This is far from an awful film, just a disappointing one. Too many characters have been included in the film to develop any of them and many questions are left unanswered as to their past. The special effects, as spectacular as they are, just can't save what shallow story is underlying the proceedings. This is a film worth watching for a few scenes, but as a whole, fails to do what the first film did flawlessly. (*** out of *****)

Filmed in the same aspect of the original, "The Lost World" is presented on DVD in 1.85:1 widescreen. Though a slight improvement over the first films transfer, some nasty flicker, edge enhancement, and aggravating film grain almost put it on equal ground. The major compression problems seem to have been fixed, but the film is so dark, finding any would be practically impossible. The perfect black levels make sure of that. (***)

Once again, Universal gives DVD fans what they want in the sound department. Eclipsing the original film in sound quality, the jungle atmosphere is more noticeable and prevalent than it was previously. Should you ever need to test the rear speakers on your system, this is the film to do it with. Positional audio has never been used more effectively than it is here. The LFE channel doesn't seem quite as strong, but the stunning use of every speaker to enhance the experience has never been done better. (*****)

Light in the features department, the only notable inclusion is a great making of documentary with the usual cast interviews and some outstanding behind the scenes footage. It seems like the crew was enthusiastic enough about the production, but just didn't pull it off. Two deleted scenes add a bit more information about the InGen situation and some meat to the character played by Pete Postlethwaite, but these scenes would have extended the already long running time (though at least giving some depth to a character).

Lots of storyboards (including some from deleted scenes), production stills, and pictures of merchandise spun-off from the series are the final note-worthy feature along with some long production notes. The dinosaur encyclopedia is taken right from the orignal "Jurassic Park" with no additions or changes. Finally, the trailers for all three movies are included. (***)

You can do a lot worse than the "Lost World." If dinosaurs eating and ripping people in half is your thing, than this isn't a bad way to kill two-hours. If you want to recreate the experience the original classic provided, than just watch the first one. There's no reason to ruin the memories with this.