NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDED: Fox - Region FREE Blu-ray - January 2010: My major concern of the visual appearance of the DVD was some blown-out contrast and skin tones which had a peculiar orange hue. These have both been eliminated with the move to 1080P and we get some glorious and thick film grain well textured over the film's canvas. Detail and colors advance accordingly. This HD transfer looks remarkably superior and for those who can appreciate real grain - the presentation should duly impress.

The Blu-ray sports a new lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 at a whopping 4086 kbps. I don't really know what to say excepting that I think it is perfect. Separations are rife when called upon by the soundtrack, the score is wonderfully crisp. It is totally flawless. There are plenty of foreign language DUBs and subtitle options AND Fox have generously included optional subtitles for the commentary in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian or Spanish. My Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

The excellent extras are duplicated (see description below) with nothing in HD.

I gave the DVD a strong endorsement and I am bumping that up to an 'essential' for the new format. This is a fabulous film and incredible Blu-ray package. Enjoy!  

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ON THE DVD: I didn't see the film theatrically so it is hard for me to make some concrete statements about the appearance. Digitally it looks as good (possibly a notch below) what you could expect from a modern film-to-DVD transfer. My only reservations are some blown out contrast in some scenes (usually outdoors) that may, or may not, have been a function of the production. It gives the DVD the impression of edge enhancement but going by Fox's usual stellar past track record I would be more inclined to dismiss manipulation as an probable cause. Other than that - detail is acceptable and black levels look quite strong.  It is, of course, very clean and the anamorphic and progressive image is tight to the frame edges. The 5.1 audio nicely defined the many background noises (crowds etc.) prevalent in the film.

In a complete audio commentary Kevin MacDonald fulfills the role very well describing details that only the director might be fully cognoscent of as well as his appreciation and respect for the cast. There are seven deleted scenes which include optional commentary by MacDonald. There is a featurette - Capturing Idi Amin – a kind of mini documentary on Idi Amin, - it is very worthwhile - quite fascinating giving some pro and con about the Ugandan leader with some archival footage. Forest Whitaker on “Idi Amin” – has the actor giving his intelligent perceptions of the film and his preparation for the portrayal. After that we have a Casting Session - amounting to a press conference with some rather superfluous interviews and finally a theatrical trailer. Quite complete supplements and supporting the film very nicely.

I'm a big fan Forest Whitaker and I thought he was worth the purchase price alone. Fox should be given credit as they put some real attention into this DVD and I can't see any reason not to give it a strong recommendation! 

Gary W. Tooze