"GLORY" is one of those special films that demands to be in every dvd collection!  Not only is it an important film, it's a great film! 

 While the previously available dvd version was wonderful, the new one from COLUMBIA TRISTAR, offers an abundance of supplements, making this one preferable, and at a minor cost.

From the opening scene at the battle of Antietem Creek, we know we're in store for something we've never seen before.  Much like Spielberg achieved with "SAVING PRIVATE RYAN,"  "GLORY" completely de-glamorizes war.  Within a few minutes, we see a man's head completely blown apart by a cannonball.  It's shocking and powerful.  We see things just as the film's main protagonist, Robert Gould Shaw, sees things, and it's alternately moving, shocking, and unforgettable.   There are plenty of unforgettable moments in this film.  However, another one that stands out for its sense of catching "the moment" happens near the film's ending. Right before a final battle, Shaw takes a brief moments to take in his surroundings on the beach.  We see as he sees, ...the birds flying, the image of the sky,...it's simply brilliant!

This transfer doesn't appear to be any different than the previous version.  Both feature 16:9 enhancement, and while colors are generally solid, contrast could have been improved, particularly in the night sequences.  Fleshtones tend to appear natural, however, there are a few spots where they tend to stray a bit.  There is also a pan&scan version with the same quality as the previous version. 

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is wonderful!  While we're a little disappointed that the rear surrounds are only in mono, the sound mix is terrific.  There are numerous directional effects in the front soundstage, and dialogue is always intelligible and well focused, and free of distortion.  The outstanding score by James Horner, seamlessly branches into the film, without overpowering any of the film's layers of sound effects.  The .1 LFE effects are extremely powerful, especially during the battle scenes. 

Director Ed Zwick has been active with audio commentaries this year. He's already provided two, one for "COURAGE UNDER FIRE" and another for the "Special Edition" of "LEGENDS OF THE FALL."  His commentary for "GLORY," is a little bit of a lack-luster!  He's just not nearly as enthusiastic about the film as we'd expected him to be!  While his commentary is insightful, it doesn't ever reach the level of filmmaker passion that he achieves in both of his other commentaries. 

The first disc offers a "picture-in-picture video commentary.  Zwick, Broderick and Morgan Freeman appear within a small box, separately and provide screen-specific commentary.  For this feature, the image is limited to non-anamorphic widescreen.  This is actually a terrific feature, and will make this presentation even more re-watchable as fans will want to take in "every" bit of the commetnary offered. 

The second disc offers "THE TRUE STORY OF GLORY CONTINUES."  This documentary explores the 54th Regiment with more depth than the film can manage, utilizing actual letters and anecdotes, mixed with film footage.  There are two other featurettes, "THE VOICES OF GLORY", in which actual Civil War letters are read.  The "GLORY" production featurette offers behind-the-scenes footage, but nothing really substantial. 

The "deleted scenes" segment is available with or without commentary from Zwick.  We wish both scenes were reinserted, but Zwick gives reasonable explanations for his cuts.  There are two trailers for Denzel Washington films included.

There's not much one can say to lessen the expectations of a "teen" targeted horror film.  But, while "URBAN LEGENDS" actually had a few, albeit brief, moments of originality, they are harder to find in "URBAN LEGENDS:FINAL CUT." 

The actual location for the film's setting, a top film school,  should have allowed for some clever surprises.  We're introduced to characters that are dying for their films to get a big break, and we can't help but wonder if their films are better than this one!  

It's a real shame that "URBAN LEGENDS:FINAL CUT" doesn't offer "any" surprise moments!  There are literally dozens of books with "Urban Legends" that the script could've borrowed and expanded on.  The real shocker here, is the fact that this film was ever made! 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with a spectacular transfer!  The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact with 16:9 enhancement.  Color values are solid, and fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout!  The contrast is perfect and there's great black/gray delineation in even the darkest scenes. The pan&scan version offered on the opposite side is fair looking, but really diminishes the excellent cinematography.(one of the few things the film has going for it!) It also suffers from grain in spots. 

The DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 sound mix is extremely active.  It's too bad that the film isn't nearly as creative as the sound mix is!  Surround effects are extremely active and emphasized in key moments, creating the film's only real tension.  There are also some decent .1 LFE effects that will shake the room up. 

Director John Ottman provides an audio commentary that's actually pretty entertaining.  Upon listening to him, one can't help but like the guy, thinking he just finally got his first break and made the best of a bad movie!   A "Making of" featurette is offered, but it's only a theatrical trailer with mini-interviews.  A gag reel is offered, but it doesn't have one funny moment!  The deleted scenes segment features seven scenes with an option for director's commentary.  We can't believe that Ottman knew to excise these scenes, but "none" of the others!