The Special Edition of Rob Schneider's "THE ANIMAL" is really a "Special Edition".  Loaded with extras, it's got enough to please fans of the film, and for those skeptical of whether or not Schneider can carry a film, "THE ANIMAL" is far better than this reviewer expected.

The story has Schneider playing a sadsack guy aspiring to be a cop, but pretty much trashed upon by any and everyone.  After a car accident, a zany doctor puts him back together using animal parts.  Of course, his new parts enable him to be able to do a lot of things he never could before, most of which provide hilarious outcomes. There's a love interest thrown into the mix, played by "Survivor" star Colleen Haskell, and who's surprisingly good. Unfortunately, a lot of the humor is "bathroom" type and immature.  Still, there's enough broad humor to make this film worthwhile for repeated viewings. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for the film with 16:9 enhancement.  The colors are solid and the image is sharp.  This is a surprisingly good looking film and the background locations, scenery and compositions are pleasing to the eye, and the transfer compliments it perfectly.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix is fairly active, but while there are some decent directional effects, most rear speaker moments are reserved for musical interludes.  The dialogue is well focused and free of distortion.

There is a commentary with Rob Schneider and the film's producer as well.  Both the guys seem to get along well, and they offer some interesting anecdotes about the film's production. It's not as informative for aspiring filmmakers as a John Singleton commentary, but it's still entertaining.

Another commentary with the film's director, Luke Greenfield, is offered.  This is his first film, and while it's not groundbreaking, and neither is his commentary, he's still pretty earnest, and his insight into what it's like for him to be thrust into a major hollywood film, is itself, inspiring.

An option titled, "Badger Milk/Deleted Scenes" offers differing "deleted scenes" options.  There are four deleted scenes, and they're all quite funny.  One can watch them by themselves or select to have Schneider and the film's writer introduce them, before being brought back to the spot in the film where they were last taken from.

A featurette, "COMEDY CENTRAL:THE ANIMAL" is pretty lengthy, and while it's mostly promotional, the interviews, along with the style of the featurette, makes it worth viewing.

There's another brief featurette, as well as an interactive game and several trailers.