Plot: What’s it about?
When someone is in trouble in deep space and no one is close enough to help them, they send out a distress signal. That signal is then picked up by the crew aboard the Nightingale 229, who patrols the reaches of space to fulfill just that purpose. But those calls are few and far between and as such, the crew is always left with little to do and do whatever they can to pass the time. The pilot and leader of the crew is A.J. (Robert Forster) who is working on his doctorate, while medical officer Kaela (Angela Bassett) just lounges around and keeps her skills in tip top shape. Paramedics Danika (Robin Tunney) and Yerzy (Lou Diamond Phillips) use their time to engage in more romantic efforts, while computer expert Benj (Wilson Cruz) spends his time making the onboard computer more personable. And of course the newest member of this crew, Nick (James Spader) who seems skeptical and resistant to his new living arrangements. Their boredom is about to be shattered when they receive a distress call from a mining colony on a distant planet. This will be anything but a routine mission and before it reaches a close, the fate of the galaxy could hang in the balance.
This movie seems to take a beating in every review I read. Now I saw the film when it played at the theaters and while it did have some problems, it will still a decent flick for science-fiction fans. Not a great movie by any means now, but one that was worth checking out at the least. I thought the writing was weak in places, but the visuals really perked up the total entertainment value. But the version I saw at the theater was rated PG-13 and some sequences were cut in order to make the movie accessible to young teens. Now MGM has issued this film on DVD and has included the never before seen R rated version of the film. How much difference does this new footage really make? Well, the new shots include more skin for the most part, but I think a little more blood is present also. I wouldn’t swear to the blood though, as it has been a long time since I’ve seen the PG-13 rated version. I know you see more flesh though and anyone who needs of Robin Tunney’s chest will be pleased with this new cut, as she shows her goods time and time again. In addition to the new cut of the film, MGM has also included a wealth of deleted scenes and excellent audio and video specs. I think those who disliked the previous cut should look into this one, as well as anyone else interested in this science-fiction flick.
This film was directed by Walter Hill, who is credited under the name of Thomas Lee. But Hill isn’t the only director to have worked on this film, as Jack Sholder (The Hidden, Renegades) and even Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather) had some hand in this production at some point. Despite this abundance of creative forces, Supernova never seems disjointed or misdirected, though I am sure might disagree with me. I have no clue on how much either of the other directors were responsible for, but Hill is an experienced director who could handle a movie like this without too much trouble. If you want to see more of Hill’s movies I recommend Last Man Standing, 48 Hours, Another 48 Hours, Crossroads, Brewster’s Millions. This cast is solid and though some faltering occurs, I think they do a fine turn with this material. I found James Spader (Crash, Stargate) to be less wooden than usual and Peter Facinelli (Telling You, Can’t Hardly Wait) also steals his fair share of scenes. The rest of the cast is also good and includes Wilson Cruz (Tv’s My So Called Life), Angela Bassett (Strange Days, What’s Love Got To Do With It?), Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Vigilante), Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Bats), and Robin Tunney (The Craft, End of Days).
Video: How does it look?
Supernova is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame version also included on the disc’s flip side. MGM has issue some excellent transfers when they want to and Supernova is a prime example of that. This transfer is nearly flawless, sporting a pristine source print and no compression errors in the least. The colors come across well and even the most intense of hues shows no signs of smears or bleeds. The flesh tones emerge in warm and natural shades at all times. The contrast looks sharp also, with complex shadows and no visible detail loss I could detect. MGM, keep up the good work!
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a science-fiction flick, so plenty of surround use is present and this Dolby Digital 5.1 track makes sure it all comes through loud and clear. The surrounds see some serious action throughout this one, but in the more intense sequences that activity rises to an even higher level. There is a lot of subtle and directional use that might not overpower your system, but you’ll know it’s there and it is very effective. The musical score also comes across in fine form and makes good use of the surrounds as well. The dialogue isn’t buried under all this though, as vocals sound crisp and clean at all times. A 2.0 surround track in Spanish is also included, as well as English captions and Spanish & French subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
In addition to the extended cut of the film, MGM has also included some nice bonus materials. You’ll find twenty minutes of deleted scenes and while all warrant a look, the alternate ending is the cream of the crop. Also included are some production notes on the insert booklet and the film’s misleading theatrical trailer.
