While comparisons to "The Matrix" are inevitable, this virtual-reality thriller is actually more accessible and intelligent than the other film.  Both are still to complex for their own good, but "The Thirteenth Floor" has a much better script!!!  The acting, including a too brief performance by Armin Mueller Stahl, is sensational! 

The Columbia Tristar release offers an outstanding transfer with solid blacks and grays, and a sharp picture throughout.  The dolby digital 5.1 soundtrack offers excellent directional effects, but they're subdued compared to The Matrix.  There's an insightful audio commentary and more!

"Immortal Beloved" ranks up there with the best demonstration dvds!!!   While the previous laserdisc version was great, the colors, edges, contrast, and every detail is flawless here!!!  It's a joy to just look at!  The dolby digital 5.1 sound, while not filled with directional effects, boasts one of the greatest soundtracks in recent memory, with excellent definition.  There are two great documentaries included as well, offering new interviews with Gary Oldman and others.  A great film!!!! Unbelievable dvd!!!!

While the subject matter, Benigni is mistaken for a serial killer, may not seem funny to most, "The Monster" provides some great laughs, though infrequently.   Benigni loves slapstick, and when it works, it works well!!!   In "The Monster", the pacing varies, making it seem longer than most Benigni films.  

The transfer is impressive, though not as sharp in detail as other COLUMBIA TRISTAR dvd releases.  The dolby surround sound is generally uneventful, except for a few atmospheric effects.

Paul Thomas Anderson(Boogie Nights) is responsible for "Hard Eight", an impressive drama offering some fine performances from its entire cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow.  While set in around the world of gambling, like "Boogie Nights"   this film is really about the essence of "family".  The film moves at a slow, deliberate pace, but with a great payoff.  The transfer looks sharp, with solid blacks and grays, consistent fleshtones, and excellent contrast!!!  The dolby surround offers some atmospheric effects, but is mostly subdued.  There's a deleted scene that doesn't add anything to the film.  More importantly, there are some great "lab scenes" that truly allow the viewer to appreciate the filmmaking process!

One of the stupidest films ever made, "The Blue Lagoon" is now available for many unintentional laughs on dvd.  Our favorite moment is the scene in which the viewer looks through the telescope from a ship at the film's stars.  You have to see this scene to realize how horrible the film is, so it's actually worth watching to make fun of it!!!

The transfer is excellent, with unbelievable color values, offering a pristine picture for the exotic locales.  The dolby surround sound offers some impressive directional effects as well.  Additionally, there are two audio commentaries offered here, as well as a featurette and more.

The original "Night of the Living Dead" certainly had its share of gross-outs, but director George A. Romero also proved his skills by suggesting the unknown in a few scenes as well.  There's nothing left to the imagination in Director Tom Savini's latest remake of the original film.  Following the first film's plot very closely, this remake works, but, after a while seems "done-to-death"!!!  The gore is livened up greatly thanks to "color" and Director/Makeup   artist Tom Savini's penchant for gross effects.

The transfer is fine, although artifacting occurs infrequently.  The contrast is excellent.  The dolby surround sound offers a minimal amount of effective directional effects.