Movie:
Higher Learning, originally released theatrically in 1995, was written, directed, and co-produced by John Singleton. The film stars Omar Epps (Malik), Kristy Swanson (Kristen), Michael Rapaport (Remy), Jennifer Connelly (Taryn), Ice Cube (Fudge), Tyra Banks (Deja), and Laurence Fishburne (Professor Maurice Phipps). In supporting roles, are Bridgette Wilson, Kari Wuhrer, Regina King, and Busta Rhymes.

The film is set in Columbus University and it follows the lives of several incoming freshman and their attempts to adjust to college and the different people they encounter. There's Malik, a track star who feels his failures are the fault of the white system and who soon embraces the ideals of the Black Panthers; Kristen, a naïve woman who soon finds herself the victim of date rape and must then find a way to move on; and Remy, who longs for acceptance and finally finds it with a group of skinheads, a choice made much easier after he was harassed by several black students. But because Malik and Remy are only willing to judge a person's worth by the color of their skin, a tragedy soon occurs that will change both their lives forever.

I've seen Higher Learning several times now and to me, it remains a very powerful film. I don't feel that it is a look at "contemporary college life," however, as I've attended college now for a while, and have encountered very few of the situations depicted in the film. I feel that the main power of the film comes from providing a glimpse of what can happen when people only judge others based on their race. Singleton put together a fine cast for the film, notably Rapaport and Epps, who are simply incredible. And the film, at slightly more than two hours in length, is never anything but fascinating.

Picture:
Higher Learning is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer itself is quite good, with only a few small specks and some light grain. Also, in a few scenes, the film has a slightly soft look to it. Colors throughout the film are natural and well saturated, flesh tones are accurate, and blacks are decent.

Sound:
Higher Learning is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 in English and Dolby Surround 2.0 in English, French, and Spanish. The case mentions a Dolby Surround 2.0 Portuguese track, which is not included. The surrounds are mainly used for the film's varied soundtrack, which sounds excellent and well integrated. There is some directionality to the track, but not much. For the most part, the movie's sounds are based in the front soundstage. Dialogue throughout the film is crisp and clean with no distortion that I could detect. Optional subtitles are also available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese.

Extras:
The main extra on the disc is the very informative and interesting commentary with Singleton. Relaxed throughout, Singleton discusses the film's production, how it was shot, and some interesting stories from the set. Fans of the film or Singleton should definitely give the track a listen. Also included are trailers for Higher Learning, Boyz n' the Hood, and Poetic Justice, as well as filmographies for Singleton, Epps, Swanson, Rapaport, Connelly, Cube, Banks, and Fishburne.

Summary:
Fans of the film should be pleased with Columbia Tristar's release of Higher Learning: the DVD boasts very good picture and sound quality, a great commentary, and a low MSRP. For those who have yet to see the film, if you're a fan of the actors involved or interested in race relations, give it a try. Recommended.