It wasn't so long ago that I was dead set against any sort of digital effects in exchange for the old fashioned effects of yesterday. I guess I'm just an old fashioned guy at heart. I'd much rather see a stunt man wearing a rubber mask or a matte painting of a futuristic cityscape than a computer effect. However, as times change, then so must I. I think it's about time I admit that computer effects are getting better, much better actually. Recent films like Moulin Rouge, Shrek, and Spiderman have proven so. If ever there was a film that could prove once and for all that computer effects are here and here to stay, that film would have to be Vidocq. While not enough to convert me 100%, there's definitely enough here to get the adrenaline pumping and allow me to utter the words, "yeah, that was cool". One thing about Vidocq, is that yes it is indeed very cool.

Set in a circa 1800s Paris, a famous detective Vidocq (Gerard Depardieu) is ruthlessly murdered by a mysterious masked assassin in a real attention grabber of an intro. All of this is taking place during the investigation of a trio of mysterious "death's by lightening". Journalist Etienne Boisset (Guillaume Canet) who also happens to be writing a Vidocq biography starts his own murder investigation to find the true killer of Vidocq. What he finds is more than he or anyone else had bargained for as Etienne is drawn into a world of the occult that includes mysterious dark forces, and black-market virgin sacrifices, a world where everything may not be quite what it seems.

First time director Pitof and longtime Jean-Pierre Jeunet (City of Lost Children, Alien 3, Amelie) special effects advisor has shot Vidocq entirely on digital video giving himself an unbelievable amount of control in determining the ultimate outcome of what appears on screen. Vidocq is pure eye candy from start to finish. The special effects are dazzling and through the use of digital technology, Pitof was ultimately able to create a whole new world, a world that is both familiar and brand new at the same time. Ultimately Vidocq succeeds because the effects never seem like an intrusion. It doesn't take long for the viewer to just get swept up in the pure visual fluff that is Vidocq, and it's a wild visual treat, that's for sure.

As Vidocq was shot on digital video, picture quality doesn't get any better than this. I'm talking zero grain, zero film dirt, zero scratches or specs, nada. Just a crystal clear image, simply put it looks good. Sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and is equally impressive. Vidocq incorporates some awesome directional effects that seem to magically move around the room. All around this is a top-notch audio and video presentation.

Since I checked out the Chinese Region 3 DVD, there are no extras present on this edition. Apparently there is a French PAL DVD available that has a second disc of extras, alas none of them are subtitled in English. It's also worth mentioning that this edition is Full Frame while the French DVD is 1.85:1. As far as I can tell, there are no framing issues on the Full Frame DVD I reviewed. I can't imagine that the 1.85:1 edition is anything more than a matte (just slicing off the top and bottom of the screen), but I can't say for sure. The full frame ratio doesn't seem to be hiding any extra information, so as far as I'm concerned, this edition will do just fine (this DVD can be found for under 10 bucks). If anyone has seen the French DVD and can offer some contrasting points of interest, please do let me know (you will be credited accordingly).

If you're looking for some downright fluff (of an extremely visual nature) that is nonstop fun from start to finish, then you may want to give Vidocq a look. While not one of the most intelligent films ever made, Vidocq certainly has enough to offer that you'll surely be entertained for at least 90 minutes or so. It may not get those wheels turning in that head of yours, but it sure is fun, and most of all, cool.

Note: This DVD is a Region 3 import. Even though it is an NTSC DVD, you will need to be able to play Region 3 DVDs to enjoy.