After years of waiting, one of the most anticipated DVD sets is finally here -- The Adventures of Indiana Jones: The Complete DVD Movie Collection, a grand release for one of the most beloved and successful film trilogies in history. Packaged in a classy Lucasfilm/Paramount box, all three of the first films are included, with an exclusive bonus disc delving into the behind-the-scenes meat long sought after by fans throughout the years. While it might not be the definitive, end-all-be-all release (that now-fabled set would have probably included the scrapped fourth entry in the series, still in pre-production at the time of this release), though be sure, this collection is simply jaw-dropping at times and worth the wait in the end. In this set, each film is presented in its original glorious 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, with an incredible Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track, all digitally remastered by THX -- and boy, does it show! With lush hues and deep blacks, the series feels new all over again, with Raiders especially benefiting from its new brilliant picture and sound quality. Thankfully, there hasn't been too much digital tinkering on the images, with the subtle reflection during the snake pit scene still intact -- though a few matting issues in the Last Crusade seem to have been corrected. While having the trilogy finally hit the DVD market is truly something to rejoice about, the party really starts to heat up with the Bonus Material disc, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage never seen outside of the Lucasfilm archives. First off, there are the three feature-length documentaries on the trilogy, which can be viewed separately or all together, clocking in at a whopping two-hour-plus running time. Covering each film throughout their story lines, while focusing in at each setup to break down various action pieces, casting decisions, and filming locations, the specials give you full access to most every major player in the production and completely justifies the non-inclusion of any audio commentaries. Classic stories are shared from everyone ranging from Spielberg to Lucas, Harrison Ford to every leading lady he fell for, to the beloved supporting cast including John Rhys-Davis, and yes, even Short Round (Quan Ke Huy) makes an appearance. Whether viewed back to back or each individually, these documentaries are at the core perfect studies of the trilogy, and with exclusive footage like bits from the infamous Tom Selleck screen test, they're the most exciting extras to hit the DVD market in a long time. Also on the disc are collections of featurettes that fill in the filmmaking gaps that the documentary glossed over. Clocking in a little above ten minutes each, the four sections represent the traditional (i.e. non-CG) technical sides of the film -- Stunts, Sounds, Music, and the Light and Magic. From the origins of the trilogy's sound effect library with Ben Burtt to footage of John Williams' original scoring sessions, the featurettes manage to affectively capture how the series was truly a joint effort with the very best people of their craft putting their all into the three films. Finally on the bonus disc, there's a massive Trailers section, which includes three trailers for Raiders (teaser, theatrical, and re-release), just the theatrical for Temple of Doom, and both the teaser and theatrical for The Last Crusade. As usual with long-awaited discs, there are still a few things missing. Where, in fact, are the deleted scenes? Also perplexing is the exclusion of the Temple of Doom teaser, included on one of the first video releases of Raiders. Of course, these are small gripes, and ones which only the eventual box set down the road will answer as to whether they'll see the light of day or not. Still, with the astounding transfers and engrossing extras, this box set should prove that the wait was well worth it -- for you can finally have pristine copies of the Indiana Jones trilogy among your collection, and that is truly a beautiful thing.

Stephen Sommers' summer movie extravaganza Van Helsing comes to DVD in this widescreen edition thanks to Universal Studios (the lesser-recommended full-screen edition is also available). Packed to the gills with extras, this disc presents the film in an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen picture with both 5.1 and 2.0 tracks for your home theater to sink its teeth into. The multitude of extras includes an interactive tour of Dracula's castle, where the viewer is given the option to listen to Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) ramble on about the different sections of his homely abode. Other features include a ten-minute "Bringing the Monsters to Life" making-of that introduces the audience to the master effects technicians who brought the film's many pixels to life, while "You Are in the Movie" presents a look behind the scenes by an unprecedented amount of hidden cameras on the set. A blooper reel has also been included, as has a ten-minute "Legend of Van Helsing" special that delves into the character's lore from books to the big screen. Two commentaries are available for your listening enjoyment -- the first with director Stephen Sommers and producer/editor Bob Ducsay, and the second featuring actors Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Hensley, and Will Kemp. Finally, a playable version of the Van Helsing game can be accessed through an Xbox game console that allows you to play through the first exciting level of the game. If you're a pushover for Sommers' brand of over-the-top adventure antics, then this disc is for you. This movie is also available in the three-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition featuring an additional feature-packed disc along with another DVD that includes Universal's original Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolf Man movies, which inspired Van Helsing.