(A-) Although for the most part the picture looks quite good, it's not as ultra-sharp as one might expect or want (especially when compared to other films from 1998 that are incredibly sharp, although it might not be quite as noticeable to the average consumer who isn't comparing video quality). Beyond that, some compression-related pixelation is evident (particularly in a later scene set in a kitchen, as well as some early outdoor shots of the sky).
AUDIO:
(A+) With a good use of sound effects, an adventurous score and a sound-field that utilizes the available full dynamic range, this DVD release sounds great.
EXTRAS:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images).
Theatrical trailer.
"Behind the Scenes" -- 11+ minute "making of" featurette.
Bloopers -- 4+ minutes
Promotional look at Sony Playstation game based on the movie.
While it's not a spectacular film by any means, the story -- despite its similarity to director Joe Dante's previous work, "Gremlins" -- is adventurous enough to please its target audience and perhaps those who've been reluctantly dragged along to see it.
Featuring some spectacular special effects, the movie has just enough fun to marginally make it worth recommending, although some parents may find the violence a bit too intense or meanspirited for the film's target audience. The supplemental material is decent, but certainly not outstanding (the "bloopers" aren't that funny), and could have used a longer "making of" documentary and/or the inclusion of a running audio commentary by the director and/or special effects "wizards."
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