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Outstanding
Achievements in DVD for 1999
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| BEST
DVD - OVERALL |
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Taxi
Driver: Collector's Edition
(Columbia TriStar)
Without a doubt, and in a unanimous decision by The
Digital Bits staff, we present to you the best DVD
that came out last year. If you own it, you know why. If you
don't - shame on you, go get it. From the picture and sound
quality to the special edition material, Taxi
Driver is an experience unmatched by any other disc.
We were so impressed, that we didn't even feel a need for a
commentary track. That's impressive. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Matrix (Warner)
This is one packed disc, with good looking anamorphic
widescreen, tremendous sound and loads of extras. DVD-ROM
problems aside, this is a great disc.
The Prince of Egypt: Signature
Selection (DreamWorks)
Stunning anamorphic widescreen video, equally good surround
sound, and tons of great extra features make this an extremely
well-rounded DVD. It's also a rare one for the whole family.
The Third Man: Special Edition
(Criterion)
With this great disc, Criterion showed everyone in the DVD
community what they're made of, and how much they love film.
This is proof of point for anyone who believes Criterion sets
the standard for special editions. |
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| BEST
DVD - SPECIAL EDITION |
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Brazil:
Special Edition
(Criterion)
Here's a great movie with a great set of extras. Pretty much
everything you ever wondered about Brazil
is here for your perusal, including multiple versions of the
film itself. But be warned - it will take at least a day to walk
through the whole thing. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
A
Bug's Life: Collector's Edition (Disney/Pixar)
It might have been pricy, and it was frustrating to everyone
who picked up the earlier edition, but this one was loaded. And
this release finally gave us that anamorphic widescreen version
we all wanted, in a stunning straight-digital transfer.
ANTZ: Signature Selection
(DreamWorks)
From concept to completed project, there are extras here on
every aspect of the production of this film. Throw in
breathtaking video, a great commentary and lots more, and you've
got a gem.
Heavy Metal: Collector's Series
(Columbia TriStar)
What a fun disc! If you love animation in any form, this disc
shows how it's done, and takes you through the many stages of
its production. A must have in anyone's collection.
Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition
(Fox)
This landmark sci-fi/horror film was given new life with a
high-definition transfer and wonderfully re-mixed surround
sound. And the extras are to die for, including director's
commentary, deleted scenes, multiple music tracks and lots more. |
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| BEST
DVD - STANDARD EDITION |
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Insomnia
(Criterion)
Besides being the first 16x9 transfer from Criterion, this is
just a great movie on DVD. The high quality of the sound, the
picture and the menus all result in a disc anyone would be happy
to spin in their player. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Shawshank Redemption (Warner)
This was a long wait for DVD fans. But for a movie-only disc,
this one is hard to beat. The anamorphic widescreen picture is
wonderful, with rich colors. And the sound is nifty too. A
beautiful movie that's sure to please on DVD.
Heat (Warner)
This film just really gets under your skin. How can you not
like a head-to-head between Pacino and DeNiro? This film was
another long wait for DVD fans, and though it was thread-bare,
it looked and sounded good enough to please.
The Killing (MGM)
It's funny that Warner organized this whole Kubrick on DVD
thing... but the best representations of his work on the format
were released by MGM. This disc really shined in all the right
places, and will forever be a favorite on DVD. |
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| BEST
DVD - BOXED SET (TIE) |
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The
James Bond Collection - Wave One
(MGM)
How could we not pick this one? Seven great Bond flicks were
turned into seven of the most features-loaded DVD special
editions anywhere. Not to mention, these discs have the coolest
animated menus we've ever seen on DVD. Can't wait for Waves Two
and Three! |
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The
Nightmare on Elm Street Collection
(New Line)
And how could we not pick this one too? Once again we're given
seven movies on DVD, all featuring brand new high-definition
transfers. And an eighth disc acts as a virtual library on the
series. Throw in a couple pairs of 3D glasses and a nice
collector's booklet, and we're sold! |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Alien Legacy (Fox)
Alien helped launch 20th
Century Fox as a studio, and started one of the most interesting
and influential franchises in film. So when Fox went to turn
them into DVDs, it was time to put up or shut up. All four of
the films feature brand new high-def transfers, and were Fox's
first anamorphic DVDs. And the first two films have been given
full-on special edition treatment. Unfortunately, the last two
films in the series are fairly basic movie-only editions. And
the whole 5th disc controversy rubbed people the wrong way.
Still, this is definitely a must-have DVD collection. |
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| BEST
DVD - VIDEO |
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A
Bug's Life: Collector's Edition
(Disney/Pixar)
We said it before and we'll say it again - although pricey and
late, this DVD is the bomb. And thankfully, this disc corrects a
glaring oversight in the first release - the lack of anamorphic
widescreen. Now you get that as well as recomposed full frame,
all mastered directly from Pixar's digital animation files. The
result made our jaws drop open - it really does look that good.
Can't wait for Toy Story! |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Corruptor: Platinum Series (New Line)
The transfer here is superb, which is important on this
visually stylish and atmospheric film. This is excellent video,
with solid blacks, flawless colors and exquisite detail. There's
no compromise in video quality anywhere throughout the film. And
naturally, it's anamorphic too.
ANTZ (DreamWorks)
We certainly like the idea of doing straight-digital transfers
for animation, but this disc is proof that the old
tried-and-true film transfer can look outstanding too. The
anamorphic widescreen video is stunning, with tremendous depth
and clarity. Plus, DreamWorks did the disc right the FIRST time.
Cruel Intentions (Columbia
TriStar)
We can't say that we're huge fans of the film, but this is one
of the best-looking anamorphic video transfers ever put on DVD.
It's crisp and clear, with plenty of rich colors and accurate
flesh-tones. It's wonderful to watch. |
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| BEST
DVD - AUDIO |
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Saving
Private Ryan (both DD & DTS)
(DreamWorks)
If there was better 5.1 surround sound on DVD in 1999 than the
dual versions of Saving Private Ryan,
we haven't heard it. The Dolby Digital version is an all-out
assault on your ears - crisp and clean, with deep bass.
Dialogue, sound effects and John Williams' stirring score are
perfectly blended. The rear channels dazzle you with directional
effects while creating perfect ambient fill. And the DTS release
adds just that extra measure of clarity and naturalism.
Outstanding DVD audio. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
Titanic
(Paramount)
The audio on Titanic
lived up to every expectation we had for this DVD. There's great
dynamic range to the mix and a wide soundfield. You'll hear
every creak and groan of the ship's hull as it goes down, and
every popping rivet. The bass is appropriately thunderous, yet
the dialogue remains clear. Too bad the disc lacked anamorphic
widescreen and worthy extras.
The Haunting (DreamWorks)
The sound on this DVD is mixed extremely well, with superb use
of all the channels to create an especially eerie surround
experience. We jumped out of our seats a few times. The music
and dialogue are also wonderfully mixed throughout the entire
movie. And flags for 6.1 THX EX surround are there if you can
use 'em.
The Red Violin (Universal)
This was one of the first mainstream DVDs to include 5.1 audio
in both Dolby Digital and DTS, and for that alone it stands out.
But the quality of the mix in particular is outstanding. The
violin music in the score is haunting, and with this disc,
you'll get to hear it in the best possible form. |
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| BEST
DVD - MENUS |
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The
James Bond Collection - Wave One
(MGM)
This category was easy - nobody did menus better than Bond this
year. The interfaces on these seven discs are all sleek and
similar in style, but have unique touches appropriate to each
film. The animation and sound effects are delightful. And MOST
importantly, they're easy to navigate quickly. If these menus
don't get you in the mood to watch some Bond, nothing will.
Hollywood take note - THIS is how it's done. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Beatles: Yellow Submarine (MGM)
It's almost as fun to surf around the menus on this disc as it
is to enjoy the main feature. Great sound and clever animation
make these menus a treat, while keeping navigation nice and
easy.
Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition
(Fox)
The Fox logo fritzes away in blaze of static, as Mother takes
over your TV and lets you into a special chamber aboard the
Nostromo. There, you can access everything this DVD has to
offer. These 3D menus immerse you in the atmosphere of the film,
and set you up to watch it perfectly. Very cool.
The Mummy (1932)
(Universal)
We really like the menus on this disc. Most of the menus on
Universal's Classic Monster Collection are well done, but this
one stands out as our favorite. They're simple, easy to use and
are perfectly appropriate to the mood and look of the film. |
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| BEST
DVD - PACKAGING |
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Brazil:
Special Edition
(Criterion)
Criterion took an old idea and made it better. The set's three
discs come in individual keep cases, which fit into a
semi-transparent, plastic, sky blue slip case. Doesn't sound
like much, but it really grabs the eye. You just want to pick it
up and look at it more closely. You'll probably hold stuff
behind it and see how it looks through the slip case (we sure
did). All in all, this is a pretty cool package. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Nightmare on Elm Street Collection (New Line)
Sure, they're all in Snappers. But all tucked together in that
dandy embossed slip case (complete with Freddy's smiling
visage), they look pretty cool. And New Line managed to fit a
36-page booklet and 2 pairs of 3D glasses in there as well.
Bruce Lee: The Master Collection
(Fox)
The package here is quite simple - a black box with a dragon on
the front and a photo of the The Master himself in action. Even
at a glance, there's no mistaking what and who this package
represents. You've gotta love it.
The Avengers (1966-1967)
(A&E)
The simple fact that A&E is releasing so many 2-disc sets
of Avengers episodes is
nice in itself. But each disc and set has a slightly different
look, using great artwork, vibrant colors and a stylish
retro-design, that makes them easily among the best looking DVD
packages of the year. |
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| BEST
DVD - STUDIO |
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DreamWorks
SKG
Without a doubt, in our minds at least, DreamWorks is the
best studio doing DVD. Sure, their catalog isn't huge, so they
can take a lot more time with each DVD release. But it pays off
- their video, audio, menus and extras are top-notch. DreamWorks
has turned movies we wouldn't have given a second look into DVDs
that are hard to stop playing with. And their home run shots,
like Saving Private Ryan,
The Prince of Egypt and
ANTZ, are outstanding. We
can't wait to see what they'll do in 2000. |
WE
ALSO LIKE: |
Columbia
TriStar
Columbia's hallmark is the very best video on DVD bar none,
thanks to the work of the Sony High-Definition Center. With just
a few exceptions, their DVDs have looked spectacular, and their
support of anamorphic widescreen is unconditional. Add to that
the fact that they're releasing a really interesting mix of new,
classic and foreign films... and more special editions... and
they make us happy indeed.
The Criterion Collection
Criterion's dedication to providing high quality in every
aspect of the DVD medium is apparent with each new release.
Their films range in genre and reputation, yet Criterion
continues to turn them into exemplary DVD editions. Most
importantly, the staff of Criterion are film fans above all
else. DVD's in good hands with them.
New Line
Clearly, New Line ranks among the best in the DVD game. From
Day One, they've given us wonderful special edition discs, while
never sacrificing their movie-only titles. Their Platinum Series
is second only to The Criterion Collection - and we mean that as
very high compliment. Plus, you have to respect a studio that
takes chances with their special editions and stands by those
choices. We can't wait to see what's ahead. |
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| BEST
DVD - MUSIC (NON-LIVE) |
|
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South
Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut
(Paramount)
Oh, come on - you should have seen this one coming. Trey Parker
and Matt Stone made a musical that spit in everyone's eye - and
yet, we're all better for it. We don't know about anyone else,
but we've caught ourselves singing just about every song on this
disc after seeing the film. It's also a nifty little DVD. Sure,
it could have been bigger, but we'll take what we can get. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Beatles: Yellow Submarine (MGM)
This whole disc is just plain fun. From the menus to the film
itself, it's a piece of eye candy. As for the music... well,
this is the Beatles - what do you expect? Loaded and
entertaining to play with - just the way we like it.
Pink Floyd: The Wall
(Columbia Music)
You knew this DVD had to be in the running, didn't you? This
disc is a wonderful sensory experience. Personally supervised by
Roger Waters, it features a brand new high-definition transfer,
awesome re-mixed 5.1 sound (or PCM stereo if you prefer it), and
that's just the beginning. This ain't just another brick in the
wall...
The Music Man: Special Edition
(Warner)
He's a what? He's a what? He's a music man, and he's got a
pretty damn fine DVD special edition from Warner. This is a
favorite musical of ours, and we're very happy with the deluxe
treatment it's received. From the pristine anamorphic widescreen
video, to the re-mixed 5.1 audio, this one's a joy. |
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| BEST
DVD - MUSIC (LIVE/CONCERT) |
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Talking
Heads: Stop Making Sense
(Palm Pictures/Rykodisc)
Directed by Jonathan Demme, this was (and is) one of the most
brilliant concert films ever made. And on DVD for its 15th
Anniversary, it's even better. It features digitally re-mixed
and re-mastered audio in three forms: the 5.1 Dolby Digital film
soundtrack, a 5.1 studio mix and PCM stereo as well. You even
get commentary with the director and the band. Check it out if
you haven't had a chance. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
Sarah
McLachlan: Mirrorball (BMG/Arista)
This is a truly wonderful concert DVD. You get 23 songs
performed - 9 more than the original CD version. There's a
20-minute interview with the artist, a discography, a photo
gallery, lyrics to the entire concert, and even multi-angle on 3
songs. Add to that very good video and excellent 5.1 audio, and
what more could you want?
Roy Orbison: Black & White Night
(Image)
We couldn't go without mentioning this DVD - the excitement and
energy of this show by Orbison and friends translates perfectly
to our favorite disc format. The video quality is outstanding,
and you have no less than three audio options for enjoying all
the tunes - Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 as well as DTS 5.1. All of
them sound terrific.
The Paris Concert for Amnesty
International (Image)
If you're into Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Alanis
Morissette, Tracy Chapman or Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (just
to name a few), then this DVD is for you. It features almost 3
full hours of music and animation presented in full Dolby
Digital 5.1, all to promote human rights causes around the
world. It's a great show, and on DVD it looks and sounds
terrific. |
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| BEST
DVD - AUDIO COMMENTARY (TIE) |
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Ronin
(MGM)
This was a tough choice, but director John Frankenheimer's
track on Ronin is one of
the best we've heard this year. He's a true craftsman, and it's
fascinating to listen as he describes the subtext in the script
and the actor's performances, why he prefers the violence in his
films to be quick and the sense of hyper-realism he strives to
achieve. This is a wonderful insight into a director and his
art. |
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Mallrats:
Collector's Edition
(Universal)
Mallrats also deserves a
mention for having one of the funniest commentaries ever made.
It's given even more bite thanks to its use of alternate camera
angles to SHOW all the usual suspects in action (including
director/writer Kevin Smith, stars Ben Affleck, Jason Lee and
Jason Mewes, producer Scott Mosier and View Askew historian
Vincent Pereira). Watch, listen and laugh. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
Black
Sunday (Image)
We didn't really know much about this film, but after listening
to the commentary, we can now call ourselves experts. Thank you
Tim Lucas, and thank you Image.
Immortal Beloved (Columbia
TriStar)
A very informative and interesting commentary by
writer/director Bernard Rose. Even though it comes across as
slightly dry, it fits the film perfectly.
Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition
(Fox)
Director Ridley Scott's words of wisdom on Alien
are also worth a mention. Scott talks about Jerry Goldsmith's
score, recounts how he asked the advice of Stanley Kubrick, and
even throws out an idea for an Alien
5. Hope someone takes him up on it... |
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| MOST
SURPRISING DVD |
|
 |
Pi
(Artisan)
We had never heard of this film before, and none of us were
expecting much from this disc. But anyone that's seen it can
vouch for the fact that this is one of the biggest surprises to
hit DVD all year. The movie is edgy and mesmerizing, the
commentary tracks are through and the extras shine. Very cool. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
Joan
of Arc (Artisan)
This DVD treatment of the recent CBS miniseries (starring Peter
O'Toole and Leelee Sobieski) definitely caught our fancy. The
video quality is better than any of us would have guessed, and
it's in anamorphic widescreen too. You don't get much else, but
we didn't mind. It's more than we expected, and worth a look.
Insomnia (Criterion)
We begrudgingly popped this one in our players, not having any
idea just how powerful the film was going to be. We were
ultimately blown away by the story, the acting, the picture
quality (Criterion's first anamorphic release) and the sound. We
hope more people will check this one out.
SLC Punk (Columbia
TriStar)
This is a film we ended up liking a lot. SLC
Punk is a great movie about the American punk scene
in the 80s, and on DVD it features very nice video and audio
quality. Throw in a commentary track, an isolated music track,
and a comic book presentation as well, and this is a nice little
discovery. |
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| BEST
USE OF DVD FEATURES |
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Ghostbusters:
Collector's Series
(Columbia TriStar)
This was another easy call. The "live" commentary
track on this disc blew us all away. Who knew you could turn a
subtitle track into video? It was a pretty outrageous idea, and
a lot of people worked a lot of hours to make it work. And it
was damn cool. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
The
Nightmare on Elm Street Collection (New Line)
Finally, the folks at New Line and PC Friendly found a way to
make their DVD-ROM Script-to-Screen feature work as it should.
Now you can watch the movie in full motion video, while
following along with the text of the screenplay. It's like film
school on a disc. If only they could do it for Macs too.
Heavy Metal: Collector's Series
(Columbia TriStar)
Hey, here's an idea: let's put a whole second version of this
film on the DVD, so people can see how the film shaped up from
rough animation to the final product. And let's put a commentary
track on there with it. Whaddya think? Sold. Nicely done.
Bride of Re-Animator: Special Edition
(Pioneer)
Here's a feature we hope doesn't get abused - but when used
properly it's pretty darn cool. This disc features the option to
watch the film either in full frame or electronically-matted
letterbox to recreate the widescreen theatrical experience, all
without having to start the film over. |
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| BEST
DVD EASTER EGG |
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Mallrats:
Collector's Edition
(Universal)
This was another easy one - the ultimate in-your-face Easter
Egg. Go to this DVD's bonus materials page and skip down to
deleted scenes (but don't press enter). Then select right to
light up the robot's eyes. For these heroic efforts, what will
you get? Director Kevin Smith giving you crap about trying to
find Easter Eggs on a DVD. Nothing more need be said. |
WE
ALSO RECOMMEND: |
Austin
Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (New Line)
If you don't touch anything in this disc's special features
menu, Dr. Evil's rocket ship will fly in and let you access
Comedy Central's The Dr. Evil Story.
You'll also be able to jump to the songs Dr. Evil sings in the
film, and even read several pages of notes on Classic Evil
Schemes Gone Awry in other spy adventure films.
Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition
(Fox)
In this disc's special features menu, if you highlight that
acid hole in the floor, you'll be treated to Ash's secret
reports back to the Company on the alien's life-cycle. We quote:
"Although it appears to be a painful experience for the
host, the birth of the lifeform is quite spectacular." We
always knew there was something not right about that guy.
Brain Damage (Synapse)
The menus on this disc are pretty cool in and of themselves,
but if you look in this disc's filmographies area, you might
uncover a trailer for Frank Henenlotter's first film Basket
Case. |
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