A pair of hapless plumbers get sucked into a parallel dimension in this video game-to-feature adaptation from Disney/Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and offering audio rendered in closed-captioned English Dolby Digital Surround, this release is sure to entertain fans if the high-jumping, mustached Nintendo hero.

This reissue, a "Special Collector's Edition," of The Hunt for Red October is a vast improvement, in every way, over the initial release. For starters, the widescreen image (framed at 2.35:1) is anamorphic this time, and the transfer has never looked better. Granted, some grain is evident, especially early in the film, but it's never intrusive. The distinct color patterns are far more clear and the detail more exact. Equally, the blacks are very strong and solid. Also an upgrade is the sound. The earlier disc had a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, but this one includes that and a new DTS track. While the Dolby Digital track is good, the DTS version is noticeably stronger. Basses are deep, and surround effects are utilized in just the correct moment. As for supplements, while this disc is far from supplement heavy, it offers far more than the original disc. Along with the theatrical trailer, also on the first DVD, there is a fine half-hour documentary, covering many elements, from the story to the visual effects. As good as it is, it really begs for more. Also included is a commentary track from director John McTiernan. Despite significant gaps, he does offer some interesting insight into the production, but simply doesn't cover enough ground. Maybe not a perfect disc, this one is such a step up from what was offered initially that it's difficult to find anything to complain about.

A classic film from the Coen brothers, Raising Arizona features an excellent DVD transfer but not much more. Top cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, who later directed Get Shorty and Wild Wild West, photographed this film and its transfer would make him proud. The widescreen 1:85 sparkles with color saturation and even the smallest background detail stands out to enhance the humor. Joel and Ethan Coen are known for making great quirky films and for never including commentary or interviews on their discs. They stay true to form here. Extras-wise, the disc doesn't offer much, except for a theatrical trailer, three TV spots, and trailers for their other films, Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink. Dolby Surround is available in English and French languages. Since the film has such a fanatical following, even without extras the awesome transfer will be enough for many fans to add this to their collection.