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Little Man Tate marks an impressive directorial debut for Jodie Foster. The story of Little Man Tate is not unlike Foster's own childhood, as she herself was a child prodigy, and it is not hard to see the film as somewhat autobiographical. She tackles the challenges of directing and starring with grace and elegance - it is a shame she has only directed one film since, the underappreciated Home For The Holidays. Jodie also plays Fred's mother, Dede, and turns in the typically fine performance audiences have come to expect of her. The two other stars of this film, Dianne Wiest and Adam Hann-Byrd, also shine as Jane and Fred. The film's only weak point may be the character of Eddie. While well played by Harry Connick, Jr., the character haphazardly propels the plot along by moronically clobbering Fred, illustrating the fallibility of adults, and then promptly starting to play the piano. Despite Harry, this film is on top of its act.

Foster also proves a keen awareness of the importance of music in a motion picture, with a very snappy soundtrack comprised of jazz pieces and some fine classical selections. The soundtrack definitely helps to keep the pace sprightly, especially in scenes that may have otherwise dragged. Little Man Tate may not be a perfect or entirely unique film, given the lack of quality films out there these days, it is well worth seeing.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

MGM has delivered a respectable if average transfer for Little Man Tate, presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Hues are vibrant and alive, with solid and stable colors, and accurate fleshtones. Blacks were largely solid, but can exhibit fading, with shadow detail deteriorating in darker scenes. An acquisition for MGM from the now-defunct Orion Pictures, the source material seems to have held up well as nicks and scratches are sparse. My only real complaint comes in one I don't often see - the visible text in the film, whether it is the opening credits, a theater marquis or a close up of printed words, seems to want to shimmer and shake any chance it gets. Odd, and I found myself frequently distracted by it. There is also some edge enhancement, but it is rarely obtrusive. Overall, not too bad.

Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?

Little Man Tate definitely does not have an aggressive sound mix. Presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1, there is little evidence of surround use, but the front sound stage is near- perfection. The film is very dialogue heavy, which is anchored firmly in the center channel and reproduced with crystal clarity. The score also utilizes the front speakers splendidly, with a richness and fidelity that is surprising. There is not a great deal of bass, but it is faintly present in a few scenes. While lacking any real sense of envelopment, for a film that does not rely on special effects for its effectiveness, this is a fine mix.

Also included are French and Spanish 2.0 surround dubs, as well as French and Spanish subtitles and English Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Fortunately, this disc is bargain priced at $19.95. However, with bargain discs come bargain features. Aside from a full screen, 2.0 stereo theatrical trailer, the highlight is the screen-specific audio commentary with Jodie Foster. At times, Foster offers plenty of interesting information, but she can also be very quiet, almost transcendental as she describes how the film effected her. But aside from perhaps one too many "Ohs" and "Ahs," this is an informative, enjoyable commentary and pretty darn good.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

No ROM extras have been included.

Parting Thoughts