Very entertaining film. It is an exciting thrill ride. It is paced very well. Scenes are executed well. The cast does a reasonably good job. Tom Cruise proves he is still believable as an action star. This film and 2011's "Ghost Protocol" have rejuvenated the franchise.
I didn't know what to expect with this film. I took a chance and purchased this as a blind buy. Well, happy I took that chance. This film is a smaller scale Marvel film. Absent are the huge battle scenes and huge sets, but that doesn't mean it is lacking. It just isn't what we have become accustom to with Marvel films. I almost felt like this film was more of a comedy film with action in it, rather than other Marvel films that are action films with comedy sprinkled in them. Carlos Pena had many of the funniest lines, and Pena delivered the lines perfectly for comedic effect. Paul Rudd is very likable in the film. If Rudd was a dud, I don't think this film would have been great; but he really makes you care about him and you are rooting for him.
The steelbook is nice. It is like the Guardians of the Galaxy steelbook, in the sense that it is nod to something in the film that is relevant art concept and is not just a movie poster type artwork. The interior of the steelbook is a circuit board.
In 1996, this film made over $817 million to become the 2nd highest grossing film of all-time at the time. It made Will Smith a A-lister and a bankable summer blockbuster star. The premise is pretty simple, aliens attack earth and earthlings fight back with all their might to survive. It is not a deep, thought-provoking film; but a fun blockbuster that a whole family or varied group can watch and enjoy without thinking to hard. It is not overly violent either. It had great visual effects, which helped the film earn an Academy Award for best visual effects. Even in 2015, the visual effects stand the test of time, like the Jurassic Park visual effects have stood the test of time.
Price: I paid $4.99, but in 2015 I think the most I would spend on this film is $7.99-$9.99. I got it for a great price point and it is worth it to by this if you see it on sale for cheap. If this set came loaded with special features or in a limited packaging I could justify paying more.
Packaging: The version I bought is just the standard blu-ray version. There are not a ton of special features, but there is more than just a trailer. The cool thing was the version I bought came with a special edition slipcover (cardboard cover) that is part of the Fox Icon slipcover wave. Overall, happy with the purchase and happy with my experience buying from Best Buy.
Note: I would really give this film and packaging a 4.5 if possible. I reserve 5s for absolute masterpieces with great packaging that have an abundance of special features, like the Lord of the Rings extended edition set.