While “DAYDREAM NATION,” has its flaws, it’s also far better than its limited marketing would suggest, and it offers a perspective of youth and its trials and tribulations, that is refreshing and unique!

Sure, “HEATHERS,” it could be argued, offered a different voice. But it didn’t really differentiate itself from many films that preceded it in its message, whatever it was, and it will likely not hold up as well as “DAYDREAM NATION” will in decades to come!  STARZ/ANCHOR BAY has released “DAYDREAM NATION” on blu-ray, and it’s worth viewing/owning for many reasons.

The beautiful Kat Dennings stars as Caroline, a girl transplanted to a small town from the big city, hoping to find love and purpose attending her new high school, Hargrove High. The same problems affecting students at any WB tv high school are at play here, drugs, sex and more. But, due to decent writing, surprisingly effective acting by Ms. Dennings and others, “DAYDREAM NATION” feels more authentic than most high school dramas.  While a love triangle between Caroline, her English teacher, Mr. Anderson, and a troubled fellow-student, Thurston, seems a tad over-the-top at first, it actually becomes more believable as its complexities unfold than in many other dramas. 

Again, “DAYDREAM NATION” has its failings, most due to trying to throw too much, without offering a lot of context(eg. A serial killer is in the mix), but it achieves a lot by offering a pace, environment, cast and tight direction, distinguishing itself from so many other high-school dramas.

This reviewer actually enjoyed it even more the 2^nd time. So, it’s easy to recommend as a purchase for one’s home theater library.

STARZ/ANCHOR BAY has provided the correct 1.78:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  Originally shot in HD, even with the vast majority of compositions coming across as flat, there’s no suffering in detail! The beauty and imperfections found in the young actors’ faces is striking and, again, separates this release from many others, wherein everyone has been photoshopped. Colors feel natural, and occasionally vibrant. Blacks are inky, allowing for great detail to remain in even the darkest of frequently dark scenes.

STARZ/ANCHOR BAY has provided a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix for this release. (Why so skittish of DTS-HD?) Although most of the mix’s focus is towards the center channel, as the film plays on, music and ambient effects slowly, consistently, open up the film more, allowing it to feel more natural and immersive, without ever feeling heavy-handed. It’s never aggressive, but slowly and confidently affirms itself as a pretty good mix.

STARZ/ANCHOR BAY has provided a brief featurette made up of short clips, interviews and behind the scenes footage, but only in standard resolution.

Various trailers for other releases are also included.