"Die Hard" is included in Fox's "Five Star Collection" of DVD's. This is the second time the film has been produced on the format. This release is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen and no pan & scan version is available. The meticulous restoration work here shows through with only slight damage to the print. Colors have been restored, bringing out skin tones and the large amount of blood used in the film. The transfer only suffers from a light layer of grain and some compression artifacts on bright colors (particularly blue). This hardly looks like it was made in 1988. (****)
It doesn't sound like a film from 1988 either. Remixed into both 5.1 and DTS, "Die Hard" is one of those dream discs for audio buffs. Massive bass-filled explosions, bullets ricocheting in every direction, glass shattering (probably the best sounding scene in the movie; fans know what I mean), and ambient sounds from the gathering police force outside are all examples of how this format should be used. The only slight problem is the dialogue that sounds a little scratchy at times and a short scene just past the two-hour mark, which sounds like it wasn't restored at all (it comes entirely from the center channel). (*****)
Presented as a 2-disc set, this isn't a massive special edition, but fans of commentaries will be very satisfied. The first comes from John McTeirnan and Jackson Degovia, the production designer. Special effects designer Richard Edlund gets his own track, though he only talks during scenes that feature his work. Finally, a subtitle track features thoughts from the cast and crew, picking out things while providing some great information. Disc 1 also allows viewers to watch the film with an additional scene (this is also included on Disc 2), but it hardly adds anything.
The second disc is split into various sections. "The Vault" includes two deleted/extended scenes, but neither is particularly worthwhile. Another section includes various alternate scenes and outtakes inter-cut with the final print. Extra footage of the newscast again features various mistakes and short extended scenes. Finally, two text articles are available, reprinted from Cinefex magazine (great publication if you have never heard of it) and American Cinematographer.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Excellent job Matt, the first one was creative and very exciting and they did a pretty good job of keeping it going with the other two. I'm not sure if I would describe Willis as a virtual unknown before this one, but it certainly turned him into a movie star