I recall being "blown away" by the special trailer to "Dinosaur" shown
before the theatrical presentation of "TOY STORY 2."  Most of the adult viewers in the audience also sat astounded, while spectacular computer imagery revealed a breathtaking view of a world only glimpsed in "JURASSIC PARK."  With a trailer this good, one could assume that the finished film would be equally impressive.  What a horrible assumption.  "DINOSAUR" is one of the most boring, underwhelming films to come from Disney "ever!" 
The main problem lies in the story.  There is none!  Well, none worth
telling!  It tries to tell the story of Aladar, a dinosaur who has been
tragically orphaned and graciously raised by a family of lemurs.  While the initial interplay between the adoptive family and the out-of-place dinosaur is actually moving, it doesn't ever progress into anything more than a sentimental footnote.  The narrative plods along, with one ridiculous exercise after another.  Shortly after Aladar is adopted, a meteor strikes their homeland and destroys most of the life there, causing him to join other dinosaurs migrating to safety.   The leader of this migrating herd, Kron, is tough and uncaring.  This is shown when Kron becomes furious with the loveable Aladar as he tries to help some older dinosaurs straggling behind.  While having to deal with the dynamics of various dinosaur "personalities," the herd must constantly be wary of the vicious Carnosaurs that are after them.   
While the children we showed the dvd to, were hypnotized to the screen,
adults will be yawning throughout!  There's just nothing new here!  The only "enchanting" images were the ones already shown in the trailer over a year ago!
BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has provided a spectacular transfer for this dvd.  The film is presented in its correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The transfer has also received the "THX" seal of approval.
"DINOSAUR" does bring computer animation to a new level.  The clarity and seamless integration of movement and color is truly amazing.  We just wish there had been a worthwhile story to tell with such startling images.  The Special Edition, like the "Standard" edition, offers both a pan&scan version as well as the letterboxed version.
We're extremely pleased that BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT is releasing more of their titles with both DOLBY DIGITAL "and" DTS options!  While both
versions offer very active mixes, the edge definitely goes to the "DTS"
track!  It offers better bass control there's an overall better engulfment
of the listener in terms of surround sounds.  Both tracks offer extensive
surround channel activity, but the "DTS" mix boosts the musical presence
even more. BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has also included an isolated effects track, available only on the "special edition."  Unfortunately, it only features 2.0  sound.
BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has gone all out in making this a "Special" Edition!  The menu screens are animated and easy to navigate.  Because there are so many supplements, it's great to see that an easy-to-use map has been
included.  "Dinopedia" is a semi-documentary, offered on both the special and "standard" editions of the dvd.  "DinoSearch" is an interactive 3-D puzzle for kids.  "Aladar's Adventure" is another game that should amuse the toddlers with excellent graphics. 
There are also numerous "Sneak Peeks," offered on both versions.  The best is the preview for "Atlantis:The Lost Empire" due out this summer!  We couldn't help but be disappointed, however, that all of the previews are limited to 2.0 sound! 
There are also several featurettes offered on both the "Special" and
"standard" editions.  "BUILDING A BETTER DINOSAUR" examines the computer animation process.  It's actually entertaining for children, and mind-blowing for adults!  "SOUND DESIGN" explores the process of creating the original "sounds" of the featured dinosaurs. "MONSTER CLOUD" explores the special effects sequences, focusing on the "meteor" sequence.  "WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE:CREATING A DINOSAUR WORLD" explores the seamless branching of computer animated characters with life-like backgrounds.  Again, BUENA VISTA deserves a lot of praise for offering so many exciting supplements, even on its "standard" edition.
However, the Collector's Edition blows this standard edition away in terms of supplements!  To begin with, there are "two" audio commentaries offered here!  One of them offers the film's directors and effects supervisors.
Unfortunately, this commentary is so focused on the technical aspects of the film, that it may be too dry for many viewers.  Still, it's extremely
informative!  The second commentary offers the film's producer along with a panel discussion with members of the "DINOSAUR" production team. Surprisingly enough, "this" is the really entertaining commentary!  It
allows individual members to explain their involvement in the film's
production, and better explains just what goes into making a film like this.

A spectacular segment offered on the "Collector's Edition" is "FILM FACTS FOSSIL DIG."  This segment offers various features, all of them worthwhile, with easy accessibility.  Our favorite of the features belonged to the "deleted scenes" segment.  There are just "So many" supplementary segments offered in this "collector's edition," that it's staggering to contemplate!
There are computer animation tests(without sound) and other sections devoted to the creation of the individual look of dinosaurs.  There is also an abundance of "special effects" featurettes, certain to please die-hard
"computer-animation" enthusiasts, but then, some of these segments appear to be lengthier versions of what's already offered in the supplement section of both "Standard" and "collector's editions" material. 
There is an intriguing "Abandoned Sequences" section in which various scenes can be examined in rough footage, consisting of either video, stills, or even just sound compilations.  All in all, the special edition is worth the
"$10.00" difference over the "Standard" edition.