Writings > DVD Image Comparisons > Trauma

Trauma

Region 1 special edition (USA) - Columbia Tristar
vs. Region 1 extended unrated cut (USA) - Columbia Tristar

Details

Bit Rate

R1 SE

R1 Unrated

Screen Captures

Examples of new scenes in unrated cut

Example 1

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 2

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Example 3

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 4

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 5

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 6

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 7

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Example 8

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R1 SE | R1 Unrated

Comments

The difference in image quality is not vast but is still worth comparing. Differences in framing are negligible, and colour levels seem to be the same across the board. However, the Unrated transfer appears slightly sharper, in part due to less filtering, but also I suspect because slightly more edge enhancement is applied. The result is that, while grain is more pronounced and the transfer therefore looks more film-like (see especially Example 4), and little details stand out more, like facial texture, individual strands of hair and subtleties in background objects, there is also a bit more haloing (see especially the outline of the silhouetted character and the handrail in Example 2 and the strand of hair in Example and 3). Overall, however, I favour this new transfer, because of the additional detail it affords. Audio mixes are the same on both versions.

The Unrated version is marketed as including oodles more special features, but in reality a number of them are carried over from the previous release. Because of the difference in running time between the two cuts, the original two commentaries have been dropped and replaced by a (superior) commentary featuring director Len Wiseman and actors Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman. Of further note is the new "Fang vs. Fiction" documentary, which is a bit silly but quite interesting to watch. Three new featurettes also crop up, in addition to the others that have been carried over. The real bonuses, however, are the 48-page comic and 16-page production art booklet. The Unrated version also has vastly superior packaging, with a nicely-designed transparent slip cover housing a dual amaray case. Menus are only slightly different.

Overall, rabid fans of this film (are there any?) are going to want to own both versions, so they can experience both cuts and all three commentaries, but for the less foolhardy, the Unrated version should suffice.

Summary