Since this is a non-anamorphic presentation, viewers who own the laser disc edition of the film will note only a slight increase in picture sharpness and detail. Colors are a bit more intense on the DVD and this is most notable during extreme longshots which serve up the Irish and English countryside so beautifully. Grass greens and sky blues look excellent and the red and blue coats of the British and Prussian troops are brilliant. In a number of bright exterior shots we noticed grain in the sky and along some pale brick walls and fences. Contrast and brightness levels are very good and consistent throughout the presentation.
Blacks are deep and solid and shadow detail is usually quite good.
Flesh tones look natural throughout the presentation. Those familiar with the film know that in many scenes the actors are pancaked with pale makeup - as was the fashion of the day for it covered up unsightly blemishes and skin damage from diseases. This gives a number of scenes an unusual look, not seen in films of the nineties - beautiful and handsome actors in white face and dim lighting. The print used to strike the tape master is marred by more than just a few nics, scars, and scratches. Some are quite large and distracting.