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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Whale Rider
Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 79 (Dec 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton & Cliff Curtis

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.sonypictures.com

Special Features
Includes audio commentary with writer/director Niki Caro, eight deleted scenes, a 27-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, an 11-minute Building The Canoe featurette, an art and photo gallery, and promotional material (trailer, TV spots, soundtrack promo).


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 02272
(MPAA Rating): PG13
(Rating Reason):

Brief language and a momentary drug reference
(Retail Price): $26.95
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 102
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2002
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 10/28/03
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Niki Caro
(Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Believing that their ancestor Paikea was saved from drowning after arriving on the back of a whale, the Maori people came to understand that their first-born males were leaders, someone who would lead the people out of the darkness and make everything all right. After Porourangi

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 DVD exhibits a picture that can appear a bit dim at times, though contrast can be satisfying. Colors are rich and nicely balanced, with lots of rich greens, natural fleshtones, and deep, but undefined blacks. Images are generally sharp, but finer details are wanting, appearing smeared at times. Distractions come in the way of edge enhancment and pixelization, which can contribute an unnatural

Soundtrack:
The Dolby