Out of Africa [DVD] [1985]

Plays DVD, CD, EVD, VCD, CD-RW, DVD-R, VOB, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG3, MPEG4, DIVX, MP3, WMA, JPG and JPEG formats; up to 2.5 hours of playback; headphone jack

The DVD for the big Oscar winner of 1985, Out of Africa, is a nice package from Universal, though maybe a bit short of their "Collector's Edition" label. The image, which is framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, is very nice. Colors range from muted to strikingly vivid and are reproduced exceptionally well on the disc. Detail, for the most part, is strong, without a significant amount of distracting elements. The sound, which utilizes a 4.1 English track, is basically centered upfront, only using any surround material sparingly. Still, John Barry's wonderful, Oscar-winning score comes across with strength. As for extras, they might be considered a little light for a special edition. The disc does have a commentary track from director Sydney Pollack, which is detailed about the production and its challenges. In addition, there is a nice 50-minute documentary entitled "Song of Africa" with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Beyond that there are the standard production notes, cast and crew information, and theatrical trailer. A missed opportunity would have to be the exclusion of Barry's music on an isolated track. Fans of this film shouldn't be disappointed, though, in what is offered. Overall, the quality is there to see.