From the man who brought you Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels comes this hilarious and hyper-stylized gangster opus focusing on a valuable diamond and a collection of quirky criminals -- arriving on DVD courtesy of Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. The feature is viewable in either the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen or 1.33:1 pan-and-scan, with audio selections including closed-captioned English Dolby Digital 5.1 or French Dolby Digital Surround with optional English, French, or Pikey subtitles. Bonus materials include director and producer audio commentary, "Stealing Stones" enhanced branching mode, and production notes.

Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller comes to the big screen in this adaptation directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall, and Alan Rickman. Embittered at having been wrongly imprisoned and determined to seek vengeance against his accusers due to the grim fate that befell his wife and daughter while he was incarcerated, ex-convict Sweeney Todd (Depp) returns to his hometown and opens a modest barber shop. The one thing different about Todd's shop, however, is that no one who walks in for a trim is ever seen again. Subsequently branded "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" by the frightened community, Todd continues with his murderous exploits with a little assistance from his amorous accomplice, Mrs. Lovett (Bonham Carter) -- whose popular meat pies secretly have a most unsavory ingredient.

Unquestionably the Animal House for the 21st century (there are too many similarities to count!), Old School has come to DVD from Dreamworks, and they've done a fine job on this title. The 2.35:1 anamorphic image is outstanding in every way. Detail is strong, and colors come across perfectly. The transfer is as close to a direct translation from the theatrical print as you could get. As is common now, there is a chopped pan-and-scan version available separately and both rated and unrated versions for the widescreen version. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are included, which may come as a surprise. Occasionally there are some directional effects, but for the most part, this soundtrack is centered in the forward speakers. Regardless, these are fine tracks, distortion free, with clear dialogue. This release is further punched up by the addition of a number of supplements. Up front is a commentary from director Todd Phillips and stars Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson. Just as with the film, this track is a party and a pleasure to listen to. Also included are eight deleted scenes, some of which could easily have been kept in this short 90-minute film. For anyone familiar with cable's Inside the Actor's Studio, a 21-minute "Inside the Actor's Studio Spoof" with the same group in the commentary will produce additional laughs. In addition to standard biographies and productions notes is a studio PR featurette, photo gallery made up primarily of direct shots from film, the theatrical trailer, and four television spots. It's hard not to laugh at the crude humor of Old School and this DVD simply adds to the experience.