It can't be denied that MGM knows how to put out a special edition, and the Bond series is no exception. Die Another Day, the most recent in this 40-year run, is a two-disc set (the first for a Bond film) that rivals any. The movie, which is on the first disc, is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is gorgeous. A cropped pan-and-scan version is available separately. Colors are nearly perfect and detail is constantly strong. The fast action never breaks down the digital transfer, and blacks are dense and solid. This is truly an accurate reproduction of the theatrical print. Not to be outdone by the visual aspects is the audio. Both Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES tracks are included, and they really pack a punch. Surrounds are used extensively, creating a true theatrical and environmental experience. Deep bass also shines through, especially during the opening scenes. If that weren't good enough, this disc also has two scene-specific commentaries, one with director Lee Tamahori and producer Michael G. Wilson and the other with actors Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike. Each is good in its own way, though the cast commentary is filled with gaps. Making this disc even better is a subtitled "fact track" that also has a number of brief segments highlighting different aspects of the film. The plus is that the film isn't interrupted, but just placed in a smaller window. The remainder of the extensive supplements are housed on the second disc. The highlight is an 80-minute documentary, which is broken up into eight parts. Everything is covered, from location to visual effects to post-production. The next section, "Mission Deconstruction," goes further into the making of the film with shorter featurettes on the title design and shot breakdowns with multiple-camera angles. Less interesting is "Equipment Briefing," in which John Cleese gives an in-depth examination for some of James Bond's secret weapons; it doesn't amount to much, however. Better is the "Image Database" with an extensive selection of production, publicity, and behind-the-scenes photographs. Finally, along with some DVD-ROM content, is the "Ministry of Propaganda" section, including just about everything else, from a number of theatrical and television spots to the title-song music video from Madonna (in addition to a making-of featurette) to a video-game preview. Quantity and quality go hand in hand with this DVD release, though that's far from a surprise with this much loved series.

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.

Duwayne Dunham's live action animal movie Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer. English, French, and Spanish soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. There are neither subtitles nor closed-captions on this release. Supplemental materials include the theatrical trailer. This is a by-the-numbers release from Disney/Buena Vista.