Retitled The Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black and released just weeks prior to the sequel's opening, the stylish sci-fi horror monster flick that introduced audiences to Vin Diesel and the character of Riddick slams its way to DVD in four different versions thanks to USA Films and Universal Home Video. Previously released in 2000, this Unrated Director's Cut has been unearthed once again (it was released previously with a few of the same extras in 2000) as a promotional tool for the virtual onslaught of the series releases heaped upon audiences in the summer of 2004. The fun starts with the film itself, which is presented in a 1.33:1 full-screen picture (the recommended widescreen version is also available) and the choice of either 5.1 DTS Surround or 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks. Picture and sound quality are top-notch, evoking just the right balance of colors for the breathtaking panoramic scenes with sharp surround sound for the unique and effective sound effects. Extras start with a new introduction by director David Twohy; filmed in the editing suite for The Chronicles of Riddick, the intimate chat mainly focuses on the sequel and what viewers can expect from the bigger-budgeted epic. Next are the commentaries -- one with the director and stars and the other a purely technical track with the director, producer, and visual-effects supervisor. The star track with Twohy, Vin Diesel, and Cole Hauser is obviously the more engaging of the two, with the shaved-headed muscleman enthusiastically raving on about every scene to almost ludicrous levels. The technical commentary track does stand out for its detail and should be worth it for those in the field or looking to understand the process more. The five-minute making-of is next, which, besides the commentaries, is the closest thing to actually discussing the film at hand. The four-minute "A View Into the Dark" featurette comes close in delivering a little more perspective into the first movie, though it, too, is basically another lead-in to the sequel. The rest of the extras can be separated into two different sections -- commercials for movie tie-ins and new material created especially for this DVD. The promotional materials come in the form of two incredibly short (each under two minutes) ads for The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury straight-to-DVD animated prequel and The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay interactive game. The new material begins with Johns' Chase Log, featuring Cole Hauser reading excerpts from his character's log account of his capture of Riddick previous to this film. While this bit isn't needed, it's interesting, though one may find it ridiculous to have to sit through 14 entries to get to the actual capture that's summed up simply with an "I got him" line. The last extra included is the Chronicles of Riddick Visual Encyclopedia, which also features Hauser commentary over distorted film clips and production sketches. It might have a little more flair than your average stills gallery, but the fact is that nothing really takes the place of showing people the real production art and behind-the-scenes material. And for all of you who just haven't been teased enough by more shilling for the sequel, there's a few snippets of conceptual artwork in there to tide you over! There's a whole lot that's missing on this edition, namely trailers(!) and specific documentaries on the actual film (and not the sequel), so it really isn't fair to judge this as any kind of ultimate edition. Consider it more of a packaged advertisement for the world that David Twohy created and unleashed upon audiences everywhere in June 2004. If you didn't own Pitch Black before, now's as good a time as any to jump in, though others who were waiting to upgrade might want to be a little more patient for more meaty reissues down the road.

Those mischievous green terrors are back for seconds in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Warner has done a very presentable job at making sure this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen print looks very crisp and clean. Aside of just a smidgen of edge enhancement, this picture appears to boast sharp, detailed colors and well defined black levels. The soundtrack is presented in a newly remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mix in English, along with a Dolby 2.0 Surround track in English, French and Spanish. The 5.1 mix does a fine job of making sure the soundtrack is crystal clear, though directional effects are rather slim and spotty. All aspects of the soundtrack are free of any hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. Warner has gone the extra mile to throw a few extra features on this disc, starting with a commentary track by director Joe Dante and producer Mike Finnell. This is mildly funny track that features multiple stories about the cast, effects and difficulties working with little green puppets. A gag reel of funny flubs is included, as well as an entertaining behind-the-scenes featurette which is a parody of other boring featurettes found on most discs. An ample amount of deleted footage running over 20 minutes is included with optional commentary and allows viewers to see what ended up on the cutting room floor. Finally there is a goofy game called "The Gremlins Files," a theatrical trailer for the film, and a list of the cast and crew members.

Clint Eastwood directs Kevin Costner in the moody crime drama A Perfect World, which comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. A closed-captioned English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1, while a French soundtrack has been recorded in Dolby Digital Stereo. English, French, and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include the theatrical trailer. This is a fine release from Warner Brothers.

Randal Kleiser's Honey I Blew Up the Kid comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. There are no subtitles, but the soundtrack is closed-captioned. There are no supplemental materials of any consequence. This Disney/Buena/Vista release is difficult to recommend to anyone other than a person on the lookout for family-friendly entertainment.