DREAMWORKS' DVD debut is an impressive one.  All of their initial titles are offered in their original aspect ratio, with anamorphic enhancement as well!   Additionally, they all have dolby digital 5.1 sound, theatrical trailers, and deleted scenes!

Mouse Hunt didn't fare well with critics during its theatrical run, but we loved it!  Directed by Gore Verbinski(The Ring), "MOUSEHUNT" is classic family entertainment, filled with enough of everything to warm the heart and tickly the funny bone in anyone.  It also features a spectacular guest performance with Christopher Walken.  Sure, Nathan Lane's funny, but Walken almost steals the picture. Well, if it wasn't for the mouse, that is!  The film's heavy on atmosphere from its opening moments, and this is greatly enhanced with rain effects, etc., at all the crucial moments.

 It's slapstick from beginning to end, and the special effects are outstanding!

 The transfer is stunning with no visible artifacts and perfect color without oversaturation. The set designs are elaborate, and the detail is incredible. Contrast offers deep blacks and grays, thus perfect detail in darker scenes.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound adds greatly to the wonderful film score as well as bass effects.

Although "Small Soldiers" may be too mean spirited for younger audiences(it's similar to Gremlins, but even meaner) "older" adolescents are certain to love it.  It also marks the last, great performance of Phil Hartman, which in our eyes is more than enough reason to search this one out!  Kirsten Dunst is also at her best as a (very) young girl and love interest of the main boy in the film, whom together have discovered that a fight for world domination is taking place around them, only most are unaware as this battle is taking place with toy soldiers and other figurines, one group of which, is only peaceful, and has a leader voiced by none other than James Earl Jones!

The special effects are impressive and fully complimented with a slick transfer that's close to flawless.(We noticed a few brief artifacts) Colors are bold, and there's great detail in every scene. The film is presented with its correct aspect ratio, a necessity in recreating some great compositions.   Additionally, the dolby digital 5.1 sound is filled with non-stop activity.  

As one could imagine with soldiers, there are plenty of explosions, aided with excellent bass effects.  The .1(LFE) effects are prominent, and there's terrific separation throughout the film. There are two versions of the film available, this one with Dolby Digital 5.1 and a number of fun extras, as well as the "DTS" only version, featuring the film alone.

Director Mimi(Deep Impact,ER)Leder's film directorial debut marks one of the smartest new thrillers in years.  Another box office disappointment, it appears the masses wanted a pure "shoot 'em-up" action thriller" and while there's plenty of action, this one's provocative and intelligent, obviously too intelligent for the masses.  

George Clooney and Nicole Kidman star as military officials trying to find and prevent a nuclear holocaust after one nuclear bomb has already gone off in a sensational, nail-biting opening sequence. There are many more such scenes to follow, and Leder has shown she's one of the best action film directors(even though this is a drama) around.

DREAMWORKS has provided an outstanding transfer for this release, with an active menu, deleted scenes and trailers.  The opening sequence, involving soldiers hijacking a train, features a chilling moments with red laser scopes.  It also demonstrates the incredible detail and contrast of this transfer. 

The dolby digital 5.1 sound packs a whallop!   While the surrounds aren't constant, they're effective and well placed.  Separation effects for the front soundstage are offered a great deal. 

Watch the levels of your sub woofer or your neighbors will be banging the walls, ....at least, ours were!!!

The deleted scenes section is fun, and will leave viewers wishing they hadn't been cut. 

A separate "DTS" version is also available.