The controversial "AMERICAN PSYCHO" has just been released on DVD.  While it was completely overlooked in theaters, it deserves a good look, and UNIVERSAL has done its utmost to provide the film's presentation in its finest form. Whereas this critic viewed it in a mediocre theater(without good sound), the dvd provides viewers the optimal scenario(Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and no need to worry about a bad projectionist!)  There are two versions available the R rated theatrical version, and the Unrated version.  We couldn't noticed any new footage from the theatrical version, but wish there were chapter marks identifying new inserts.

        The film is based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel about a Wall Street Executive whom when not droning on and on about material things is committing violent, cold murder.  The book is far more graphic than the film, and to director Mary Harron's credit, some of the more gruesome moments are left to the viewer's imagination.  The adaptation is, in spirit, quite good, although viewers may still be left uncertain about many things at the film's convoluted ending.  The acting is excellent, and hearing it on a good DD 5.1 system is important, as the musical selections chosen for the film really help depict the '80s era for the film's setting.

        The transfer is excellent!  Filled with deep blacks and solid colors, we were most impressed the film looks this good with a modest budget!  The anamorphic 2.35:1 ratio is intact and key to many of the film's great images.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is restrained, but extremely effective, especially during the nightclub scenes with '80s songs kicking in the surrounds for a realistic environment.  The LFE track is generally subdued, but effective when utilized.

The featurette includes some interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.  A brief interview with Christian Bale allows insight into his character.  The theatrical trailer is presented in non-anamorphic 1.85:1 ratio.

"ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN" is a comedy classic, right up there with "ANIMAL CRACKERS"!  It's also terrific fun for the entire family.  This reviewer remembers being delighted watching the film every saturday morning it would air on an "creature feature" film channel, and it hasn't lost any of its impact years later.  They boys play two railroad clerks, Chick and Wilbur, who've unknowingly(of course) delivered two crates containing Dracula "and" the Frankenstein monster to a House of Horrors.  Adding to their problems, Wilbur's girlfriend, has cruel intentions for Wilbur, as she's part of Dracula's team of vampire mistresses.  Even the girls chosen for small parts in ABBOTT AND COSTELLO films are far better looking and polished than most other studio releases.  They actually help give the film a "polished" look!  Of course, we also get to see the Wolf Man here!  It's just great fun and some thrills from start to finish!

    The transfer features the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio.  The black and white image is wonderful, with surprisingly few signs of scratches!  There are no artifacts, and contrast is quite good, with solid blacks.  The dolby digtal 2.0 Mono is fine. The dialogue is crisp and clear, and while there are some awkward highs and lows, the sound is always intelligible. Supplements include a running commentary with a film historian, providing great background information and a bevy full of jokes!  A short documentary provides outtakes, but most importantly, interviews with Lugosi's son and Costello's daughter!

Writer John Pogue based "The Skulls" loosely(very loosely) on his experiences with clandestine societies while attending Yale.  In this suspense thriller, Joshua(Dawson's Creek)Jackson plays a college kid looking for the right breaks for future wealth and stature, anything to escape the daily rigors of performing menial labor in the college cafeteria to help pay off college.  He thinks he's gotten his chance while being selected as a pledge to a secret society, responsible for grooming future presidents and corporate execs.  What he doesn't know is that this organization will kill to keep things private.  The film starts off kind of slow, but begins to pick up pace about twenty minutes in, and then doesn't slow down until its ultimately satisfying, if predictable, conclusion.  

The transfer from UNIVERSAL offers the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The resolution is excellent!  While a few scenes appear soft, the majority are flawless, with excellent detail and solid colors.  The contrast is great, even in the darkest scenes.  

The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is extremely active, with surround speakers boosting a stirring score, but also offering numerous directional effects.  The LFE effects are also impressive.

The audio commentary with the film's director, Rob Cohen, is far more interesting than any of Cohen's previous commentaries.  He really enjoyed making this film, and for a change, it actually seems to have met most of his expectations.  He gives some entertaining behind-the-scenes stories, but mostly defines the production elements taking place.  The deleted scenes segment is a mixed bag.  While it's great to see "any" deleted scenes as far as this reviewer is concerned, the quality of the deleted scenes, is of far less quality than the rest of the film.  A featurette is also offered, but it's mostly self-promotional fanfare.

"U-571"