Special features included with this widescreen anamorphic (2.35:1) DVD include Dolby 5.1 remastering, a feature-length audio commentary by the director, a music-only audio track, audio outtakes, screen tests of three of the stars, two scenes deleted from the final theatrical version, two trailers, one television spot, and no less than three behind-the-scenes featurettes: "The Magic Behind the Cape (Special Effects)," "Making Superman: Filming the Legend (Production and Release)," and "Taking Flight: The Development of Superman (Preproduction)." Audio options are English (Dolby Digital 5.1), music-only (Dolby Digital 5.1), and subtitles in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

Is the third time really the charm? It may just be with 1994's Stargate, released for the third time in this "Ultimate Edition." Artisan is known for continually updating their discs, but this two-disc set is still impressive in many ways. Both DVDs have the film -- the first with the 128-minute director's cut and the second with the 121-minute theatrical version -- and, for the most part, they look fantastic. The 2.35:1 image, finally anamorphic, really shines. Colors are represented as they should be and detail is constantly strong. The predominant gold tones really stand out, and distracting elements are kept to an absolute minimum. While that is good, the sound takes this set a step further. Both Dolby Surround EX and DTS 6.1 ES tracks are offered, and they are intense. Surrounds are used extensively, and to great effect, as is the thunderous bass that will surely test any good sound system. At the same time, the quieter moments, including dialogue, are never drowned out. Where the film falters is the supplements, which are good, but it's questionable whether they're "ultimate." The director's cut does include a good scene-specific commentary track from director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin. These two have a history together and enjoy the work they do, as is obvious from their comments on this track. Also on this disc is the brief featurette "Is there a Stargate?" consisting of an interview with Chariots of the Gods? author Erich Von Däniken. For a popcorn movie, his theories are treated all a little too seriously, though it's still enjoyable to watch. The second disc, with the theatrical cut, doesn't have a commentary, but it does have a 22-minute documentary, entitled "The Making of Stargate: Creating a Whole New World." Other than a very annoying narration, it does offer some insight into the production, though it never goes too far in depth. Interviews with a number of crew members are included, but oddly enough, not the main two, Emmerich or Devlin. Finishing things off are two theatrical trailers and a fairly extensive biography and filmography section, as well as some lengthy production notes. Ultimate Edition may be something of an overstatement, but fortunately, the pluses outweigh the minuses with this release.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of its release, National Lampoon's Vacation has been fitted out with plenty of bells and whistles for its re-release on DVD. The movie has been given a letterboxed transfer at its original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, which has been enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors. The original English-language soundtrack has been mastered in Dolby Digital Mono, as are alternate audio tracks in French, Portuguese, and Spanish; the disc also includes optional subtitles in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bonus material includes an introduction from cast members Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid, a "Family Truckster and Roof Rack" featurette, the original theatrical trailer, and a commentary track in which the "Griswold Family" discussing their onscreen adventures with director Harold Ramis.