Director Guillermo Del Toro showed his directorial skills with the overlooked horror film, Chronos.  He's got a much bigger budget now, and the thrills are magnified in MIMIC.  The tale about scientists trying to stop a mutation they unwittingly created during a crisis, builds at a steady unnerving pace.  The outstanding transfer is essential in achieving the potential of the film's best moments.  There are numerous dark moments, and the DVD transfer manages to maintain excellent contrast in these scenes.   The soundtrack is also important to the film wherein a certain noise identifies the creature's pending arrival.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound perfectly captures the complexities of the sound mix. Although the film's ending is anti-climatic, it's a heck of a good time getting there!

Although one of the quotes used on the back jacet of the DVD to A THOUSAND ACRES states, "A Dream Cast," it would be more correct stating "A Wasted Cast!"   After viewing this film, one can't help but ask, "What was it all for?"  Yes, it's a loosely updated version of  "King Lear," but this "isn't"  anywhere near the quality of Shakespeare.  It's astounding to think that this was based on a pulitzer prize winning novel.  There's nothing in this film that's even remotely optimistic at the film's end. Characters pretend to develop, but only act bitter and reckless.  Now, putting aside the horrible problems with the story, the transfer is excellent.  The scenery is almost epic in proportion and it's beautifully rendered in this transfer.  The score is both unforgettable and beautiful and captured perfectly in the Dolby  Digital 5.1 encoding.

Unfortunately, BUENA VISTA isn't including the extras that are appearing on laserdisc at this time.  The laserdisc offered commentary with director Ridley Scott, as well as an alternate opening segment.  Still, the image quality of the DVD transfer far surpasses the laserdisc.  The contrast and fleshtones are absolutely stunning in every scene.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is active from beginning to end and the LFE is certain to thrill anyone using a decent subwoofer.  The 2.35:1 imae hasn't been enhanced for 16:9, but it's still excellent.

John Hughes keeps the puppy mill going to great affect with the live action version of 101 DALMATIONS.  Glenn Close goes way over the top as Cruella Dv Vil, but so are most things in this film.  Kids will and do love it.  Adults probably won't find it as endearing as the original animated classic.  At 101 minutes, it's a little too long also.  The DVD transfer is excellent with outstanding clarity and depth to every scene.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is quite clever and adds a great deal to the film's overall atmosphere.

Jackie Chan takes on a drug lord in SUPERCOP, but really he's taking on just about everything that's literally thrown at or near him.  Helicopters, speeding trains and other vehicles are merely props for this remarkable stuntman.  The transfer is noteably sharper than the previous CRITERION laserdisc, with deeper colors and more accurate fleshtones.  However, none of the extra footage is included here.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack adds real impact to the film's many action scenes.