By Chris Haberman
We all love DVDs. The novelty of a new breed of technology and popularity has once again blossomed into a phenomenon, much as VCRs did in the early 1980s. This list highlights some of the most entertaining DVDs I have come across in my constant quest for sofa-and-Doritos time. Yes, these DVDs are equipped with ample amounts of special features, but that was not the only reason they were chosen. Film quality, price, bonus features (new sound and picture quality doesn’t count as “special” features to me), and availability were all taken into account. Have fun!
Why not begin this with a little kick? In the long-respected action genre, James Cameron’s masterpiece, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, is a great example of modern and classic action/adventure filmmaking. The effects and acting are top-notch, and the film has an element of style that most action flicks lack. The “Ultimate Edition DVD” presentation of this film is stunning. Enclosed in a thin metal case, this one-disc wonder includes three documentaries that DON’T put you to sleep. The special features run way past the usual theatrical trailers most DVDs provide, including the film’s entire screenplay, makeup and effects information, and over 700 storyboards. The entire flick is remastered on every audio and visual level. My personal favorite special feature: the movie can be set up to include all missing sequences, including a scene with an aged Linda Hamilton remembering certain aspects of her unusual and dangerous life.
The drama genre received an unpredictably shocking, violent, funny, and melancholy film in 1997 with Boogie Nights. Not only did it successfully put “Marky” Mark Wahlberg back in the spotlight, it also resulted in a great DVD. A new widescreen master of the film lends a lot to its impact. The second disc has ten deleted scenes (all of which are extremely entertaining; why aren’t they in the movie?) and other fun stuff like the John C. Reilly Files. Two expanded feature-length commentaries by several of the film’s stars are offered as well.
Ah, my favorite part! My beloved horror genre has been graced with a spectacular addition to its DVD catalogue. The Return of the Living Dead, 1984’s graphic and hilarious zombie/splatterpunk thriller, has finally come to DVD after awakening from a decade-long out-of-print slumber. Horror fans should be psyched: this disc offers the best looking print of the movie I’ve seen in my nine years of being a diehard fan. The features include multiple TV spots and trailers, a feature-length commentary with director Dan O’ Bannon (Alien, Total Recall), and a featurette in which production designer William Stout discusses his wild ideas for the film’s initial look. The best part? The damn thing’s on sale for $9.99 at Best Buy! Stop reading and go buy it.
Lastly, The Godfather DVD Collection generates the most honorable mention here. Each of the films looks and sounds beautiful and rich. You know the films; there’s no need to go on about the splendor of installments 1 and 2 and the “I dunno…” of part 3. The bonus features are impeccable. A fourth disc is added to include nine behind-the-scenes featurettes, additional scenes and chronology, a family tree documenting cast and character biographies, photo galleries, theatrical trailers, acclaim and response, and filmmaker biographies. Behold, the Godfather of DVDs!
