School Of Rock SteelBook

In "School Of Rock," Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is a hell-raising guitarist with delusions of grandeur. Kicked out of his band and desperate for work, Dewey impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of fifth grade high-achievers into high-voltage rock and rollers. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by actor Jack Black and director Richard Linklater; Kids' Kommentary; four featurettes: "Lessons Learned On School Of Rock" (HD 24:50), "Jack Black's Pitch To Led Zeppelin" (HD 03:55), "Kids' Video Diary: Toronto Film Festival" (HD 08:13), "MTV's Diary Of Jack Black" (HD 16:32) and "Dewey Finn's History Of Rock" (HD 0:10); School Of Rock Music Video (HD 03:38); theatrical trailer and a digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm film stock and sourced from a 2K Digital Intermediate. The grain structure is smooth. The fun begins in the elementary school room as Mr. S shapes the Kids to become rockers. The classroom environment is perfectly realistic. Color fidelity is excellent with natural hues that are rich and warm. This is true of other locations. Flesh tones are natural and realistic as well. Contrast is well balanced with deep black levels, revealing shadows and natural luminance. Resolution is generally sharp and clear with fine detail exhibited during closeups, such as facial features, object textures and clothing touches. This is a terrific comedic visual experience that delivers a natural cinematic texture and appearance throughout. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is a mixture of rock and roll performances and the instruments and vocals associated with them. The sound rocks during such segments yet is never too loud or ear-splitting. Fidelity is dynamic and the music extends wide and deep with aggressive surround envelopment. Atmospherics sound realistic. Foley sound effects are perfectly in snyc and enhance the realism. Sound effects enhance the fun. Bass sounds deep and natural, even with respect to the electric guitar sounds. Dialogue is intelligible throughout led by Jack Black and the Kids, and of course Principal Ms. Mullins. The dialogue is generally well integrated spatially. The end scene of the "Battle of the Bands" is super fantastic with an aggressive enveloping soundfield of school rock and audience appreciation via chants and applause. This is a well-crafted holosonic® soundtrack that is a joy to experience. (Gary Reber)