Distributor: |
Warner Brothers |
Release Year: |
1998 |
Run Time: |
135 |
Aspect Ratio(s): |
Wide Screen (2.35:1) |
Audio Tracks: |
English - 5.1; French Dolby Surround |
Subtitles: |
English; French; Spanish |
Extras: |
Scene Access; "Making of..." Documentary Shaping the Sphere...; Audio Commentary by Dustin Hoffman and Samuel L. Jackson; 3 TV Teasers; Theatrical Trailer; Production Notes; Cast & Crew Biographies |
DVD ROM Content: |
N/A |
Media: |
Dual Layer |
Rating: |
R |
Norman |
Dustin Hoffman |
Beth |
Sharon Stone |
Harry |
Samuel L. Jackson |
Overall: |
4 |
Clarity/Sharpness: |
5 |
Color: |
4.5 |
Audio: |
|
Menus: |
3 |
Extras: |
3.5 |
DVD-ROM Content: |
0 |
Sphere boasts a very clear transfer, one of the sharpest DVDs I have. Colors are vivid (not as vivid as The Fifth Element, to be sure, but very good.) Several extras are included, nothing to write home about, but a making-of documentary and a commentary are nice additions. The documentary is a mix of interesting special effects tidbits, and a bit of a childish lecture on how to break into the business. Cast bios, TV trailers and the theatrical trailers are also included. The "special edition" of this film is presented in theatrical widescreen, which is also welcome. The relatively high score of this DVD is due primarily to the video quality as the extras and menus are only slightly above average.
Overall: |
2.5 |
Concept/Idea: |
3.5 |
Script: |
3 |
Acting: |
3 |
Action: |
2.5 |
Comedy: |
1 |
Romance: |
1 |
The film begins with our stars, and a few others, assembling as part of a special team which we learn is to investigate a giant spacecraft that has been found at the bottom of the ocean. After gaining entrance to the spacecraft, it's surprising origin is revealed as well as its mysterious cargo -- a large, reflective sphere of unknown origin.
The alien sphere has a special power -- or rather it enables others to have special powers. Soon, a series of encounters with hostile sea life, possessed computers and mysterious forces makes this one trip our stars will be eager to forget.
An average script, combined with average acting (from above average actors), leads to a disappointing film overall. Still, Sphere does grant several suspenseful periods and a few scares. Sphere is an interesting twist on several science fiction ideas -- but while it contains a star-studded cast, good effects and an interesting concept, it ultimately boils down to a low-grade, sci-fi-horror flick.