This special edition re-release of Gremlins is a vast improvement over the original disc. To begin with, the image, which is framed at the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, shows clear signs of the new digital transfer. Colors are sharp and vibrant (though maybe a little over saturated at times) with blacks that are solid. Overall the immediate impression of the picture is better than would be expected. The sound, which uses the same 5.1 English track from the original release, is certainly good, but never takes advantage of the entire sound field. It's generally centered up front, but is distortion free and produces clear audio. The main difference between releases is obviously the supplemental features. Whereas the first disc was basically movie only, this one has a number of nice features. At the top of the list would have to be two new commentary tracks. The first is enthusiastic and informational with director Joe Dante and actors Zach Galligan, Howie Mandel, and the less heard Phoebe Cates and Dick Miller. The second is a little more technical, but nevertheless entertaining with Dante again, producer Michael Finnell, and special effects artist Chris Walas. The rest of the extras, while good, are less spectacular. Along with ten minutes of deleted scenes with optional commentary is a six-minute featurette with behind-the-scenes shots and interviews, a photo/storyboard gallery, and cast and crew biographies. Rounding this nice package out are three trailers, two for this film and one for the sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

For years people had been clamoring for the release of the '80s classic The Goonies on DVD. Featuring a cast of crazy and kooky characters, director Richard Donner's fantasy-filled children's tale comes to DVD in an edition worthy of One Eyed Willie's gold. Warner has done a spectacular job cleaning up the anamorphic 2.35:1 print, making colors look exciting and alive. Sloth and Chunk have never looked so clean and concise! Black levels are solid and there is a minimum of edge enhancement. To say the least, this is the best The Goonies has ever looked, and Warner gets high praise for doing a terrific job on the transfer. Audio is presented in a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix, and although it's not as impressive as other remixes, this one does a great job of enveloping the viewer in the world of The Goonies. All the speakers are used during many action sequences, and dialogue, effects and Dave Grusin's hyperactive music score are all crisp and clear. Also featured are Dolby Surround 2.0 tracks in English and French, as well as a Dolby Mono 1.0 track in Spanish. Finally there are subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Many fans will be happy to know that Warner has put much time and effort into including some great supplemental features. A video/audio commentary track with all seven original Goonies plus Richard Donner is both amusing and nostalgic. Warner splices scenes from the movie with images from the recording session to bring fans a unique and interesting commentary track by the stars of the movie. "The Making of the Goonies" is a 1985 promotional documentary that includes interviews with cast and crew, as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production. A two-part Cyndi Lauper video for the song "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" entertains with guest stars such as pro wrestlers "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and the Iron Sheik. Directed by Richard Donner, this video is a riot to watch, and the song is unexpectedly catchy. Finally there is an anamorphic theatrical trailer along with some deleted outtakes featuring the infamous "Octopus" scene, mentioned in the film but rarely seen by fans. Drooling fans of this classic kids film will be ecstatic to get their hands on some great extra features, a nice transfer, and finely mixed audio tracks. In the words of Cyndi Lauper, The Goonies certainly 'R' good enough!

Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer that, while not widescreen, does in fact mirror the director's original intentions for the film (he reportedly shot it so that the frame could be cropped without compromising the integrity of the image). English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English, Spanish, and French subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a making-of documentary and a theatrical trailer.