ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray - December 08': Utilizing the same high definition master as the standard DVD from a couple of weeks back, we have essentially the same color palette with better resolution. Technically over 4 times the bitrate. This is a dual-layered Blu-ray with the feature taking up approximately 26Gig of space transferred with the AVC encode. Detail shows a demonstrative improvement. Colors, especially reds, seem far more true. It looks quite impressive.

We have a DTS-HD master track that brings much of the film's score and delightful music to life with selections from Oliver Onions, The Proclaimers and The Rolling Stones. It's not an aggressive track and the mix reflects that but it has a few moments and some subtleties to. This Blu-ray offers only English subtitles as an option.


Extras are duplicated from the recent DVD (see full description below) and thankfully housed all on one disc with many in HD (including The Making of ...,the original thirteen-minute black-and-white short film, The Shafrazi Lectures, No. 1: Bottle Rocket and the Murita Cycles). I actually finished the amusing commentary and it enhanced by strong enjoyment of the film. We also get the liner notes booklet.

Once again Criterion's packaging is fairly basic - a more environmentally friendly cardboard slipcase. I've been enamored with this film for years and it looks and sounds better than ever - personally, a very easy sale. It has a strong recommendation from DVDBeaver.

As one would expect from the folks at Criterion, Bottle Rocket arrives on Blu-ray looking better than ever. Framed precisely in the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with AVC Mpeg-4, Bottle Rocket exhibits all the qualities of projected film. Grain is present and delivered in levels appropriate for a twelve year old low-budget film. It’s never distracting and adds to the movie’s remarkable cinematography from Robert Yeoman. The film also displays rich, vibrant colors and many instances of stark primary hues used to highlight the moods of the characters. It’s a stunning presentation that could only be possible with Blu-ray’s exceptional visual fidelity.

Distracting artifacts are also never an issue with Bottle Rocket. I didn’t detect a hint of edge enhancement, haloes, ringing or any of the normal culprits that detract from the viewing experience. Black levels are robust and the film displays an exceptional level of contrast throughout. Image detail is also outstanding with well-defined skin and fabric elements. The image also displays a great sense of dimensionality and depth of focus. It’s worth noting, that as with every Criterion Collection release, the film’s creators were involved in the transfer process. Both Cinematographer Robert Yeoman and Director Wes Anderson supervised the newly minted Blu-ray transfer. Therefore, it’s doubtful that Bottle Rocket will ever look better.

Both Cinematographer Robert Yeoman and Director Wes Anderson supervised the newly minted Blu-ray transfer. Therefore, it’s doubtful that Bottle Rocket will ever look better.