Unquestionably the Animal House for the 21st century (there are too many similarities to count!), Old School has come to DVD from Dreamworks, and they've done a fine job on this title. The 2.35:1 anamorphic image is outstanding in every way. Detail is strong, and colors come across perfectly. The transfer is as close to a direct translation from the theatrical print as you could get. As is common now, there is a chopped pan-and-scan version available separately and both rated and unrated versions for the widescreen version. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are included, which may come as a surprise. Occasionally there are some directional effects, but for the most part, this soundtrack is centered in the forward speakers. Regardless, these are fine tracks, distortion free, with clear dialogue. This release is further punched up by the addition of a number of supplements. Up front is a commentary from director Todd Phillips and stars Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson. Just as with the film, this track is a party and a pleasure to listen to. Also included are eight deleted scenes, some of which could easily have been kept in this short 90-minute film. For anyone familiar with cable's Inside the Actor's Studio, a 21-minute "Inside the Actor's Studio Spoof" with the same group in the commentary will produce additional laughs. In addition to standard biographies and productions notes is a studio PR featurette, photo gallery made up primarily of direct shots from film, the theatrical trailer, and four television spots. It's hard not to laugh at the crude humor of Old School and this DVD simply adds to the experience.

Kevin Smith's slackers get anything but a lazy DVD delivery. Fans of View Askew Productions should enjoy this special edition, dual-disc package that retires the love 'em or loathe 'em stoners. Disc one presents Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in a widescreen 2.35:1 presentation and Dolby Digital 5.1 English or French soundtrack (all the better to hear the cussing, my dear). You can also listen to an amusing "Feature Commentary" with director Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier, and actor Jason Mewes, as well as view "Sneak Peaks" of 40 Days and 40 Nights, Clerks, Chasing Amy, Clerks Uncensored, the Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back soundtrack, and Dimension Cutting Edge Films. The good stuff comes on disc two, where the bulk of the bonus material comes from 42 deleted scenes (many of them yanked by the MPAA), introduced by Kevin Smith and guests. There's also a humorous "Gag Reel"; two music videos ("I Got High" by Afroman and "Kick Some Ass" by Stroke 9); "Morris Day and the Time -- Learnin' the Moves" and a "Guide to Morris Day and the Time" feature; storyboards; and the requisite bios and filmographies (an Easter Egg can be found at the top of Jason Mewes page). Still galleries give an on-the-set look, reveal the "Birth of a Poster," and delve into the Jay and Silent Bob comics. "The Secret Stash" is a collection of outtakes featuring Judd Nelson, Will Farrell, Jon Stewart, and Ben Affleck. Two Internet trailers and six TV spots round out the promo part, while Comedy Central's "Reel Comedy: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and a "Behind the Scenes Featurette" gives an insider's look at the first movie to bring Jay and Silent Bob to the forefront of a film, after making numerous appearances in Smith's other movies, and even a cameo in Scream 3. The only thing that could please fans more is the upcoming Clerks tenth anniversary release.

The life story of boxing legend Muhammad Ali comes to vivid life in director Michael Mann's Ali. Columbia has done a fantastic job on this 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The images in this picture feature finely detailed colors, solid black levels, and natural flesh tones throughout. No imperfections of any kind were spotted anywhere in this transfer. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English and French. This soundtrack works very well in the confines of the film. There are many instances of directional effects through both the front and rear speakers with the bass coming in heavy and aggressive. No distortion is heard during any of the dialogue, effects, or music. Also included on this disc are subtitles in French, English, and Spanish. Sadly, this DVD edition of Ali is completely lacking when it comes to special features -- the only supplements available on this disc include a theatrical trailer for Ali and bonus trailers for Sam Raimi's Spider-Man and the sequel Men in Black 2. Fans will certainly be hoping for a better DVD down the line, but until then it looks like any special edition of Ali is down for the count.