Young Sherlock Holmes on DVD
If youve ever been curious to see how Chris Columbus handles the lives
of British school kids as a writer rather than as a director, heres your
chance.
Columbus, who also directed the first and second
Harry Potter movies, penned this tale of Holmes and his good buddy Watsons
first meeting and the subsequent adventure that made Watson a life long friend
and fan of the famous sleuth. Its pretty broad in many ways, and even
descends to the level of unbelievability in one scene, but on the whole its
a pretty good what if about some of the things that helped form
the adult Holmes and Watson.
Assuming they had ever existed, of course...
Sitting in the directors chair was Barry Levinson, who also made such
flicks as Rain Man, Diner, Sphere, the wonderful Avalon,
and Wag the Dog, among others. This 1985 adventure
was obviously much earlier in his career, and thats okay. Its also
okay that this is a product of Steven Spielbergs Amblin Entertainment,
which brought us films such as Gremlins (also
written by Columbus), Batteries Not Included
and Innerspace.
Spielberg's name being attached to the movie indicates that, if nothing else,
the picture would look like a million dollars. And it does; the production design
is wonderful and the films overall period look and feel is great. There
are some pretty neat special effects, too, including a two dimensional stained
glass knight thats really nifty.
The Young man of the title is played by Nicholas Rowe, and he pulls it off
very well. Though he looks a bit like a young Pete Townshend, you could believe
that Rowe would grow up into Basil Rathbone. Alan Cox is John Watson, and he
looks almost as if hed be at home in a Potter film.
And theres a love interest here. Holmes is deeply involved with Elizabeth
Hardy (Sophie Ward), who of course cant be around when we meet the adult
Holmes. We wont tell you what happens to ensure that.
The mystery in this case is a case of multiple murder. People have been going
crazy and appearing to commit suicide, but Holmes smells a murderer and, well,
from there on the games afoot.
The victims have all been hit by little darts carrying a powerful hallucinogenic
that causes these peoples apparent breakdowns. The search for the person
holding the blowgun that shot the darts, as well as any associates he or she
might have, takes Holmes, Watson and Hardy to an Egyptian religious cult bent
on revenge.
Its enough to send young Holmes looking for his mummy.
The cast also includes Freddie Jones, with Anthony Higgins as the nasty villain.
Wed reckon that Harry Potter fans would enjoy this movie, and itll
probably keep Holmes fans happy as well. And while some of the scenes seem almost
as if they were ripped right from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
that bit of theft isnt nearly enough to spoil the fun.
The DVD is good, though sparse. Its presented in anamorphic widescreen,
16x9 TV compatible, and the picture is very good. Theres very little grain,
but lots of good contrast and moody Victorian color.
Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, and its pretty good as well. You
wont need to turn down your subwoofer to handle the rumbling bass, since
there isn't really any, but thats okay. And Bruce Broughtons musical
score, which alternates being sounding Williams-esque and Goldsmith-ish, sounds
wonderful.
Alas, there are no extras. Still, the plays the thing and so one cant
be too disappointed in a good DVD transfer of a very likeable movie.
Young Sherlock Holmes, from Paramount Home Entertainment
108 min. anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1, 16x9 TV compatible), Dolby Digital 5.1
surround
Starring Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox, Sophie Ward, Anthony Higgins
Produced by Mark Johnson
Written by Chris Columbus, directed by Barry Levinson
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