The little seen but wonderful Love & Basketball comes in a "Platinum Series" DVD from New Line and the results are spectacular. First of all, the anamorphic-enhanced 1.85:1 image is outstanding with rich, well-saturated colors and dark blacks. Detail is a real high point in this fine transfer. There are no real visible distractions, making for a picture that really stands out. The sound, an English 5.1 track, is adequate for a film like this, even though it really makes no use of the surround speakers. Dialogue is centered up front and clear. Also available is a stereo surround track and subtitles in English. Though those two elements are impressive enough, it's the supplemental materials that take this disc to a higher level. As is the tradition with this sort of special edition, those materials are plentiful. To begin with, there are two audio commentary tracks, one with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star Sanaa Lathan, while the second track is a 5.1 isolated score with commentary from Prine-Bythewood, editor Terilyn A. Shropshire, and composer Terence Blanchard. Also included, with optional commentary, are seven deleted scenes, and a brief blooper reel that is quite amusing. In addition are four audition tapes, including the final scene in the film, with actors Omar Epps and Lathan. Animated storyboards, also with the final shots from the film, are included as well as a music video from Lucy Pearl, the theatrical trailer, and DVD-ROM content such as watching the film and viewing the screenplay at the same time. Finally, there's a very dry but valid 36-minute discussion of women and the competition they face, whether that is in business, politics, or sports.
