COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released "And Now For Something Completely Different" on dvd.  The film compilation of comedy sketches certainly lives up to the film's title, but there's only so much one can take at one sitting, making this a fine choice for short, repeated viewings on dvd.  Viewers will find their own favorite moments, ours is "the Dead parrot" sketch, but then there are plenty of laughs here. 

The dvd transfer is inconsistent, at times quite sharp, others almost murky.  We found this to be the case on laserdisc as well, so it appears to be a problem with the source material. The mono sound is unremarkable.

The wonderful fun-for-the-whole-family musical, "Bye Bye Birdie" is here in a wonderful dvd presentation from COLUMBIA TRISTAR.   There's something for everyone here in this musical comedy about what happens when a rockstar ala "Elvis"  gets drafted.  Ann-Margret plays a beautiful teenager who's won a kiss with the rock star in a nationwide contest.  Her upset boyfriend is played by none other than Bobby Rydell!  Add Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh and a wonderful score, and you get "BYE BYE BIRDIE"!

The dvd transfer is outstanding, far superior to the decent but subdued transfer available on two letterboxed laserdiscs previously.  The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact and contrast is perfect!  The dolby digital 5.0 soundtrack goes a long way in offering a re-channeled score, but we prefer the original 3-channel theatrical presentation also offered here.

It may surprise some to know that Tom Hanks has stated that "Jason and the Argonauts" is one of his favorite films, but anyone would understand this sentiment upon viewing the dvd presentation offered here.  While the special effects appear dated by today's standards, they're no less fun!!!  There's a real child-like thrill in watching the sword-weilding skeletons and other creations from Ray Harryhausen.

The transfer is exceptional, with only a few scratches, and a typically pristine contrast.  Color values are excellent.  The mono sound is unremarkable.   Director/Harryhausen fan John Landis interviews Harryhausen in a featured interview.

Director Terry Gilliam has created an amazing world in "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" and it's to COLUMBIA TRISTAR's great credit that they've taken the time to make sure this long-awaited release is as wonderful looking as it deserves to be!   We compared this version to the CRITERION laserdisc, and it's superior in every scene.  While the laserdisc offered fine color values, they're never as sharp as they're here.  Additionally, the laserdisc appears grainy in contrast to the pristine condition of the image on dvd.  The dolby surround sound offers some engaging effects, but they're subdued for the most part.