This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Terror abounds in the made-for-TV miniseries event Stephen King's It. The film is presented in a newly matted 1.85:1 widescreen edition that is modified from its original form (in other words, black bars have been inserted onto the top and bottom of the original full frame transfer). The image appears to be in better-than-average shape with colors and black levels all solid and well defined. While there appears to be some softness in the picture, overall this transfer should please horror fans everywhere. The soundtrack is presented in an apt Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo mix in English. Since Stephen King's It was originally produced for TV, it's no surprise to find this audio track flat and somewhat boring. However, what this mix lacks in directional effects and fidelity it makes up for with crystal clear dialogue, music and effects. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. The sole extra feature on this DVD is a commentary track by director Tommy Lee Wallace and actors John Ritter, Richard Thomas, Tim Ried and Dennis Christopher. Filled with some funny asides about the production and witty banter (especially from Ritter), this commentary track is worth the listen for any true Stephen King fans.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Those mischievous green terrors are back for seconds in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Warner has done a very presentable job at making sure this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen print looks very crisp and clean. Aside of just a smidgen of edge enhancement, this picture appears to boast sharp, detailed colors and well defined black levels. The soundtrack is presented in a newly remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mix in English, along with a Dolby 2.0 Surround track in English, French and Spanish. The 5.1 mix does a fine job of making sure the soundtrack is crystal clear, though directional effects are rather slim and spotty. All aspects of the soundtrack are free of any hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. Warner has gone the extra mile to throw a few extra features on this disc, starting with a commentary track by director Joe Dante and producer Mike Finnell. This is mildly funny track that features multiple stories about the cast, effects and difficulties working with little green puppets. A gag reel of funny flubs is included, as well as an entertaining behind-the-scenes featurette which is a parody of other boring featurettes found on most discs. An ample amount of deleted footage running over 20 minutes is included with optional commentary and allows viewers to see what ended up on the cutting room floor. Finally there is a goofy game called "The Gremlins Files," a theatrical trailer for the film, and a list of the cast and crew members.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.