Presented properly in 2.35:1 widescreen, this UMD transfer has some hurdles. Compression is the major problem given the film's heavy use of blues and solid backdrops. It's hard not to see right through to the moving blocks in the background that shouldn't be there. Otherwise, the bright, brilliant colors are a nice compliment to the steady black levels. Fine detail on both clothes and faces is stunning even when there's an excessive amount of print damage. (***)
One of the few UMDs to use a Dolby Headphone track, this is the way to hear the film. Though obviously not a true surround sound solution, it's impressive how the mix tries to turn it into one. Things that occur in the back speakers on the DVD have a slightly faded sound to them, and actually come across as something happening in the distance. It creates a sharp contrast to the action in the front and tricks the ears into believing it's not coming from the same direction. Oddly, the left-to-right movement is captured better in the standard English 2.0 track. Otherwise, the impressive bass makes the headphone track the best choice here. (****)
The extra feature (yes, singular) is not listed on the back of the case. It's a 23-minute making of piece taken from the special edition DVD. Though a bit promotional in nature, there are some excellent explanations of the biggest special effects sequences, including some design sketches and shots that didn't work (and were obviously dropped). Roland Emmerich doesn't make an appearance, and neither does anyone on the cast. (**)
Though the movie pulled in a healthy $100 million worldwide, it's probably done better on TV. The multiple (and excellent) incarnations on the Sci-Fi Channel ensure this film will stay in people's minds. They're a nice continuation of the ideas that started here, and essential if you enjoy this.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments