DVD Reviews

Clockstoppers

Clockstoppers from director Jonathan Frakes (yes, Star Trek's "numba one") recreates some of those silly-teenagers-in-an-interesting-situation comedies that Disney did in the late 60's. Ya know, "The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes" and the series of movies that surrounded them? No? Well, anyway, a nerdy teen stumbles across a nifty invention of his college professor father. A device like a wristwatch that slows time to the point that it seems to stand still. The special effects for this are really well done and very cool! But, soon the "must have" villains move in to claim the device for their own. Our hero unwittingly gets thrown into the web of evil doers when they kidnap his father. So, with the help of his girlfriend and a hapless scientist, he must rescue his father before time's up!

Picture quality is very good. A really nice transfer with great colour definition and excellent black level. No apparent pixel problems or film grain present.

Soundtrack is also very well done. Some very nice surround effects and fairly good low-end. Vocals are clean with no distortion. There's a pretty good tune selection in the soundtrack, some great 80's remakes mixed in with some original stuff of today.

A still frame with no musical accompaniment main menu has unanimated transitions to secondary still frame with no music secondary menus. Very generic and very boring. Features include a making of featurette, which is just a television promo piece, some other promo stuff and two music videos, "Holiday in my Mind", and " It's the Weekend". Soundtrack selections are English 5.1, English Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround.

Whether it's our hero's cool bike tricks or the practical jokes that ensue during hyper-time, there always seems to be something to keep you watching. French Stewart, who plays the hapless scientist, has a fantastic sense of comedic timing, which is utilized but sadly limited. It's not thee comedy of the year and don't look for a leak-proof plot line. Sit back, crack a cola and grab some corn. It's just plain family oriented fun.

Review By Joey Chill