Fans of bodybuilding rejoice, the pumped-up DVD release of this remarkable cult classic has finally made it to DVD in fine form thanks to the efforts of HBO/Rysher Entertainment. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, the image as viewed here is just about as good as one could hope for given the limited budget and age of the film. Though slightly grainy at times (a result of the 16 mm film stock on which the film was shot), the colors are bright and vivid and the transfer clean and virtually flawless. This is a film that has been a long time coming on DVD, and it's obvious that great care was taken in ensuring the best transfer possible. With sound options including both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo, both tracks are clean and free of distortion, with the Dolby 5.1 track coming in a bit more boldly than the Dolby Stereo. It likely goes without saying that, while the Dolby 5.1 track does indeed carry a bit more weight, it certainly lacks in the directional effects and dynamics of recent tracks originally recorded in that particular format. As pleased as fans will be to see the respect that was given to the transfer of the film, though, it's the extras that truly make this disc worth the purchase. More than simple bonus features, these extras offer a continuation of the story of Pumping Iron. "Raw Iron," in particular, is a special treat. In addition to updating viewers as to what the bodybuilders have been up to since the original docudrama was released back in 1976, this newly produced featurette brings them together for a warm reunion. "Iron and Beyond," while mostly serving as a promotional piece for Arnold Schwarzenegger, does also offer some interesting background information on the sport and spectacle of the bodybuilding culture. An interview with Schwarzenegger, entitled "Iron Insights," clears the air on the many rumors surrounding the film in a humorous and entertaining manner, with the relaxed bodybuilder-cum-star happily knocking down rumors and reminiscing on some of the film's most memorable moments. "Comments from Arnold" discusses the origins of bodybuilding as a sport and the "Pumping Iron Premiere Party" offers interviews with both the original cast and the newest faces in bodybuilding. Lastly, a video biography for Schwarzenegger presents his life story through voice-over narration, still images, and video clips. Overall, this disc is both a great package for longtime fans and a spectacular introduction to the film for newcomers.

After a jailbreak finds hustler Franklin Hatchet (Chris Tucker) facing a murder rap, the only chance he has to clear his name is teaming with a slick reporter (Charlie Sheen) as he evades both the cops and the criminals in this hilarious comedy from New Line Home Video. Viewable in either the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical version or standard 1.33:1 full-screen pan-and-scan and offering audio in both English and French Dolby Digital 5.1, this release also features optional English, Spanish, and French subtitles. Standard-issue extra features include a theatrical trailer, cast biographies, and filmographies.

The Santa Clause comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer that fails to preserve the original theatrical aspect ratio of the film. A closed-captioned Enlgish soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1, while Spanish and French soundtracks have been recorded in Dolby Digital Stereo. Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a featurette titled "So You Want To Be An Elf?", a cooking segment, and a trivia game. Those with a DVD-ROM drive can access a featurette on how to write Santa a letter, and a screensaver. This is a fine disc for what it is, but the same extras are available with a disc that contains a widescreen transfer. That disc is preferable to this one.

Richard Linklater directs Jack Black in the winning comedy School of Rock, which comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of the film. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Surround. A French soundtrack has been recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1. Both the audio and visual quality of the disc is solid. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by Linklater and Black that is almost as entertaining as the film itself. The two are very comfortable together and actually reveal a great deal about the process of making the movie while making each other and the viewer laugh. A second commentary track has been recorded by a half-dozen of the kids who acted in the movie. They speak glowingly of Black, and it is obvious they had a great time making the film. While their comments may be short on any real information, their happiness and joy is fun to listen to. Other extras include a funny four-minute clip of Jack Black begging Led Zeppelin to allow the filmmakers to use "The Immigrant Song" in the movie (a ploy that was successful), a making-of featurette, and a video diary of the kids in the band attending the film's screening at the Toronto Film Festival. Those with a DVD-ROM drive can access Dewey Finn's history of rock. This is a strong disc from Paramount that rocks as hard as any fan of the film could possibly hope.