Waist Deep (HD-DVD/DVD Combo Format)

 

Picture: B/C+     Sound: B/B-     Extras: C+     Film: C+

 

 

Having recently reviewed Vondie Curtis Hall’s Waist Deep (2006) in its standard widescreen DVD version at the following link:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4373/Waist+Deep+(Widescreen+DVD-Video)

 

 

…I will not repeat myself.  However, I will add how its performance compares to this HD-DVD/DVD Combo edition from Universal.

 

The regular DVD side is not as good as either The HD-DVD version or even the stand-alone DVD version, looking a bit less colorful and detailed than even the Regular DVD in a way reminiscent of the same comparison between George Romero’s Land Of The Dead we have looked at on this site.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes are comparable, but the picture is just flatter, with a lack of depth and grey scale limits that make various shades of black flatten out like a photocopy run a few generations down.

 

The HD-DVD renders the 2.35 X 1 image best, with better color, depth and superior Video Black/grey scale range either DVD side could never deliver.  The image was slightly darkened (almost as if it were tinted black) for an “urban” look and it comes off best in this 1080p digital High Definition version.  The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mix is better than either standard DVD Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, which especially helps the music because the better Dolby has better bass sound for the Hip Hop.  The good thing is, if you do not own an HD-DVD player, you are better off going with the Combo version so you are not stuck later with a DVD you don’t want later.

 

Extras are the same in both versions, so the result is getting what you pay for.  The HD-DVD easily wins.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo