Search - Fresh [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1994 DVD Release: 02/12/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Dual Layered,Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 54 mins Studio: Miramax Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Crime Drama, Childhood Drama, Urban Drama See Also: Fresh

A bright young African-American boy attempts to survive life in the city by acting as an errand boy for a drug dealer in this thoughtful, sharply plotted drama. Known as Fresh, the young man must use his delivery jobs to support himself and his troubled sister, receiving nothing from his distant, alcoholic father but the occasional chess lesson. His intelligence and quiet determination serve him well, as he wins the trust of his employer and settles into an unpleasant but survivable routine. Even this small comfort disappears, however, when Fresh accidentally witnesses the killing of a classmate and becomes a potential target himself. Forced into an impossible situation, he puts his experience and strategic ability to good use, developing a tricky plan to protect his own life and defeat the killers. First-time director Boaz Yakin emphasizes restraint and realism, presenting potentially sensationalistic material with a minimum of violence and flash. Instead, attention is placed on the strong, layered performances, particularly Sean Nelson as Fresh and Samuel L. Jackson as his embittered father. While some have questioned the film's treatment of inner city life, the film was generally acclaimed, thanks to its seriousness and complexity. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Sean Nelson - Fresh
Giancarlo Esposito - Esteban
Samuel L. Jackson - Sam
N'Bushe Wright - Nicole
Ron Brice - Corky

Fresh, just another in a series of "hood" movies, is lucky enough to receive the collector's series status from Miramax. The anamorphic transfer, a real strong point of this disc, is framed at 1.85:1, and represents the film nicely. Colors are reproduced effectively, while darker scenes show no sign of breakdown. Detail is equally outstanding and the real strength to the transfer. Unfortunately, the sound, which utilizes a Dolby Digital surround track, is weak. At times, the audio is unclear and distorted, quite possibly due to film's low budget. Also available is a French soundtrack and English closed captions. Though not quite as extensive as some other special editions, this DVD does feature some enjoyable supplements. The main point of interest is a commentary track with first-time director Boaz Yakin. He is well-spoken and very straightforward with valuable notes on all aspects of the film, from its history to the filmmaking process. Though the packaging claims to have a "behind-the-scenes featurette," it's barely that, lasting only two minutes, and not of much interest. In addition, there are seven storyboard-to-shot comparisons for a variety of different scenes, various cast auditions, and a fast-paced gag reel (which doesn't contain many gags, but is more or less a series of behind-the-scene shots) that runs five minutes. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide