Donnie Brasco – Special Edition

Cast View all

	Al Pacino	Lefty
	Johnny Depp	Donnie
	Michael Madsen	Sonny
	Bruce Kirby Jr.	Nicky
	James Russo	Paulie
	Anne Heche	Maggie
	Zeljko Ivanek	Tim Curley
	Gerry Becker	Dean Blandford FBI
	Robert Miano	Sonny Red
	Brian Tarantina	Bruno
	Rocco Sisto	Richie Gazzo
	Zach Grenier	Dr. Berger
	Walt MacPherson	Sheriff
	Ronnie Farer	Annette
	Terry Serpico	Strip Club Owner
	Gretchen Mol	Sonny's Girlfriend
	Tony Lip	Philly Lucky
	George Angelica	Big Trin
	Val Avery	Trafficante
	Madison Arnold	Jilly
	Delanie Fitzpatrick	Daughter
	Katie Sagona	Daughter
	Sara Gold	Daughter
	Larry Romano	Tommy
	Tim Blake Nelson	FBI Technician

Crew View all

Director	Mike Newell
Writer	Joseph D. Pistone, Richard Woodley, Paul Attanasio
Producer	Louis DiGiaimo, Alan Greenspan, Mark Johnson, Barry Levinson, Patrick McCormick, Gail Mutrux
Musician	Patrick Doyle
Photography	Peter Sova

Trailer

Edition details

Personal

Notes

Story Synopsis:
Based on the book by Joseph D. Pistone with Richard Woodley, Donnie Brasco features Johnny Depp as an FBI agent who takes on the persona of gangster Donnie Brasco and maneuvers his way deeper into the mafia chain of command with the help of Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). As he tries desperately to keep the balance with his real-life family, Donnie realizes he is not only crossing the line between federal agent and criminal, but is also leading Lefty to a death sentence.

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD appears to be the same transfer as the sharp and detailed DVD reviewed in Issue 29. Contrast and shadow detail are excellent with fine detail in the darker areas. Color fidelity looks natural with accurate fleshtones, rich and warm colors and deep blacks. However, some background smearing is noticed, as is occasional edge enhancement that prevents this DVD from reference quality. Fine film grain is revealed throughout, but is rarely distracting. Overall, a pleasing picture. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Digital 5.0-channel soundtrack is significantly limited in terms of dimension. The audio is presented at a “laid-back” listening level, more so than the previous DVD release (due to the increased dialnorm offset), and is heavily biased toward the screen. Surround envelopment is extremely limited, as is spectral range in the low-end. Voices sound reasonably natural and placement with the visuals is fair. Screen-based imaging sometimes is fairly expansive but is often wanting. (Perry Sun)

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