January 2000

Saving Private Ryan (DD and DTS)
Reviewed by Roger Kanno
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment:
Picture Quality:
Sound Quality:
Packaged Extras:

Starring Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore, Jeremy Davies

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Theatrical Release: 1998
DVD Release: 1999
Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS
Widescreen (Anamorphic)

Saving Private Ryan has the distinction of being the first Spielberg blockbuster to be released on DVD and is available in both Dolby Digital (DD) and DTS sound formats. Because this film was previously reviewed on laserdisc in the September 1999 issue of SoundStage!, the purpose of this review will be to examine the technical aspects of the two DVD versions of this film.

While Saving Private Ryan may be one of the finest laserdiscs ever produced, it cannot compare to the DVD versions of this film in terms of video quality. The picture quality of both DVD versions is identical and much sharper with more detail than the laserdisc. In comparison, the laserdisc has a softer picture that sometimes obscures small details and gives the film a more washed-out and over-exposed look than was intended by the purposefully stark cinematography. For instance, it is very difficult to make out the name on Ryan’s dead brother’s pack as he lies on the beach at Normandy. Both DVDs do a much better job of differentiating the irregular black lettering from the dark green material of his pack. As Miller and his men make their way through the French village in Chapter 7, the raindrops on their rifles appear more rounded and realistic on the DVDs. The reflection on the raindrops and the detail in the wood grain of their rifle stocks is also improved upon and the laserdisc’s picture seems flat in comparison. The unique visual aspects of Saving Private Ryan that are difficult to reproduce on video were wonderfully displayed by both versions of the DVD, even though I was only able to view them on a standard 4:3 television without anamorphic enhancement.

Dreamworks has taken a positive step forward by releasing Saving Private Ryan simultaneously in both DTS and DD versions, providing audiophiles with a choice of surround formats for this must-have DVD. Although the Dolby Digital soundtracks of the laserdisc and DVD are essentially identical, the DTS DVD soundtrack is recorded about 3 dB louder than its DD counterpart. Once the two soundtracks were level-matched for comparison, there were small but noticeable differences between them. Overall, the DTS version was smoother with better panning of effects from left to right and front to back, better imaging, more well-defined bass, and a more involving auditory experience.

Far-off explosions and echoing gun shots in the opening battle scene emanate from further beyond the speakers and foreground gunfire is extremely visceral and jarring in DTS. The underwater shots are more enveloping with the droning of boat motors and creaking metal all around the listener. Bass is also exceptional in the DTS version with the distant explosions in the French Village being tighter and more prominent. Consequently, there is a sense of realism that is not exhibited by the DD soundtrack. The rumbling of the tanks in the final battle scene is also reproduced with more authority by DTS; it combines with the frightening screeching of the tank tracks to create a tense and foreboding atmosphere.

The DTS soundtrack is also able to reproduce foley effects with greater realism and accuracy than the DD version. The sound of rain in the village, especially as it falls into puddles and onto Caparzo’s jacket during close up shots is startlingly realistic. The sound of footsteps on bricks and other rubble as Miller’s men run through the streets in the final battle scene is also amazingly real and tracks perfectly across the soundstage. Very low level sound effects are also better served by DTS. When Miller and his men rest in an abandoned church, the sound of their eating utensils scraping against each other and their whispering voices are well delineated even though the sound levels are extremely low. The scraping of a pencil on a piece of paper is even clearly audible on the DTS soundtrack while it is barely perceptible on Dolby Digital.

Both DD and DTS versions of the DVD contain theatrical trailers, cast and crew biographies, and an "exclusive message from Steven Spielberg." The DD version also features a 25-minute documentary that includes interviews with the actors and veterans titled Into the Breach which the DTS version lacks. This is a great film with video and especially audio quality that are simply amazing. Although the audio quality of the DTS DVD may be superior to that of the Dolby Digital, both are exceptional soundtracks which provide a thrilling cinematic experience. Saving Private Ryan is a DVD that everyone should own.

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