"Deliverance" was announced some time ago, and we're pleased it's finally here.  It has received the kind of transfer and extras we hope the upcoming "Shawshank Redemption" offers!!!   Previously available in letterbox on laserdisc, that version offered wonderful colors and directional effects.  This dvd offering is lightyears ahead of the laserdisc, with flawless detail in every single scene.  There are so many complex lighting scenes, that it's a marvel they're so perfect here!  The dolby digital 5.1 sound not only presents the music ("Dueling Banjos"  has never sounded better!) with stunning quality, but offers truly wondeful directional effects.  Our only disappointment: John Boorman doesn't offer commentary here, as he did with "Excalibur", a film that never achieves the complexity of character achieved here.

The long awaited "Excalibur" is finally here!  Long delayed, the transfer its received from Warner Bros. has made it worth the wait.  The images that Director John Boorman has conjured offer complex lighting and they always look spectacular, filled with vibrant colors and contrast here.  While the dolby digital 5.1 sound isn't as lively as we'd expected in terms of directional effects, it does enhance the film's moody score.  There's also an audio commentary with Boorman that we found extremely entertaining and educational in terms of filmmaking.

"Local Hero" is one of those "small" but entertaining films reminiscent of what Frank Capra was sucessful at doing in his time.  The story focuses on a small Scottish seaside village and what happens when a dealmaker from an oil company thinks he can talk the community into selling out for a refinery.  There are many great characters and the film works in a slow but engaging pace.

The transfer looks quite good, with 16:9 enhancement adding to the overall clarity and color values.  There are some scenes that appear grainier than others, but for the most part the transfer has great detail and contrast.  The Mono sound is unremarkable.

Laserdisc owners will remember that the letterboxed version of "The Pajama Game" was really uneven in contrast and color.  Well, the dvd will create some great smiles!  Not only is the dvd image sharper, it's flawless.  There are no artifacts anywhere, the contrast is perfect and fleshtones are consistent throughout.   The 16:9 enhancement helps offer even more detail in every scene.  The Mono sound is actually an improvement over the laserdisc as well, offering more clarity.   Even better: There's a previously unavailable song "The Man Who Invented Love"!!!

Alas, the classic "Rebel Without a Cause" has received its due on dvd!!!   While the letterboxed lasedisc from WARNER BROS. was wonderful, the dvd offers even greater detail and clarity.  There are many dark scenes in the film and the detail is unbelievable!!!  There are great color values in every scene.  Nicholas Ray's wonderful images look like portraits at times, and the 16:9 enhancement is a welcome benefit in displaying even more clarity than typical on dvd.  The remastered dolby digital 5.1 sound  works wonderfully in allowing the music to bring out more depth to the drama.  While the directional effects are still minimal, they provide a few effective moments.  There are 3 documentaries, uneven in content quality, but engaging all the same.

While the animation from Don Bluth(Secret of N.I.M.H) is often wonderful, the music by Barry Manilow is disappointing to adults.  Still, this one's for the kids and they'll like it.  The transfer looks great, with excellent color values.  There's vibrant color in every scene and great detail.  The dolby surround offers enough engaging directional effects to further thrill the young ones with a decent sound system!?!

Director Jon Amiel has made a wonderful updated version of "Return of Martin Guerre" with "Sommersby".  Essentially the same story as the french film, but now set during the years following the Civil War, "Sommersby" is a great drama and love story.  Few eyes will remain dry during the film's powerful conclusion. 

The dvd transfer is excellent, offering wonderful clarity and only a few brief scenes with artifacts.  The fleshtones are perfect, and the detail is generally much sharper than the laserdisc version.  The dolby surround sound boosts the wonderful Danny Elfman score, and adds great dimension with directional effects.