THE MOVIE

Marcello (Marcello Mastroianni) is a young playboy and jaded journalist who spends his days between celebrities and rich people, seeking ephemeral joy in parties and sex. When a famous film star comes to Rome, he does everything he can to meet her, and when he does, he is totally charmed by her.

Famous for coining the word 'Paparazzo' after one of its characters, this is one of Fellini's best films and made its title synonymous with the exuberant and decadent lifestyle of an era.

As is often the case with films touted as the victims of bannings and court actions when you finally see the film there really isn't anything to get worked up over and it can be a bit of a let down. Still, while La Dolce Vita doesn't shock it still offers viewers an interesting and absorbing cinematic experience.

Stylistically amazing, well acted and written La Dolce Vita is a real film lovers film and anyone who wants to view a film with a little substance should find everything they need in this DVD.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

The widescreen presentation isn't anamorphic, which is a shame but on the whole the picture still looks fine. The image is sharp and clear with good detail on offer and nice shadow detail. The black and white picture maintains it's black and white elements without going toward the ugly grey zone. Artefacts and what have you are present but don't cause a problem.

Audio:

The sound on this DVD is very simple. The audio is a DD 2.0 mono track that just gets the job done. Dialogue is clear and audible, lining up well with on screen movements and all other sounds are well created. Not dynamic but good enough.

THE EXTRAS

All we get are a bunch of trailers including one for the film itself.

SUMMARY

An interesting film and certainly not what I expected. This film has something for everyone and everyone is going to take something different from it, it's one of those films that people discuss in cafes long after the final credit has rolled. And isn't that what great filmmaking is all about?