Close Encounters of the Third Kind-
Steven Spielberg's "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND" has just been released as a "Special Edition" on dvd from COLUMBIA TRISTAR.  Even without all of the extras, the presentation alone makes this a "necessity" for any dvd collection!  Richard Dreyfuss stars as Roy Neary, an ordinary working man thrown into an out-of-this-world situation.  Just as Hitchcock attempted so often, to present regular people thrown into extraordinary situations, Spielberg has followed this tact successfully before.  In "Poltergeist" a seemingly normal family is thrown into the realm of the supernatural, or rather their entire house was!  In "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", Richard Dreyfuss is thrown into a world filled with secret government projects, alien spacecraft, and more.  What makes us identify with his situation even more is that he's not one of the "conspiracy" theory buffs we later meet at a press conference.  In fact, he's just trying to figure some things out and convince his family he's not going mad, even as he constructs a mountainous replica of an image he can't shake in his mashed potatoes at dinner! 
There's a real sense of wonderment throughout this picture extending to almost every character, and of course to the audience!  This sense of wonderment was severely damaged years later when Spielberg added new footage for a "Special Edition" re-release of the film.  While some of the new footage shot for this release was entertaining, most of it was unnecessary, especially the final scene in which Neary's character enters the mother ship.  It may have looked impressive to view more
special effects, but it dragged the film considerably and took away some of the mystery that initially left viewers "wondering" what they couldn't see. 
Thankfully, COLUMBIA TRISTAR allowed for a much better version of the film to be made decades later, finding its way on an incredible laserdisc "Collector's Edition."  This version features material from both the original and re-release version of the film and totally cut out the stupefying "interior" of the mothership sequence. 
Now, COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released an incredible "DEMONSTRATION" quality dvd presentation for the film!  The original 2.35:1 aspect ratio has been maintained with 16:9 enhancement as well as "THX" certification!
While the laserdisc "Collector's Edition" was stunning, it pales in comparison to what's been achieved here!  Sure, some of the grain seen in the laserdisc is still evident, but the overall resolution has been improved substantially.  The color values are strong, with vibrant hues and perfect delineation.  The contrast is wonderful with deep blacks and grays.  
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has gone out of the way to provide an outstanding soundmix for this release.  Now, not only is the film available with Dolby Digital 5.1, but with DTS 5.1 as well!  The surrounds kick in at appropriate moments, providing an incredible home theater experience for anyone with even decent speakers, although it's the front soundstage that utilizes the most separational effects.  Dialogue is focused towards the center and because characters' conversations are so important throughout the film, it's even more impressive that it's so clear, even underneath layers of sound effects.  While the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is outstanding, the DTS mix offers distinct advantages in terms of bass as well as overall fidelity.
This 2 disc presentation offers the film on the first disc and supplements on the 2nd one.   "THE MAKING OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND" is an extensive documentary filmed in recent years.  In addition to seeing and hearing from Spielberg, we also get to hear from Dreyfuss, Bob Balaban and others.  It's a great documentary and certain to please fans of the film.  Even cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond is on hand, and let's face it, there are few special editions offering cinematographer insight, let alone from a master such as Zsigmond!
The "DELETED SCENES" segment will undoubtedly please fans as well!  This section is made up of 11 scenes, some throw-away, but a few that should have probably been left in.  It's a little disappointing that this section, while in letterbox, is not presented with 16:9 enhancement. 
Additionally, the original featurette, "WATCH THE SKIES" is also presented in its original widescreen aspect ratio.  Again, it hasn't been enhanced for 16:9 viewing. 
The theatrical trailers for the original release as well as the "Special Edition" are also included, but without 16:9 enhancement and only monaural sound!