Friday:Platinum Series
New Line
1.85:1(Anamorphic Enhanced)/Dolby Digital 2.0
101 Minutes
Rated:R
Region:1
Dual Layer:No
Subtitles:English, Spanish, French
Reviewed on a Panasonic A110
The Film:
The hilarious look at two guys remarking on the people and events of their neighborhood, "Friday" remains a favorite film due to the performances, very funny script
and an absolutely classic free-flow (probably mostly improved) performance by comic Chris Tucker("Rush Hour").
The two friends(Cube and Tucker as Craig and Smokey) take their place on the front porch and, well... here comes the neighborhood up to meet them, in a bunch
of hilarious and wonderfully observeant dialogue exchanges; Tucker is especially hilarious in a performance where there is no limit. It's the same set-up as
Kevin Smith's "Clerks", just moved outside. Both films are wonderfully funny, but this film is mainly just "Clerks", a little bigger, and moved out to the n
neighborhoods of L.A. It may seem like a sitcom, but this film is so much more wonderfully observant about the details of a day in the life.
The problem comes when Smokey ends up owing money to the neighborhood bully, Big Worm. Unfortunately, he also drags Craig into his problems. The last
half of the film turns from a day having fun to a day worrying about what to do.
This is a very well done first film by director F. Gary Grey(who went on to direct "The Negotiator"). The film is witty, observant and frequently funny; there
are some nice stylistic touches as well by director Grey such as some black and white flashback scenes. Helped by two solid lead performances by Tucker and
Cube(although Tucker steals quite a few scenes), "Friday" works well; some of the supporting performances are excellent as well in an excellent film from director Grey.
The DVD:
Picture Quality: I've always enjoyed this movie and New Line has done a great job making this the best possible image quality. The 1.85:1 transfer is anamorphic enhanced
on a dual-layered disc(layer change is at about 1:08:03 and it's nicely placed). Images are wonderfully crisp, defined and razor sharp. Even the night scenes are nicely
rendered even in low light. The blues, greens and reds of the neighborhood are vivid and well done. Images are nicely detailed, as well. In terms of problems, there isn't any, except for a very slight
case of shimmering now and then, but it never comes close to reaching the level of being considered problematic. The contrast, shadow detail and color saturation are also very well rendered throughout the disc
for yet another excellent performance from New Line DVD(Were you expecting any less from New Line?).
Audio Quality: Not definitive, but it does what it needs to. The rap and funk soundtrack is rendered nicely with a full and detailed sound. Other than that, there isn't much action going on as "Friday"
is mainly built up of dialogue. Dialogue sounds very nice and clear; there was never a point where I felt that I was missing dialogue. The sound is crisp with no evidence of distortion throughout. This is
not a disc where the sound is enveloping, but the sound mix does the job with clear and crisp dialogue.
Extras:
*Some nice extras are included on this disc, including 7 scenes that are deleted from the film or alternate takes. Most of the alternate takes are fun to watch
because they are made up of the performers just working and having fun, doing their best at improvising great comedy. This is especially on display with
John Witherspoon's great performance in the first scene included, an alternate take. The deleted scenes wouldn't have served a major purpose, but they are
fun to watch. The incredible part is how long these scenes are. Most of these are a couple of minutes long. The video quality of these scenes is fair, but definitely
watchable. I've seen deleted scenes have far worse video quality on other discs. The last scene is even an alternate ending, which was good and could have been
used. The deleted scenes are about 16 minutes long
*There is a very, very nice question and answer section with both director F. Gary Grey and the producer. You click on the question and you get a response. These
responses are not little clips; both director and producer give full, interesting and fascinating answers that give the viewer great insight into the details
of just how "Friday" got made. There is not a commentary track on the movie itself, but these interviews take their place with some very well thought out and
detailed answers that are really fascinating. This is a very nicely produced section by New Line, with very nice video quality during these interviews. But again,
these aren't just short answers to the questions; you get a very full and wonderful response to the questions. I must say I found this section very, very enjoyable
and educational. As much as I liked listening to the answers that F. Gary Grey had, and don't get me wrong, I would have really liked to have had Grey doing a full
commentary for this disc, but as much as I liked listening to his answers, I was very entertained by the responses from producer Patricia Charbonnet. Her responses
are that of a person who is wonderfully creative and believes so deeply in what she does. So, to summarize, as much as I loved watching these interviews, the sort
of talent and creativity that shows in these two people just makes me wish there was also a full commentary during the film, because I know these two would provide
interesting details about what it took to make this movie. The producer is asked 9 questions and the director is asked 8. The producer talks mainly about the film's
background and the director talks about what it was like working with actors Ice Cube, Chris Tucker and other production issues.
*There are both the R-rated trailer and the "general for all audiences" trailer included.
*There is a very short introduction and thanks from star Ice Cube.
*Music videos: "Friday", by Ice Cube and "Keep Their Heads Ringin'" by Dr. Dre.
*Some very nicely done text filmographies for all the actors/actresses.
MENUS: Stylish menus with animation when you make a selection. The scene selection is *very* cool as each scene
is presented in a strip of film, with the scene playing in each frame. Another example of the creativity of the
DVD staff at New Line Cinema.
Overall Notes:A very pleasing presentation in terms of audio/video quality and some very nice extras round out
this "Platinum Series" package. If you were a fan of the film, it's definitely worth getting. I'm going to give this
disc an "A-" due to the fact it's a very funny film and I enjoyed the extras. Definitely an exellent disc for the $24.95
retail price(although it should be cheaper in most stores). Another very, very nice job by New Line Cinema.
The Movie:B+
Video Quality:A-
Audio Quality:B-
Extras:A
Menus:A
Overall:A-
