Purple Rain (HD DVD)

I am never quite sure just how many people reading the site have caught on to the fact that I believe Prince to be the greatest musical artist ever. Yeah, using the word "ever" is something reviewers do in quite the blasé manner, but when I say it I mean it. There is no one out there that can match Prince's musical talents and I will put him up against anyone when it comes to guitar, writing and singing. If you want proof of his genius you need look no further than Purple Rain. Even if you don't think this is a good movie (I admit it isn't perfect) it has the very best soundtrack ever (there is that pesky little word again), and on HD DVD it sounds that much better... that is except for two noticeable glitches... more on that in a second.

This HD DVD contains everything the 20th Anniversary 2-Disc Special Edition contained. This includes a feature length commentary with director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavalio and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin, eight music videos, an impressive behind-the-scenes making of featurette and a variety of other featurettes. If you want my full discourse on these features check out my review of the DVD here.

The reason you are reading this review is because you are interested in how the film looks and sounds in high-definition. First off the look is spectacular. I continue to be impressed with just how much more clarity HD DVD brings to films that are so old. Granted, Purple Rain is from 1984, which is nothing compared to the impressive look of John Wayne's 1972 classic The Cowboys or even better yet 1942's Casablanca, but nevertheless, this one looks damn good.

The audio is equally impressive boasting both a Dolby Digital Plus track as well as Dolby TrueHD. However, the audio has two fallout points in the film, the first during the opening song, "Let's Go Crazy," when around the time the title pops on the screen the song becomes hollow sounding and the same thing happens toward the end of the film during the "Purple Rain" performance. Neither example carries on for more than couples of seconds, but considering the songs are the main reason you are watching this film it is a bit distracting. Especially considering the money you are dropping on these HD titles.

Overall I think this is worth a buy for those that don't already own the 2-Disc Special Edition, but honestly the two audio issues I noticed would be enough for me to tell you not to upgrade.