Mighty Joe Young is loosely based on the film with the same title, but it's much more different than similar.  Charlize Theron is wonderful as the girl whom has grown up following the wish of her dying mother to care for the loveable "Joe".  The special effects are excellent and the high quality transfer presents them without any artifacts.  From the first seconds of the film, it's obvious that this is going to be an active sound mix.  The directional effects are virtually non-stop, giving all speakers their share of atmospheric abilities throughout this adventure film.  While we would prefer to have 16:9 enhancement, the colors are vibrant and contrast quite good throughout the film.  Unfortunately, near the film's beginning, there is an extended dark sequence wherein clarity isn't as sharp as what's achieved in other dark moments of the film.

The writing team of Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, responsible for the recent "Father of the Bride" films, have done a terrific job at updating the previous Disney film for the 90s.  While the basic premise, twins try to get their parents together again, is the same, there are plenty of  fun, innovative touches throughout the film.  Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson are excellent in the parents role, and Lindsay Lohan gives Haley Mills stiff competition.

The dvd transfer looks terrific, with excellent fleshtones and vibrant colors.   The 1.85:1 aspect ratio has been preserved without 16:9 enhancement, but with no detriment to the picture quality noticeable.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound features a few directional effects, but the soundtrack is mostly centered through the center channels, except for musical moments.

Adam Sandler's newest comedy, "The Water Boy", isn't as consistently funny as his earlier films, but that won't stop his fans from enjoying this comedy.  The transfer looks great with no artifacts present anywhere!  The colors are vibrant, contrast perfect and the letterboxing(1.85:1)is preserved.  The dolby digital 5.1 soundtrack offers various directional effects, but is used most effectively to highlight the soundtrack.

In spite of a fine cast and excellent direction, the script to this thriller offers few real surprises.  Jamie Lee Curtis does a fine job playing a loony mom returning to claim her family years after abruptly leaving them.  Similar in tone to "Fatal Attraction"  the cinematography is outstanding and perfectly compliment by the excellent transfer.  Every shot looks terrific and has brilliant clarity.  The dolby surround sound offers a few directional effects, but is mostly utilized for music alone.