Ben Stiller's directorial debut, the Gen-X romantic comedy Reality Bites, gets the tenth anniversary treatment on this special edition from Universal. The film is presented in a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. A Spanish soundtrack has been recorded in Dolby Surround. English and French subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by Stiller and screenwriter Helen Childress. At the time of the DVD's release, this was still the only film credit earned by Childress, and she obviously savored her experience creating and working on the film. The pair discusses how the cast came together and how helpful the producers at Jersey Films (this being that entity's second film) were. Deleted scenes, a retrospective featurette, and the theatrical trailer are available. The music video for Lisa Loeb's "Stay," and an interview with the singer/songwriter rounds out this solid disc.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Hoosiers may be one of the most loved sports films, but it has not received the attention it deserves on DVD. Originally released on DVD by Live Entertainment (now Artisan), then acquired by MGM, this disc is lacking in many ways. The image, framed at the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, is an anamorphic transfer and shows a fair amount of grain. Still, even with the grain, the image holds up quite well, especially in the use of color. Reds, prominent throughout the film, are solid and really stand out. The sound, a Dolby Digital Surround mix, is centered up front, but is recorded far too low. It's necessary to turn up the volume in order to hear dialogue, but needs to be lowered when the rousing music begins. The only soundtrack is in English. Closed captions are available in only English. As for extras, there aren't very many. There is only a trailer, which is a real shame, as a commentary or a documentary on actual Indiana high school basketball would be a real treat. It is hard not to love this film, but one is saddened that more could not be done for the disc.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.