Molto Buona!
However, would you tell him if he didn't?
I recently watched two episodes of The Sopranos in HDTV to see how the hit HBO show looks in high-def. The HDTV picture is so clear that viewers can see actors as they really are. Despite the industry's best make-up techniques, facial imperfections and aging signs are clearly visible in high-def. In addition, interior designs and geographical vistas can be more visually striking and powerful in HDTV.
However, The Sopranos, which is now in hiatus (returning in March 2006), is not exactly the best reason to buy a high-def set. The moody crime show often features scenes with dark settings and drab or muted backgrounds, limiting the impact of the HDTV picture. Still, in high-def, you see things -- and people -- in an entirely different way. Here's a look at what -- and who -- looks better or worse on The Sopranos in High-Definition TV.
What Looks Better
The Bada-Bing
Even in the dimly-lit setting of Tony's favorite strip club, the Bada-Bing girls look even more eye-popping in high-def. I don't know how Tony and his gang ever get any work done there.
What Looks Worse
New Jersey
Sopranos creator David Chase has made the grimy aspects of the Garden State a focal point of the show. In almost every scene, it looks like New Jersey hasn't taken a bath in decades.And, in high-def, the dirt and dust look like it's about to creep into your living room.
Who Looks Better
James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano)
The veteran character actor has hit the lottery with his nuanced portrait of America's favorite crime boss. However, in high-def, Gandolfini's intensity is even more powerful and frightening. The guy just oozes with charisma.
Edie Falco (Carmela Soprano)
In the previous season, I had added Falco to our HDTV "Worse" list. However, the actress looked remarkably better in the 2004 season.
Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Jennifer Melfi)
Bracco, who plays Tony's psychiatrist, is in her late 40s, but in high-def, she looks damn good. The Good Fellas star has a physical appeal that's not as evident in analog TV. You can see why Tony is obsessed with her.
Who Looks Worse
Drea De Matteo (Adriana la Cerva)
De Matteo, who plays Adriana, the fiancee of Tony's nephew, Christopher (Michael Imperioli), has a gorgeous body. However, in HDTV, her face is a mess. (Yes, even before last season's final episode.) Her skin looks ruddy, almost discolored. In analog TV, it's not noticeable thanks to heavy make-up. But in high-def, you wonder what Christopher sees in her...Well, okay, there
is that gorgeous body.
Jamie-Lynn DiScala (Meadow Soprano)
Last season, I had DiScala on the HDTV "Best" list. However, the actress has had a problem with her weight, yo-yoing up and down. Heavy one season; thin as a wafer the next. I think the weight thing has had an effect on her skin, perhaps stretching it out. She doesn't look as good as she used to.
Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts)
Sirico, who plays Tony's captain and chief enforcer, is even scarier looking in HDTV. Of course, that's not a bad thing. His character is supposed to be scary.
Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sack)
In HDTV, after looking at Curatola, who plays the New York crime boss, I need an Audience Protection Program. Yeech.
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