While not terrific, it didn't deserve anywhere near the criticism it received during its theatrical release.  The problem with this action/comedy/drama is that it aspires to be too much of everything.  Well directed by John McTiernan, written by Shane Black, and alledgedly William Goldman and many others, the film is convoluted at times. Still, it's entertaining, and even a little poignant at times. That's more than one can say about some of Schwarzanegger's other films that became hits.  The DVD release looks incredible.  The film has "big" special effects sequences and they all look better than they did in the previous high quality laser release.  The biggest advantage to the DVD transfer, as with Schwarzenegger's other DVD release, "Eraser", lies in the Dolby Digital 5.1 remastering. Almost every scene   makes great use of  the soundmix with bass creating explosive moments. 

Not a particularly great film by any standards, in fact, "First Knight" continuously disappoints.  The tale is so far removed from any previously filmed version of King Arthur's court that all of  the characters should have been renamed.   There are some visually compelling moments, and the DVD release shows them with the best picture quality available.  In fact, much of the film looks wonderful.   Unfortunately, its story is often slow.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack adds to any tension the film provides with a wonderful score and surround effects.

Director Rob Reiner's "A Few Good Men" looked terrific on laserdisc, but its new DVD transfer demonstrates the potential of the new format to push the envelope of quality standards even further.  From the opening credit sequence with with unusual lighting throughout many evening scenes and further, the DVD transfer has more depth and color distinction than the laser.  When Nicholson gives one of  his many quotable lines, "Crystal Clear!"  He may as well be speaking of  the DVD image. The only problem lies within the soundtrack.  While it still sounds fine, the laserdisc has overall better sound quality.

This reviewer didn't like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" during its theatrical release, and being even more honest liked it even less in its initial laserdisc release.   However, the Criterion edition did offer some worthwhile supplements relating to the cinematic effects, staging and other aspects of  Coppola's work that made one appreciate it.  This new DVD transfer lacks all of the supplementary material of the special edition! Still, the picture looks outstanding, the difficult color schemes always look terrific, and the new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack offers more entertainment than recalled during its theatrical release.  It's "now" actually worth watching! But, again, where are the supplements???