Hoop Dreams (1994) | Dogwoof

[samdaman94]

Synopsis: Two ordinary inner-city Chicago kids dare to reach for the impossible - professional basketball glory - in this epic chronicle of hope and faith. Filmed over a five-year period, Hoop Dreams, by Steve James, Frederick Marx, and Peter Gilbert, follows young Arthur Agee and William Gates and their families as the boys navigate the complex, competitive world of scholastic athletics while dealing with the intense pressures of their home lives and neighbourhoods. This revelatory film continues to educate and inspire viewers, and it is widely considered one of the great works of American nonfiction cinema.

Special Features and Technical Specs:
20TH ANNIVERSARY RESTORATION OF THE FILM
Additional Scenes
Theatrical Trailer

Has anyone picked up Dogwoof's release of Hoop Dreams yet, and if so, can they comment on how it compares to the Criterion? The case/press release states it's a new restoration, but considering the source material, I can't imagine it can look that much better.

Also, there seems to be duplicate listings on the database with different release dates. Any ideas why?

[Scottishguy]

It would not be surprised source or not it wins out with compression.

[johnpaul2]

Originally Posted by samdaman94

Has anyone picked up Dogwoof's release of Hoop Dreams yet, and if so, can they comment on how it compares to the Criterion? The case/press release states it's a new restoration, but considering the source material, I can't imagine it can look that much better.

It says "20th anniversary restoration" ie a 2014 restoration. Criterion released it in 2015. My guess would be it's the same restoration. Considering the material, it'd most likely look the same anyway, and with such material, Criterion's usual crapression isn't an issue.