Freedom Writers (Blu-ray + HD-DVD)
Picture: A- Sound: B/B- Extras: B Film: B+
I
continue to be a huge advocate of Richard LaGravenese’s Freedom Writers and now its DVD versions are being followed by dual
release in both high Definition formats.
You can read more about the film and its DVD versions at this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/5307/Freedom+Writers+(Widescreen
Now to
these new high definition editions. The
1080p 1.85 X 1 digital High Definition image in both formats continues what we
hope is a new trend for all new Paramount/DreamWorks HD-DVD and Blu-ray
releases of looking so exceptionally good.
Once again, you get an exceptional transfer with demo quality moments
throughout. Director of Photography Jim
Denault’s compositions really shine here in both cases, even outperforming the
Widescreen DVD. The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1
mix on the HD is better than the standard-labeled Dolby on the Blu-ray,
sounding richer, fuller and with clearer dialogue.
The
Blu-ray Dolby is closer to the standard DVD’s Dolby, but that does not make the
HD-DVD’s Dolby Plus a sonic blitz, as this is a dialogue-based film. Still, I would have loved to hear this in
Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD and the Dolby may be weaker on the Blu-ray simply
because it has 5GB less space than the HD-DVD.
Except
for the sound difference, the discs play the same and have the same extras as
the previous DVD editions. Both do great
justice to the film and are highly recommended.
- Nicholas Sheffo
