A comic fantasy combining live-action and animation, this would-be blockbuster from Disney has been given a beefed-up presentation for its release on DVD. Pete's Dragon has been given a letterboxed transfer to disc in the widescreen aspect ratio of 1.66:1, which has also been enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors. The audio has been remixed for playback in Dolby Digital 5.1 and the dialogue is in English. This edition features optional subtitles in French, as well as closed captioning in English. Bonus materials on this edition include two animated short subjects (Lighthouse Keeping, starring Donald Duck, and Man, Monsters, and Mysteries), a gallery of production art, memorabilia from Ken Anderson (the animator in charge of Elliott the Dragon), and an interactive game.
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.
Wonderfully blending live action with cartoon animation, 'Pete's Dragon' is a strong Disney film that is sure to be enjoyed by children. Beautifully presented here on this dvd, with bonus features the kids are sure to enjoy. Recommended.
A trilogy of terror awaits viewers in Stephen King's Cat's Eye. The film is presented in a decent looking 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. While a few imperfections abound (including an excessive amount of nicks and scratches), overall the transfer is adequate with bright colors and bold black levels. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital Stereo Surround in English and lacks any true fidelity or depth. The music, effects and dialogue are all free and clear of distortion or hiss, though overall this is an under-whelming track that could have used a new 5.1 remix. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. Only a few extra features have been included on this disc, starting with a commentary track by director Lewis Teague. Teague rambles on about how the film was cast, what scenes were cut (including an original prologue), and other tidbits of information about the production. While this is an informative commentary track, it often borders on being almost too dry. Also included on this disc is a theatrical trailer for the film as well as some cast/director film highlights.
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.
I liked 'Cat's Eye' and found it very enjoyable to tell you the truth. It's a lot of fun to watch and the anamorphic widescreen presentation is very good. Great bonus commentary by director Lewis Teague.
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.
Here is two great films, together in one dvd set at a discounted price. While die-hard fans will probably want to purchase the special edition versions of each title individually, this set will more than suffice for people who just want to watch the films once every so often. Recommended.
The Terminator features a wonderful 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that is remarkable for a film released back in 1984. A few specks of dirt appear on the print, but they're extremely minor and don't hinder the experience in any way. This disc includes a brand-new 5.1-channel Dolby Surround transfer that showcases a significant amount of power and depth. It also contains the original mono track, which lacks the strength of its companion but does have a balanced level of sound. This special edition of The Terminator contains an impressive collection of supplements that should please its many devout fans. The highlights are two well-done documentaries that provide plenty of background material. "Other Voices" is a comprehensive new extra that includes basically everyone involved with the film in a significant capacity. "The Terminator -- A Retrospective" features an informal conversation between James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992 about their experiences making the film. The other major inclusion is seven deleted scenes that are more interesting than the usual throwaway moments. Cameron offers commentary on each cut and tries to explain why he made the deletion. There's also a large still gallery that contains numerous drawings and photographs in five categories. The most interesting section includes artwork by Cameron of his original concepts and storyboarded sequences. This disc offers fans a chance at reading Cameron's original film treatment. Written in 1982, it's very extensive and includes the basic structure for the final version. There are also several original theatrical trailers and television commercials included on this release.
Customer Rating
5
One of the Best Sci-Fi Movies Ever!
on April 23, 2008
Posted by: kevman79
Considering the small budget the film had, 'The Terminator' is one of the most impressive productions to ever grace the cinema. An incredible storyline, along with good acting and directing make this one of the best Sci-Fi films ever. Dvd quality is great, but seems to have dropped many of the bonus features from the original 2001 special edition."
Fans of Romancing the Stone will be happy to know that its sequel has gotten an upgrade with this special edition disc of The Jewel of the Nile. It has received a new, anamorphically enhanced video transfer that improves a bit on the previous DVD edition of the title. The audio portion of the disc retains the same Dolby 4.0 Stereo track that its predecessor has, and the mix is a solid one. There's also an array of extras for the film's fans. First up is a commentary with director Lewis Teague; despite periodic gaps of silence, it's an amiable, chatty track that offers plenty of interesting behind-the-scenes details. There are also six deleted scenes. None of these bits are revelatory, but fans will find them interesting enough to watch once. The package also includes two featurettes, one about the choices the filmmakers made in mapping out the sequel's plotline and another that is a more comprehensive making-of piece. The latter featurette is particularly interesting, as all the participants are candid about the problems involved in making the film. The package is rounded out by a theatrical trailer and an eight-page booklet of notes included in the disc case. All in all, any fan who liked The Jewel of the Nile will enjoy this special edition disc.
Customer Rating
4
Good Sequel & Dvd
on April 23, 2008
Posted by: kevman79
Fans of this movie will delight in this special edition package featuring several bonus features that weren't on the original dvd release. Recommended.
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.
I don't understand all the hype and support around this film. Yes, it's decent entertainment, but I feel that for such a serious movie, its completely unbelievable story ends up hindering its overall impact. Anyway, this is a good special edition dvd release for fans of the film, but for those who are purists, beware the digital altering of the bullet-hole under the warden's chin at the end of the film.
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.
For everything that is included in this overdone and overpriced box set, I can think of several different better ways to recommend spending $100. A fan of the original theatrical version of 'Blade Runner', I was quite frustrated when Ridley Scott started feeling it was necessary to release several different cuts of the film, starting back in the early 1990's. Overbudget and indecisive, as has often been the case for many of his projects, Scott apparently lost control over the film at a certain point. Therefore, 'Blade Runner' is a visually beautiful film that is just a mess to make any sense of, even more so now that it has 5 different versions. However, there are lots of bonus features here to delight the fans who deserve much credit for sticking with this disaster of a movie for as long as they have.
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.
A fan of the original theatrical version, I was quite frustrated when Ridley Scott started feeling it was necessary to release several different cuts of the film, starting back in the early 1990's. Overbudget and indecisive, as has often been the case for many of his projects, Scott apparently lost control over the film at a certain point. Therefore, 'Blade Runner' is a visually beautiful film that is just a mess to make any sense of, even more so now that it has 5 different versions. However, there are lots of bonus features here to delight the fans who deserve much credit for sticking with this disaster of a movie for as long as they have.
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.
These are classic films. Unfortunately, the full-screen dvd versions alter the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 to 1.33:1, giving a different picture than what was originally seen in the theater (you lose almost 50% of the picture in every scene!). Buy the widescreen versions individually instead!
These are good movies. Unfortunately, the full-screen dvd versions alter the original theatrical aspect ratios of 2.35:1 to 1.33:1, giving a different picture than what was originally seen in the theater. Buy the widescreen versions individually instead!