The Crime of Padre Amaro [DVD] [2002]

Oscar-nominated and controversial, The Crime of Padre Amaro comes to DVD in a decent, though far from flashy, package. The image, framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, is a fine representation. Colors are well balanced, but not showy, portraying the Mexican locations in a very realistic fashion. Detail is also quite good, as is skin tone, which stands out strongly. The 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks, both in Spanish and English, are basically centered up front, with a moment or two of separation at appropriate times. Dialogue is clear and distinguishable. This disc hardly has a wealth of supplements. On the positive side, it does have a commentary track (in Spanish, with English subtitles, which is something that can't be said for the DVD of Y Tu Mamá También) by director Carlos Carrera and star Gael García Bernal. Both men ramble on and on, and do offer some interesting tidbits, but often it's difficult to distinguish the two, and Bernal certainly doesn't contribute as much as the director. Beyond that is a press kit featurette about the film that doesn't offer much, a very brief poster gallery, and two trailers for this film and Talk to Her.