DVD Review: Harry and the Hendersons - Page 2

"Stunning" is the immediate reaction to this DVD transfer. Colors are rich and bold, and clarity is remarkable. The print used doesn’t have a single flaw for the entire running time. Compression is never a problem, while light grain on certain shots does prevent this from being perfect. This never looks like a 20-year-old film.

While some dialogue sounds flat, the newly remastered 5.1 audio mix is fantastic. Harry creates powerful shots from the LFE channel as he steps. Rear speaker usage is surprisingly consistent. Subtle audio such as birds chirping fits in right alongside heavier uses during active sequences. It was worth the wait on DVD.

Extras begin with a decent commentary by director Dear. While he sometimes states the obvious, he delivers stories from the set and specific information on the creation of the film. Three minutes of deleted scenes deliver mostly redundant information given to the audience quicker in the finished film.

Harry: Finding the Missing Link is a nice behind-the-scenes feature that runs for 17 minutes. The footage of Rick Baker designing the suit is especially nice. Making Harry and the Hendersons goes right along with a newswrap reel produced to promote the film in 1987. They last about nine minutes total.

When William Dear first heard of the concept, it was in the form of a TV sitcom. Wisely, he saw the opportunity to turn this into a film, where the story could be fleshed out and the budget open to making an expressive friendly giant. Eventually, after a solid box office, it did become a TV series. No actors reprised their role for the two season run aside from Kevin Peter Hall.

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Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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