The first two-disc set from Paramount, Forrest Gump is a sight to see, and sure to please anyone who understood the real meaning of the film. To begin, the picture quality is about as good as it gets. Framed at the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and anamorphic, the colors are right on (skin tones are especially on target) and the definition is outstanding. Darker areas stand out with the correct shading that goes to show what can be done with careful authoring. The sound, a 5.1 Dolby Digital English track, is also perfectly realized. Though there is only a slim amount of surround material, the track is very forward and forceful, taking advantage, just at the right time, of the deeper bass. Also available is a French surround track and subtitles in English. As for extras, there is no mistaking that this Academy Award-winning film gets the star treatment. The first of the two discs, along with the movie, has two audio commentary tracks. The first is from director Robert Zemeckis, producer Steve Starkey, and production designer Rick Carter. The second commentary is from another of the producers, Wendy Finerman. Neither is screen-specific, but both are, in different ways, filled with a wealth of valuable information. But it is the second disc that houses the majority of the supplemental materials. There you will find a half-hour documentary (originally released on VHS in 1994) called "Through the Eyes of Forrest Gump." There are enough interviews and behind-the-scenes shots to make this better than the standard fluff piece. Next are some shorter featurettes, "The Magic of Makeup," "Through the Ears of Forrest Gump" (made up of five short segments), and "Building the World Of Forrest Gump -- Production Design." Eleven visual effects discussions, including two scenes that were excised from the film, are the highlight of the extras. Visual effects producer Ken Ralston and his team talk in depth about the multitude of effects shots used in the film. Finally, this disc features a decent photo gallery, some wonderful (though short) screen tests, and a couple of trailers. This is a wonderful DVD set for a memorable movie, certainly worthy of any collection.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery features both widescreen and pan-and-scan versions of the film; however, the original theatrical aspect ration of 2.35:1 has been changed by director Jay Roach to a 2:1 aspect ratio, perhaps to better accommodate its widescreen enhancement. The commentary track allows Roach and Mike Myers to tell what is improvised and what is scripted in the film, specifically to point out the different inspirations and homages, and joke around some as well. The deleted scene menu features two original endings and five scenes that were either cut for time or because they were expendable. One of the original endings is particularly hilarious and at least two of the deleted scenes ("The Henchman's Wife" and "Fendi Briefcase") could have been left in the film. The "Spy Genre Retrospective" is disappointing, just a series of pages to read about the movies that inspired the film instead of a featurette. Meanwhile, the animated "Music to Shag To" sequence, a celebrity cameo menu, and the "Swedish-Made Penis Enlarger Pump" features aren't exactly substantial but do add to the zany feel of the DVD. The theatrical trailer is also included. Austin Powers can't compete with current special editions, but it is nonetheless a fun disc for an enjoyable film.