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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
Directed by
Richard Linklater
USA 1993
America, 1976. The last day of school. Bongs blaze, bell-bottoms ring, and rock and roll rocks. Among the best teen films ever made, Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused eavesdrops on a group of seniors-to-be and incoming freshmen. A launching pad for a number of future stars, Linklater’s first studio effort also features endlessly quotable dialogue and a blasting, stadium-ready soundtrack. Sidestepping nostalgia, Dazed and Confused is less about “the best years of our lives” than the boredom, angst, and excitement of teenagers waiting . . . for something to happen. |
Posters
Theatrical Release: September 10th, 1993 - Toronto Film Festival
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Comparison:
Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray vs. Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD |
Box Covers |
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Ono Blu-ray in the UK, by Criterion, on June 10th, 2019: |
BONUS CAPTURES: |
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Distribution | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region 1 - NTSC | Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region 'A' - Blu-ray | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region FREE - 4K UHD |
Runtime | 1:42:18 | 1:42:21.969 | 1:42:28.183 | 1:42:30.394 |
Video | 1.85:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 8.9 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 33,237,300,078 bytesFeature: 30,609,346,560 bytes Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Total Video Bitrate: 32.99 Mbps |
1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 47,915,305,207 bytes Feature: 23,226,974,208 bytes Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Total Video Bitrate: 23.99 Mbps |
1.85:1 2160P 4K Ultra HD Disc Size: 62,561,006,079 bytes bytesFeature: 61,962,012,672 bytesVideo Bitrate: 65.79 MbpsCodec: HEVC Video |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate: |
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Bitrate: Universal Blu-ray |
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Bitrate: Criterion Blu-ray |
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Bitrate: Criterion 4K Ultra HD |
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Audio | English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS) | DTS-HD Master Audio English 4354
kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 4354 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps /
24-bit) DTS Audio French 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 24-bit |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 4366
kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 4366 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps /
24-bit) Commentary: Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps |
DTS-HD
Master Audio English 4386 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 4386 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core:
5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -31dB |
Subtitles | English, None | English, French, Spanish, None | English, None | English (SDH), None |
Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • Audio
commentary by Linklater |
Release Information: Disc Size: 33,237,300,078 bytesFeature: 30,609,346,560 bytes Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Total Video Bitrate: 32.99 Mbps Edition Details:
• Deleted Scenes (14:27) My Scenes U-Control
BD-Live |
Release Information: Disc Size: 47,915,305,207 bytes Feature: 23,226,974,208 bytes Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Total Video Bitrate: 23.99 Mbps Edition Details: • Audio
commentary by Linklater |
Release Information: Studio: Criterion
1.85:1 2160P 4K Ultra HD Disc Size: 62,561,006,079 bytes bytesFeature: 61,962,012,672 bytesVideo Bitrate: 65.79 MbpsCodec: HEVC Video
Edition Details: 4K Ultra HD disc • film in 2160P • Audio commentary by Linklater
Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray • Audio
commentary by Linklater
Chapters 19 |
Comments: |
NOTE:
The below
Blu-ray
and
4K UHD
captures were taken directly from the respective
discs.
The 2160 image is darker with richer, deeper colors, improved
black levels and more layered contrast. It looked impressive on my system. A
few instances of teal sneak in but otherwise it looks wonderfully vibrant.
It is likely that the monitor
you are seeing this review is not an
HDR-compatible
display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider
and notably granular range of color and light. Our
capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard
monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more
4K UHD titles in the
future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our
captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of
skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the
4K system at your home. But the
framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by
this simulation representation.
NOTE:
We have reviewed the following 4K
UHD packages to date:
Three Colors: Blue
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Invaders From Mars
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Death Wish
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
(no HDR),
High Plains Drifter
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Mystery Men
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Silent Running
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Dressed to Kill
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Power of the Dog
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Escape From Alcatraz
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
I, the Jury
(no HDR),
Casablanca
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
In the Mood For Love
(NO HDR applied to disc),
The Werewolf vs. the Vampire Woman
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Blow Out
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Night of the Living Dead
(NO HDR applied to disc),
Lost Highway
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Videodrome
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Last Picture Show
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
It Happened One Night
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Mummy
(1932)(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Creature From the Black Lagoon
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Bride of Frankenstein
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Amityville Horror
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The War of the Worlds
(1953)
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Incredible Melting Man
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Event Horizon
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Get Carter
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Killing
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Killer's Kiss
(software uniformly simulated HDR)
On their
4K UHD, Criterion use a, robust,
DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) in the original English. There
is a wonderful mix of mid 70's rock'n'roll classic including Aerosmith's
Sweet Emotion, Deep Purple's Highway Star, Alice Cooper's
School's Out, War's Why Can't We Be Friends, Peter
Frampton's Do You Feel Like We Do?, Ted Nugent's Stranglehold,
The Edgar Winter Group's Free Ride plus recognizable music from
Bob Dylan, Foghat, Nazareth, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, Rick Derringer,
KISS, Seals & Crofts, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc. sounding deep and clear.
The two discs offers optional English subtitles for the feature film - and is, like all
4K UHDs, region FREE,
playable worldwide, while Criterion's included
Blu-ray
is Region 'A'-locked.
There is only the Linklater
commentary on the
4K UHD disc - just
the film in 2160. However, included is a second disc
Blu-ray,
an exact duplicate or Criterion's 2011 1080P release with the extras
described below. The package is slightly different with both discs
housed together (see below) - the poster and booklet, with essays by
Kent Jones, Jim DeRogatis, and Chuck Klosterman as well as memories from
the cast and crew, are still included.
"Dazed and Confused" is a rock'n'roll-infused cult-classic,
coming-of-age, comedy written and directed by Richard Linklater after
Slacker. It is famous for having many, eventual, bigger name
Hollywood stars including Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey,
Matthew McConaughey, Joey Lauren Adams, Renée Zellweger, and others.
Actors considered, but rejected (often too young) for roles were
Elizabeth Berkley, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Brendan Fraser, Jon
Favreau and Claire Danes. It is also listed in the top 'Best High
School Movies' listings providing a decent slice of teenage American
culture and its silly rites of passage. Amusingly Dazed and Confused
was released on the
HD DVD format
(remember that?) in 2006.
*** ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - October 11': Universal came out with their Blu-ray in August of 2011 and only 2 months later Criterion have released their own 1080P package. The visual differences? well, Universal seem to have the more robust technical transfer for the film - although I often lean to the Criterion with warmer skin tones. My eyes were starting to go square identifying differences between the two - but you can see there is more information in the top of the Universal frame and more in the bottom of the Criterion. Both are 1.85:1. The Criterion may be a shade 'harsher' and the Universal more passive in terms of color and balance. I doubt anyone would complain about either video transfer. They are both consistent and supply a solid HD presentation of Linklater's film.Audio is a wash - both excellent. Strong lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 at over 4000 kbps. The film never tests the depth and separations exist and are crisp although I wouldn't say a big part of the film presentation. It's strength is the dialogue and effects are less-relevant. Music is a big part from Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" to "Free Ride" by The Edgar Winter Group. It sounds super with buoyancy and resonance. Both discs offer optional subtitles. The Universal is region FREE and the Criterion is Region 'A'-locked. While it is obvious Criterion eclipses in the area of supplements - duplicating their SD with the director commentary and more - I got a kick out of the Universal's The Blunt Truth (4:22) and the 2 short Retro Public Services Announcements (VD Is For Everyone + Crying Indian). Just to touch on some of the Criterion extras (all in HD) - there is the 50-minute 'Making of...', about 1.5 hours of interviews, 1/2 hour's worth of Behind-the-scenes footage, auditions etc. . Also is the liner notes book featuring new essays by Kent Jones, Jim DeRogatis, and Chuck Klosterman, plus character profiles, and memories of the film from cast and crew. And the original film poster designed by Frank Kozik. Great film - amusing and profound - easy to watch - and worthy of re-visitation. The Criterion Blu-ray should appeal to those keen on investigating the extras. The Universal is significantly cheaper and also supplies a strong 1080P presentation. It's beneficial to have the option to own this essential film. *** ON THE DVD: The image is pristine. Colors, contrast - everything is excellent. I see no flaws whatsoever. I was surprised that there are no, usual, optional subtitles but that is the only black mark on this stacked package. I realize there are other digital editions of this film previously available but, although we don't own them to compare, I highly doubt any could touch this image. The extras are extensive and I honestly have not waded through all of them yet, but the Linklater commentary is excellent.
Criterion also released Linklater's Slacker in 2004 and this is a companion piece for it. Many will mock it, but viewing it first would be the first step to appreciating it. It is a modern examination - akin to an homage - of the 70's with commentary on communication easily ranking it as one of the most important teen films ever made. Give it a spin before you start criticizing. |
Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD Package
DVD Menus
DVD
Disc 2
1) Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - LEFT 2) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - RIGHT
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CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Subtitle Sample - Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD
1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - SECOND 3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - THIRD 4) Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM |
1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - SECOND 3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - THIRD 4) Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM |
1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - SECOND 3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - THIRD 4) Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM |
1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - SECOND 3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - THIRD 4) Criterion - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM |
Box Cover |
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Ono Blu-ray in the UK, by Criterion, on June 10th, 2019: |
BONUS CAPTURES: |
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Distribution | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region 1 - NTSC | Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region 'A' - Blu-ray | Criterion Collection - Spine # 336 - Region FREE - 4K UHD |