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    • WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

    Air Bud
    Genre:Family

    Reviewed In Issue 27 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
    Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Eric Christmas, Bill Cobbs & Buddy The Dog

    WSR Review Scores
    Picture Rating: 5
    Sound Rating: 3
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    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score:
    Internet Links

    Supplementals

    DVD General Information
    (Studio/Distributor): Walt Disney Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 12587 AS
    (MPAA Rating): PG
    (Retail Price): $29.99
    (Running Time In Minutes): 98
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Theatrical Release): 1997
    (LD Release Date):
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):

    Credits Information
    (Director): Charles M. Smith
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
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    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
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    DVD Picture Information
    (Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
    (Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1

    DVD Sound Information
    (DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
    (Theatrical Sound): SDDS & Dolby Digital
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (Remastered Dolby Digital):
    (Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
    (Additional Languages):

    WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    Based on the character created by Kevin DiCicco, Air Bud is the charming family comedy about a mistreated golden retriever who runs away from his owner, Slappy Happy (Michael Jeter) and their “Clown and a Hound” act. When shy, new-kid-in-town Josh Framm meets Buddy, he is shocked to learn that the pooch can shoot hoops with the best of ‘em. Together, Josh and Buddy make the school basketball team, scoring media attention. But when Slappy Happy returns to cash in on the dog’s notoriety, Josh must remain one step ahead of the brute for the state finals and a custody battle for Buddy.

    LaserDisc Picture:
    The matted 1.85:1 picture is extremely sharp and detailed with excellent shadow detail and contrast. Color fidelity is exemplary with vivid colors, natural fleshtones and deep, pure blacks. Every aspect of the film looks natural and is wonderfully rendered. There is no apparent noise or artifacts.

    LaserDisc Soundtrack:
    The Dolby® Surround soundtrack is conventional in sound design, but has a terrific music score with dialogue that is natural sounding with good spatial integration. Surround envelopment and bass energy is subtle throughout.
    (Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
    (Aggressive System Surround):
    (Intense 25Hz Bass):
    (Deep Bass Challenging):
    (Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
    (Holosonic Soundfield):
    (Aggressive Split Surround):
    (Center Back Surround Imaging):
    (Directionalized Dialogue):
    Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
    Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
    Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
    Superb Color Fidelity:
    Superb Cinematography:
    Reference LaserDisc:
    Collector Edition: