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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 2.35:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  • Dual Layer (RSDL 75:15)
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  Subtitles
    English, Icelandic, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish
  Extras
  • Additional footage - Alternate Ending
  • Audio commentary
  • Featurette
  • Photo gallery
  • Storyboards

K-PAX

Buena Vista/Buena Vista . R4 . COLOR . 115 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

The alien theme has been done to death by Hollywood with mixed results. There have been classic films such as E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, even more extreme variations such as Men in Black and the Alien series of films. We have seen aliens as friendly and caring beings and we have also seen them wanting to extinguish the human race. For K-PAX we get the more friendly type of alien and no sign of Fox Mulder, Will Smith or little green men with big eyes anywhere.

So what is K-PAX? Well it is where K-PAXians come from, of course! But seriously, K-PAX is a planet in the Lyra system, about 1000 light years from Earth. It is the planet that Prot (Kevin Spacey) claims to come from. We first see Prot when he suddenly appears after a bright flash of light descends on New York's Grand Central Station. He is asked by the police where he is from and is duly taken into custody. He is soon in a mental hospital and is to be assessed by Doctor Mark Powell (Jeff Bridges). Powell at first feels that Prot is the standard nutcase who thinks he is an alien, but Prot soon gives signs that he may actually be telling the truth.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to burst through your chest"

Powell is intrigued by Prot and becomes obsessed with finding out if he really is an alien or if he is simply delusional. Using hypnosis he tries to find out the real story, obsessing so much he starts neglecting his own family. He is also on a deadline, as Prot is destined to return to his home planet in the pending days, exactly five years after arriving.

" Now if you'll excuse me, I have a beam of light to catch!"

The acting is pretty much faultless in this film. Kevin Spacey is the star without doubt, but he is at times overshadowed by terrific performances from Jeff Bridges and the outstanding supporting cast. One of the attractions for Bridges to take on this role was that it would be the complete opposite to his role in Starman. David Patrick Kelly (The Warriors) is excellent as Howey as is Saul Williams as Ernie, both playing psychiatric patients with accuracy. Mary McCormack (The Broken Hearts Club) is also good as Rachel Powell, in fact the entire cast are well suited to their roles and are each crucial to the story in one way or another. This film really feels like a cross between Awakenings, Starman and Phenomenon, but this is in no way a copy. It could easily fit into many categories such as Sci Fi or drama, but I think the best way to describe it is as a character piece.

This is not a film for everyone, but most should enjoy it. There is also the thought that this theme has been done to death, but K-PAX offers a nice variation on the alien theme. It is well paced and can at times seem slow, but is never boring. The lead character is very likeable and there is a nice balance of humour and drama. Although there are a few surprises, a second viewing is also enjoyable, proving that this film is indeed a quality production.

  Video
Contract

The picture is presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, is 16:9 enhanced for widescreen devotees and looks superb. Picture is sharp throughout unless intended not to be. There are many occasions where sharpness is focussed on the subject of interest while the surrounding scenery is slightly blurred, a great effect done to perfection here. Colours are bold when they need to be and subtle when required also. There are no problems with grain or other major nasties and aliasing and artefacts are so minor that they are not of concern. The majority of scenes are dimly lit and yet detail is still outstanding.

There is a multitude of subtitles to choose from and the English ones sampled are very accurate, so accurate in fact that some words are spelled as said rather than the correct way. There is a layer change at 75:15 which, although noticeable, is well placed between scenes.

  Audio
Contract

The singular audio track for K-PAX is English Dolby Digital 5.1 and it sounds wonderful. Dialogue is clear at all times and surround use, although subtle, is pretty much constant. The surrounds are used best for music ambience, but becomes more aggressive during dramatic scenes. The subwoofer gets quite a bit of action throughout the film also. Overall this is an excellent audio track that is not going to test your speaker capability, but is rather subtle and well balanced.

  Extras
Contract

With the rental release containing no extras whatsoever, it is a welcome relief to see some on the retail release.

The Making of K-PAX – Pictures By Jeff Bridges
This feature is a series of photos taken by Jeff Bridges during the filming of K-PAX. It is well presented and runs for 1:42.

Alternate Ending
Not a huge variation on the original ending, this feature runs for 4:31 and is of a lesser quality than the final feature presentation.

Spotlight on Location
This is quite possibly the best extra provided. The featurette contains interviews and some nice behind the scenes footage. It runs for 11:42 and although short is a terrific extra.

Director’s Commentary
Director Iain Softly has a lovely speaking voice and is very pleasing on the ear, always a good start with a commentary. This particular example is quite interesting throughout and apart from a few prolonged silences, offers some good insight into the production of K-PAX.

Storyboard to Final Feature Comparison
This comparison runs for a rather brief 1:34 and shows storyboards compared to final footage. The use of multiple angles might have been nice here, but this is still an interesting extra.

  Overall  
Contract

Overall this is not a film that everyone will love, but most should enjoy it. As usual Kevin Spacey gives a fine performance, but his supporting cast are equally as good here. The picture and sound quality are excellent and a nice swag of extras has been added since the rental release. This is definitely a film worth seeing, if not as a purchase then well worth a rental.


  • LINK: http://www.dvd.net.au/review.cgi?review_id=2327
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      And I quote...
    "They’re here! The extras that were missing from the rental release that is..."
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Sony DVP-NS305
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Sony STR-DE685
    • Speakers:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Centre Speaker:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Surrounds:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Subwoofer:
          Sony SAVE815ED
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