ADDITION: Lions Gate - Region FREE - Blu-ray - September 2010: It should be apparent from the screen shot comparisons - that they 1080P transfer exports superior color (especially in flesh tones with yellow/orange on the DVD) and the image has much more detail often showcasing some bona-fide depth. This is a pretty big difference and may be a strong case advocating the Blu-ray format in general. Every visual facet seems to improve to varying degrees but overall the HD image gives a vastly superior presentation.. The DVD looked good, comparatively softer, but the Blu-ray looks... fabulous - not glossy but very sharp and smooth.

Audio also improves with a lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 3280 kbps. There are moments of keen separation for the audio and the HD rendering has no trouble supplying desirable range. There are optional subtitles and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Extras are excellent, and duplicated from the previous DVD with two solid commentaries - the first by director David Slade and writer Brian Nelson dissecting the intricacies of the storyline and the second - fairly laid back, with actors Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page. I like both of them. There are deleted and extended scenes, a 52-minute, 7-part "Creating Hard Candy" featurette including casting and the director's visuals style etc. as well as a "Controversial Confection" mini-featurette (9:22) - both with the caveat to see after the film as there are spoilers - and lastly a trailer. The Blu-ray has the ability to 'bookmark' scenes and there are Lions Gate Previews.

Hard Candy pulls no punches and, almost like a chamber piece, relies heavily on the excellent performances and well-thought out dialogue. I initially thought that the film wouldn't hold as strong an impression on re-visitation - but it certainly did... and then some. This may been in part to the advanced a/v of the Blu-ray. Once you see it looking so impressive you have trouble ever accepting a lesser video viewing. The price here is fabulous for a solid package of an intense but intriguing film experience and substantial supplements. We strongly recommend - doubly so if you haven't seen the film yet. Wow! 

Gary W. Tooze