:	English, Spanish, etc.
Captions:	Yes
Casing:	1-Disc Keep Case

While the film’s cinematography (thanks to Academy Award winning cinematographer John Toll) is breathtaking, the film fails as a romance, with the stiff Nicolas Cage and seemingly out-of-place Penelope Cruz never truly connecting. Read Andy Zientek’s review for a more positive and in-depth perspective of the film.

Picture Quality: 9/10
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” looks stunningly gorgeous. The sun-bathed location shoots and the shimmering waters surrounding the island are breathtaking and the vibrant colors lept out of the TV set. Once again, Universal has delivered a great transfer of a print untouched by physical wear-and-tear. Cinematographer John Toll's (“Legends of the Fall” and “Braveheart”) beautiful lens is nearly flawlessly rendered on DVD.

Sound Quality: 9/10
The “Corelli” DVD houses three 5.1 digital sound options--Dolby Digital 5.1 English DD 5.1 French, and DTS 5.1 English. As this is a film set during World War II, the sound mix is expansive and aggressive. Directionality effects occur often, and the deep rumble of machinery and explosions create a “you-are-there” atmosphere. Stephen Warbeck’s orchestral score blends well into the sound stage. The rear speakers don’t have to do much, but they contribute when necessary.

Menu: 9/10
A beautiful and simplified menu system.

Extra Features: 7/10
Despite being a fairly “big” production (the film counts Oscar winners in the ranks of its cast and crew members), the “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” DVD does not offer many extras. Viewers do not even have the pleasure of watching a “Spotlight On” documentary that usually accompanies a Universal feature.

The most important bonus on the DVD is the audio commentary by director John Madden. Mr. Madden is pretty good about providing background information concerning the production, and he also discusses the difficult process of adapting a film from another medium. Thankfully, he avoids “play-by-play” narration.

The remaining extras warrant little repeat attention. There’s the Russell Watson music video “Ricordo Ancor” (“Pelagia’s Song”), itself preceded by a promo for the CD soundtrack. Then, there are the usual Production Notes (text pages), Cast and Crew bios/filmographies, and a theatrical trailer.

The Final Word:
As far as book adaptations go, "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" lands somewhere between "The English Patient" and "The Scarlett Letter" -- I know, big range... Beautiful picture and audio quality anchor this very solid disc from Universal. Fans of the film will be satisfied by the fabulous video transfer, as well as Madden's insightful commentary.

Stephen Wong