At last, "BRAVEHEART", one of the most eagerly awaited titles, is now on dvd!  It was worth the wait.  Gibson's tribute to the Scotsman William Wallace, won several Oscars, including best Director.  Gibson is wonderful in his role, and while it's not his directorial debut, his craft is more impressive than his earlier "MAN WITHOUT A FACE".    The film is "epic" in every manner.  But, even at 178 minutes, it's never slow.  Gibson's pacing and creative vision are as impressive as Costner's were in "DANCING WITH WOLVES".  While the rough battle sequences tended to scare off women viewers, there's a great love story at the film's center, and the incredible score by James Horner is also deeply moving. 

The transfer is from a new remastering, courtesy of PARAMOUNT.  The 16:9 enhancement makes this look even better than the excellent looking laserdisc.  While the natural style of the film's production design tends to make the image somewhat ruddy looking, the colors are natural and there's incredible depth and clarity in every scene.  Even during darker moments, the contrast is flawless.

The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is extremely active, offering great directional effects during the battle scenes, and less subtle atmospheric effects during the remainder of the film.  The LFE track boasts a real rumbling during action sequences.

Gibson provides his first audio commentary, and as one can expect from his "Entertainment Tonight" personality, there are plenty of laughs!  he offers great insight into the film for fans and film students, but also provides light-heartedness that makes this one of the most enjoyable commentaries we've ever heard on dvd or laser!

A featurette is offered, with some behind-the-scenes stuff, interviews, etc.  But, it's mostly promotional.

Screenwriter turned director/writer Rod Lurie provides an audio commentary for "DETERRENCE", a surprisingly effective thriller from PARAMOUNT.  Kevin Pollak stars as the President of the United States, whom while stranded at a midwest diner in a snowstorm, while campaigning, is confronted with a "Fail-Safe" like situation, only magnified greatly!!!  The film's set creates a mood of suspense, rather than of claustrophobia, and the acting is first-rate, along with the script.  There are some terrific surprises, and the ending is sure to please many a viewer!  We were seriously impressed with this title, as just from looking at the jacket, and never having heard of it, didn't expect it to be anything better than a "B" movie at best!  We were dead wrong! 

The transfer features a 16:9 enhanced 1.78:1 image.  While contrast is fine, there's a little oversaturation at times.  There are no surround effects at all, but dialogue is well balanced. 

The commentary is engaging, and a must-have for any aspiring filmmaker.  Lurie details the pitfalls of filmmaking, while giving production info.  The movie was shot fairly economically, and still cost 800,000!