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.

Gary W. Tooze