Columbia TriStar has created a fine edition of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal. The video transfer is an anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen presentation and is remarkably clean, with very little scratching or dust. The vibrant colors throughout the Crystal's world retain their depth and brightness. Details, especially of the creatures, are clear, without becoming blurry or soft. On the audio side, Columbia has created a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, along with a two-channel Dolby Prologic track and a Spanish-language mono track. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is solid, if unspectacular. There is very little use of the surrounds, except by the musical score. Dialogue is clear and the sound effects, such as the chittering of the Garthim, are well rendered. There are several worthy special features. A documentary, "The World of The Dark Crystal," deleted funeral scenes, work print scenes, and the isolated track of the excellent score are all notable. There are also character drawings, trailers, and the ubiquitous talent files and production notes. Kudos go to Columbia for this excellent disc. The film is rendered beautifully. It looks and sounds wonderful, truly showcasing what is probably the pinnacle of Henson's achievements. The presentation, coupled with some excellent extras, make this the definitive edition of The Dark Crystal.

When a temperamental ex-mercenary bent on revenge takes to the classroom, many hard lessons are in store for the students in Artison's release of The Substitute and The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All. Viewable in either 1.85:1 widescreen or standard 1.33:1 pan-and-scan, this release also offers multiple audio options including (closed-captioned) English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Spanish or French Dolby Digital Surround. Optional subtitles are offered in English, Spanish and French, and extra features include production notes, cast and crew bios and a theatrical trailer.