It's a same that "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" is only available as part of a higher priced dvd collection.  Psycho and Vertigo are included with glorious transfers, but they're already available seperately, so if you already have them, you'd have to purchase them again for this title.  The series was uneven during its long rein, some episodes fantastic, some mediocre.  The titles included here are all fantastic!!!  While "Lamb to the Slaughter" is probably the best known episode, our personal favorite is "Banquo's Chair" a great ghost story.   The series is filmed in glorious black and white, and the transfer to these episodes has outstanding gray and black variations.  The contrast is flawless!   The mono sound is fine.

UNIVERSAL has released no less than 3 versions of "Patch Adams".   There's the collector's edition, featuring a widescreen version along with dolby digital 5.1 sound, extensive supplementary features(outtakes,commentary, featurette).   There's also a pan&scan version(without any supplements) and the DTS widescreen version(no supplements).  Our favorite version would be the DTS version.  While the picture on all three versions is great, it's slightly more distinguished in terms of contrast and color values on the DTS version.  Additionally, the soundtrack has greater range and depth.  While the dolby digital versions are still excellent, they don't share the clarity of little nuances discernible on the dts version.   Unfortunately, the DTS version is $34.98 and without supplements compared to the other versions.  It also lacks any supplements, but the supplements, while engaging, are not as spectacular as on other special edition titles from UNIVERSAL. 

It's great to see UNIVERSAL devoted to bringing more independent films to dvd.   "Grace of My Heart" was written and directed by Independent filmmaker Allison Anders, and while its budget brings some production limitations, it's hard to discern this from the wonderful transfer given here.  The entire production design looks wonderful, with vibrant colors and terrific contrast.  Anders gives her audio commentary which is insightful about the whole filmmaking process.  The dolby surround sound offers little in terms of directional effects, but provides fine separation for musical selections.  There are extensive supplements, including a featurette and deleted scenes.

The UNIVERSAL release of "Frankenstein" is a must-have for any collection!   Not only is this the best looking presentation we've ever seen of the film classic, but there's a great documentary included as well as an educational/entertaining commentary.

The transfer is well-polished with everything "just right!"  Sure, there's some scratches, but only enough to let the viewer be aware that this is an old, but timeless classic!  The sound is exceptional, even though it's mono!!!

The UNIVERSAL release of "Battlestar Galactica" is presented in its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and includes 1.1 sound.  While the film's mono, it offers an LFE track for "sensurround".  This track really aids in some of the more explosive scenes.  While the film's extremely dated,( the special effects are similar to the first "Star Wars" before being re-tooled and digitally enhanced)it's great fun!  There's a sense of  heroism that runs through the film as well as some beautiful girls, and intentional over-the-top acting from the late-great Lorne Greene.  The transfer looks sharp, with no artifacts and fine contrast.