Take The Lead (DVD)

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Video
The DVD is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer. The image is crisp and clean, with colors popping beautifully off the screen. There is no grain or blemishes of any kind present through out the disc. Dance sequences show no signs of pixilation, nor does the rest of the film for that matter. Overall the presentation looks pristine.

Audio
Audio is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Stereo mix. The 5.1 soundtrack is strong, giving depth to the music as it´s pumped through the surrounds. Music is robust and sounds great; it never completely drowns out other ambient sounds or dialogue. When the music isn´t blaring, the dialogue takes center stage and there are no complaints in this area; a great sounding mix throughout. Spanish subtitles are also included.

Extras
Overall, the extras are fairly standard offering a decent set of bonus features. A feature commentary with director Liz Friedlander and editor Robert Ivison offers some genial banter between the pair. They discuss the usual thoughts on cast, filming, dancing and everything in between.

The DVD features 7 deleted and alternate scenes, nothing too special here. "Meet the Dungeon Kids" is a brief look at the performers behind the detentions tudents composing Dulaine´s class. It´s a nice little look at the versatile cast, who, sadly, don´t get much to do outside of dancing in the film.

"You Take the Lead: Multi-Angle Tango" is one of those nifty little features that allows you to make your own edit of a particular scene in the film. "Between the Steps: A Profile of Pierre Dulaine" is a look at the real Pierre Dulaine. The featurette is a great look at the work Dulaine is doing with inner city youth. It features interviews with Dulaine, some of the films crew, cast and some of the people whose lives Dulaine has affected. "Liz, Swizz and Ziggy: The Director & Her Music Team" is a brief look at Friedlander and the team of choreographers she brought together to work on the film. Also included are "Trailer Remixes" and the original Theatrical trailer

Film Value
"Take the Lead" features some interesting eye candy and head bobbing musical accompaniment. Still, the film offers little, if any, new insights into the inspirational/urban/coming of age tales of this genre. To say the least, if Friedlander and company had placed more emphasis on the dancing and music and less on the inner city melodramatic trappings, the film might have actually been worthwhile.

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