The double-disc special edition of The Wizard of Oz is one of the two latest editions of the 1939 Victor Fleming film, released in October of 2005 -- it was preceded by the MGM/UA DVD at the end of the 1990s and the first Warner Bros. DVD edition a couple of years later; the latter, in particular, was very good in its time, in terms of the transfer and the bonus materials, but this re-release does, indeed, outclass it. For starters, the transfer is, if anything, even more crisp and reveals more detail in the image -- elements of the picture that are blurred or barely seen in the older Warner transfer, such as the details in the bricks on the Yellow Brick Road, can be seen in the new edition. The chaptering is close to what was used in the older Warner disc, but fine-tuned in location in some of the locations and breaks, and the sound is improved somewhat as well. The commentary by John Fricke and surviving cast and crew -- at least the third full-length commentary ever done on Oz, counting the one done by Ron Haver for The Criterion Collection laserdisc (which, itself, set a new standard for transfers of the movie) -- has been updated anew. There are featurettes on the cast and crew, the restoration of the movie, and a free-standing music-and-effects track on the first disc in the package, in tandem with the full-length movie. Disc two is loaded up with the Angela Lansbury-hosted making-of feature, which holds up extremely well, as well as the Memories of Oz television special -- but it's mostly filled with the new features "The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" and "Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz," plus composer Harold Arlen's home movies, outtakes and test footage of the tornado sequences, and galleries of stills and trailers, and six hours of audio bonus features, including raw session recordings of the music and radio adaptations and promotional materials. The whole production is rather overwhelming unless its taken in stages, but it's all informative and entertaining, and it's well-nigh essential viewing for all but the most casual fans of the movie. As far as the movie is concerned -- but only in terms of the movie -- it's the ultimate resource for the fan and viewer. This isn't the last word on The Wizard of Oz or the world of Oz in cinematic terms, however -- for that, one can turn to the Three-Disc Collector's Edition, released simultaneously with this double-disc set in October of 2005.

Unquestionably the Animal House for the 21st century (there are too many similarities to count!), Old School has come to DVD from Dreamworks, and they've done a fine job on this title. The 2.35:1 anamorphic image is outstanding in every way. Detail is strong, and colors come across perfectly. The transfer is as close to a direct translation from the theatrical print as you could get. As is common now, there is a chopped pan-and-scan version available separately and both rated and unrated versions for the widescreen version. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are included, which may come as a surprise. Occasionally there are some directional effects, but for the most part, this soundtrack is centered in the forward speakers. Regardless, these are fine tracks, distortion free, with clear dialogue. This release is further punched up by the addition of a number of supplements. Up front is a commentary from director Todd Phillips and stars Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson. Just as with the film, this track is a party and a pleasure to listen to. Also included are eight deleted scenes, some of which could easily have been kept in this short 90-minute film. For anyone familiar with cable's Inside the Actor's Studio, a 21-minute "Inside the Actor's Studio Spoof" with the same group in the commentary will produce additional laughs. In addition to standard biographies and productions notes is a studio PR featurette, photo gallery made up primarily of direct shots from film, the theatrical trailer, and four television spots. It's hard not to laugh at the crude humor of Old School and this DVD simply adds to the experience.