Stephen Sommers' summer movie extravaganza Van Helsing comes to DVD in this Ultimate Collector's Edition thanks to Universal Studios. This release is packed to the gills with three discs of monster madness. The first disc presents the film in an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen picture with both 5.1 and 2.0 tracks for your home theater to sink its teeth into. Disc one's multitude of extras includes an interactive tour of Dracula's castle, where the viewer is given the option to listen to Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) ramble on about the different sections of his homely abode. Other features include a ten-minute "Bringing the Monsters to Life" making-of that introduces the audience to the master effects technicians who brought the film's many pixels to life, while "You Are in the Movie" presents a look behind the scenes by an unprecedented amount of hidden cameras on the set. A blooper reel has also been included, as has a ten-minute "Legend of Van Helsing" special that delves into the character's lore from books to the big screen. Two commentaries are available for your listening enjoyment -- the first with director Stephen Sommers and producer/editor Bob Ducsay, and the second featuring actors Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Hensley, and Will Kemp. Finally, a playable version of the Van Helsing game can be accessed through an Xbox game console that allows you to play through the first exciting level of the game. Disc two of the set features even more extras, including a "Track the Adventure: Van Helsing's Map" interactive feature that allows you to select different sections of Transylvania's map to access various behind-the-scenes featurettes from each of the film's main sets. Additional features include the "Explore Frankenstein's Lab" interactive tour, which is set up exactly the same as Dracula's from the previous disc (except with a voice-over by Dr. Frankenstein). "Dracula's Lair Is Transformed" is a time-lapse section that allows the viewers to see the massive set being built and taken apart in front of their eyes. For audiophiles, there's "The Music of Van Helsing" interview with Alan Silvestri, where the acclaimed composer discusses this score as compared with his other collaborations with Sommers. The last section, "Van Helsing: The Myth, The Story, The Legend" is made up of four separate featurettes on each monster as they've been recreated for the film. The final disc features three of the founding Universal monster films with the inclusion of Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. Of the films, only Dracula's extras have been carried over from the stellar reissue released during Van Helsing's theatrical run. If you've got the dough and are a pushover for Sommers' brand of over-the-top adventure antics, then this set is most definitely for you.

This twin-disc set combines the first two live-action Flintstones movies. Both The Flintstones and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas are presented in widescreen anamorphic transfers that preserve the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in a variety of Dolby Digital formats. Spanish and French subtitles are accessible. Both discs contain making-of documentaries, although the one on The Flintstones is more comprehensive. This is a cost-effective way to acquire both of these titles.

Love it or hate it (and let's face it, most hated it), this film is a marvel of set design and art direction, and that is well represented on this special edition DVD. The 1.85:1 anamorphic image is simply stunning. (As is common now, a full-frame version is available separately.) Colors, a vital element of the film, are presented with an amazing flourish, perfectly capturing the theatrical appearance. There are no signs of grain or print scratches, as would be expected. Nearly as impressive is the 5.1 Dolby Digital track. The sound mix is very exciting, with wide use of the surrounds for effect, but the main audio source is never drowned out up front. Dialogue is clear (this could be a good or bad thing, depending on your view) and without any distortion. It wouldn't be surprising to see a two-disc re-release happen down the line, but this title still throws in a number of first-rate supplements. While the menus are annoying, they will take you to numerous sections, mainly comprised of 12 short (under three minutes each) featurettes. Those with short attention spans will appreciate these pieces, all with interviews from director Bo Welch, star Mike Myers, and other cast members. Segments include the cat makeup, the music, the creation of the Theodore Seuss Geisel stamp, the vehicles, various visual effects, and more. In addition, and designed to appeal to the very young, is a segment on how to dance like the cat. Slightly more promising, though not the best ever produced, is an audio commentary track from Welch and Alec Baldwin. The two seem to enjoy recording this track, and their time making the movie. Infinitely more amusing than the film is a lengthy bloopers segment. Finally, a number of deleted scenes are offered, as well as the trailers for Shrek 2 and Peter Pan. Overall, this is a fine disc, from the exceptional picture and sound to a wide array of extras. Now, if only the film was as good.