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Sidney Sheldon's
Master Of The Game

review by Zach B.

 

 

Running Time: 413 minutes

Starring: Dyan Cannon, Harry Hamlin, Ian Charelson, Cliff De Young, Fernando Allende, Liane Langland, Doandl Pleasence, Cherie Lunghi, Jean Marsh, Barry Morse, Johnny Sekka, Angharad Ress, Maryan D'abo, David Suchet, Leslie Caron, David Birney

Teleplay by: John Nation and Paul Yurick
Based on the book by: Sidney Sheldon

Directed by: Kevin Connor 

 

Studio: Paramount

Retail Price: $29.98

Features: None

Specs: 1.33:1 Full Screen, English Mono, English Closed Captions, Chapter Selection (8 chapters per part), Two-Disc Set

Released: March 27th, 2009

 

 

"Master Of The Game" is presented in 1.33:1 full screen, just as it aired on television back in 1984. Clearly though, the print used wasn't being take care of in the archive. The transfer here looks bleak: the overall image is washed out and faded. Colors are muted, while detail is average. The mini-series is also excessively grainy, and there is plenty of blemishes, scratches and dirt pieces throughout. Shimmering and noise also make constant appearances. Sadly, mini-series looks like it's been dragged through the mud and there's really not much to recommend here.

 

A bit better is the audio, but barely. English Mono is the name of the game here, and as the viewer might expected, is limited and a bit hollow sounding. The dialogue can be heard, and the musical score sounds fine. Sound effects also come through, but lack any major "punch" and come off as a bit restricted at times. As far as defects, I did hear a little hissing at times - but nothing incredibly off-putting.

English closed captions are avaiable through your television.

 

Nothing.

 

Fans of Sidney Sheldon's novel - and those who remember this mini-series - might be inclined to look into this DVD set. But for anyone who does, they'll have to put up with subpar transfers and a rather weak mono mixes. The retail price is pretty steep for what's offered, so if there's any interest to look into this release, a rental might be the best bet.