This is one of many "home theater movies," set up so that this should be one of the first movies used to show off a new system. It's brutal when it comes to bass, and there are plenty of opportunities to use it. Separation is handled flawlessly. Even the non-action sequences feature plenty of rear speaker usage. It's engaging and powerful all the way through. (*****)
This set doesn't offer as many extras as typical release like this do now. There's still enough information here to make it a worthy purchase. Disc 1 contains two commentaries, one of which can only be listened to when watching the nine minute extended version also included on this set. The additional footage is all character focused and were wise cuts considering the movie comes in over two hours already.
Disc 2 starts the real features with the HBO First Look. This is long promotional tripe hosted by Jeff Goldblum, and he does inject some personality to it. ID4 Invasion is a mock newscast that is original, just poorly done and hardly believable. Some of the footage used here was in the film.
Creating Reality is another long feature, clocking in around a half-hour. It's in depth, including looks at the miniatures and CG effects. Ignore the First Look and just watch this. A wisely excised alternate ending is here, unfinished and with commentary.
The disc finishes with trailers, including the classic Super Bowl spot ("Enjoy the game. It may be your last"). The menus deserve credit here too. They are so well done, it's entertaining just to sit and watch them. Navigating them is a joy too. Finally, almost every release of this film is the same. Extras are usually a little thinner. Just get this set and ignore the rest. (***)
People still rip Independence Day because the aliens are defeated by a Mac. H.G. Wells writes a story about intelligent beings that can create advanced technologies, but fail to check to be sure they can live here and it's a classic. That's not saying Independence Day should be revered on the same level, just judged in similar fashion. If not, it's almost hypocritical. Take it for what it is: fun.
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