This strange but likeable courtroom comedy-drama never quite hits the mark, but some top performances and quality dialogue offer enough to intrigue. The efforts of a highly talented cast and crew are impressive, and their skill is revealed on an excellent DVD.

The picture quality is fair if occasionally a little grainy and scratchy. You'll find no glaring technical glitches to spoil your enjoyment of the film.

The 1.0 mono mix is a slight disappointment, especially with Dave Grusin's jazzy score. It is clear though, and has not been marred by the transfer.

The special feature on this disc is worthy of the title. An audio commentary with veteran director Norman Jewison is well worth the price of the disc. His primary aim with the movie was to construct "a satire on the American judicial system". And while the end result is variable, he is quite right in pointing out the many clever vignettes that pepper an occasionally brilliant script.

Jewison discusses the relationship between Pacino and Strasberg in some depth. According to the commentary, this was Strasberg's last movie and having taught Pacino at the famous Actor's Studio in New York, there's clearly a special bond between the two performers. Jewison explores this and further analyses Pacino's love of acting. Proof of his obsession is to be found in a scene with him and Jack Warner. Pacino demanded 26 takes which required Warner to eat a chicken sandwich each time. As Jewison recollects, Warner started to vomit in a bucket between takes before Pacino relented.

Many more fascinating anecdotes litter his commentary, and it goes some way to reveal what everyone was trying to achieve with the movie.

Chapters: 28
Region: 2
Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 1.0
Extra Features: Scene selection, audio commentary with director Norman Jewison, cast and crew biographies and filmographies, trailer, multiple languages, subtitles.