This special edition re-release of Gremlins is a vast improvement over the original disc. To begin with, the image, which is framed at the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, shows clear signs of the new digital transfer. Colors are sharp and vibrant (though maybe a little over saturated at times) with blacks that are solid. Overall the immediate impression of the picture is better than would be expected. The sound, which uses the same 5.1 English track from the original release, is certainly good, but never takes advantage of the entire sound field. It's generally centered up front, but is distortion free and produces clear audio. The main difference between releases is obviously the supplemental features. Whereas the first disc was basically movie only, this one has a number of nice features. At the top of the list would have to be two new commentary tracks. The first is enthusiastic and informational with director Joe Dante and actors Zach Galligan, Howie Mandel, and the less heard Phoebe Cates and Dick Miller. The second is a little more technical, but nevertheless entertaining with Dante again, producer Michael Finnell, and special effects artist Chris Walas. The rest of the extras, while good, are less spectacular. Along with ten minutes of deleted scenes with optional commentary is a six-minute featurette with behind-the-scenes shots and interviews, a photo/storyboard gallery, and cast and crew biographies. Rounding this nice package out are three trailers, two for this film and one for the sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Starring Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer, the 1982 musical Grease 2 comes to DVD from Paramount with a widescreen anamorphic transfer enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions. Audio is offered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound in English along with a stereo track in French. Subtitles are available in English. This disc has no special features of which to speak.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Michael Bay's high-octane hostage thriller The Rock comes to DVD with basic features such as a widescreen transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio, and the theatrical trailer. Though the set's lack of extras is somewhat disappointing, the disc's impressive video and audio, as well as strong performances from Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris, make The Rock worthwhile for action fans.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Comedy lives in the sequel Weekend at Bernie's II starring everyone's favorite dead stiff. Unfortunately, Columbia has put minimal effort into this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. Dirt and grain abound in certain scenes, and a bit of edge enhancement shows up in a few spots during the film. Overall the tropical colors and black levels are even and bright. Also included on side B is a 1.33:1 full frame version of the film. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround and works well in the confines of the film. Directional sounds are not utilized, but since this is a Comedy and not an effects-heavy film, that suits the disc just fine. All aspects of the dialogue, effects, and bouncy island music are clear of any distortion. Also included on this disc are English and Spanish subtitles. Fans of this film will be disappointed to know that the only extra features available on this disc include theatrical trailers for the movies Weekend at Bernie's II, Groundhog Day, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Cops & Robbersons. Apparently, Columbia feels this is a fitting end to a funny series -- though the fans may wholeheartedly disagree.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Mark Waters' remake of the family favorite Freaky Friday comes to DVD with a pair of transfers. The widescreen anamorphic transfer preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and is preferable to the standard full-frame image. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a behind-the-scenes featurette hosted by star Lindsay Lohan, two alternate endings with an introduction by director Mark Waters, a pair of music videos, and a blooper reel. For those interested in the best possible home theater sound and picture quality, the disc does offer a THX optimizer. This is a solid release from Disney.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Package Description: A comic catch from the studio that brought you Shrek, SHARK TALE is a hilarious hit and "a wonderful under-the-sea adventure for movie lovers of all ages!" (Clay Smith, Access Hollywood) Oscar (Will Smith), a lowly tongue-scrubber at the local Whale Wash, becomes an improbable hero when he tells a great white lie. To keep his secret, Oscar teams up with an outcast vegetarian shark, Lenny (Jack Black), and the two become the most unlikely of friends. When his lie begins to unravel, it's up to Oscar's loyal friend Angie (Renee Zellweger) and Lenny to help him stand up to the most feared shark in the water (Robert De Niro) and find his true place in the reef.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Yes!! It is very much worth it. They make your tv look the very best that it can in your setting. I would recommend anyone doing this with a tv 42" or larger.