While nobody believed that a parody of Scream (itself a parody) could ever work, Keenan Ivory Wayans, along with brothers Shawn and Marlon turned the concept into mega-bucks at the box office. The DVD version, while somewhat skimpy, is sure to please the film's legion of adolescent fans, while winning some new ones in the process. The picture is a solid 2.35:1 widescreen anamorphic transfer that has excellent depth and clarity. The sound is also done well, presented in Dolby Digital 5.0 with good use of surround in certain sequences. Extras are where the disc falls short. There are six deleted scenes, which are well worth watching, as well as a theatrical trailer. Those without a DVD-ROM drive, however, miss out on an interactive guide to the film, the script, a quiz, and character profiles. These are all interesting extras, and should be available to everyone. Scary Movie is a funny movie and is given decent treatment on DVD; but the lack of extras is a sore point.

Miller's Crossing is the Coen brothers film that few are familiar with, which is a shame, since it's one of their best works. For the most part, this DVD does justice to an amazing work of art. The high point is unquestionably the image. Framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, it's impossible not to recognize Barry Sonnenfeld's gorgeous cinematography. Of particular interest are the browns, which permeate the film. They are warm and full of detail, as is the remainder of the color scheme. The darkness of the film is obviously part of the Coens' master plan, and it comes across spectacularly here. It's refreshing to see that this film wasn't give a lesser treatment. The 4.0 Dolby Digital soundtrack can't match the visuals, but that doesn't mean it's not noteworthy. Though surrounds are rarely heard, there is some separation up front, giving the film extra life. Sadly, the supplemental features are rather thin. Though good, an interview with Sonnenfeld on a number of subjects related to this film just isn't enough. It seems clear there is so much more that could have been discussed, but simply isn't. Brief interviews from Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, and John Turturro don't have the time to add much either, though the actors' love of this film is quite obvious. Finally, along with a photo gallery of meager proportions, are trailers for this film, Raising Arizona, and Barton Fink. While lacking in some ways, Fox has done just enough to satisfy the fervent legion of fans that adore this film.

The first season of this sleek spy series mixes plenty of action with sex appeal and a dose of wry humor. While on a covert mission in Nigeria, spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) discovers he's been burned, which equates to being fired in the world of espionage. After escaping the immediate danger of his assignment, he wakes up in Miami with no memory of how he got there and discovers his accounts have been frozen and his contacts cut off. Forced to fend for himself, Michael recruits the help of the only friends he has: Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell), a former intelligence contact whom the FBI has tapped to gain intel on Michael; Fiona Glenanne (Gabrielle Anwar), a spunky ex-IRA operative looking for closure after being dumped by Michael several years earlier; and Michael's meddling mother Madeline (Sharon Gless), who's thrilled to have her son back in her life. Despite the often uneasy state of these alliances, Sam, Fiona and Madeline each bring their own skills to the table to help Michael find out who burned him and why. In order to fund his investigation-not to mention more mundane expenses like rent-Michael picks up a side job as a private investigator helping Miami citizens obtain justice. Each episode chronicles a different case, opening the way for notable guest stars like Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) and Richard Schiff (West Wing). But Michael's main goal throughout the season is following the convoluted trail of betrayals and double-dealings that led to his burn notice.