The entire DIE HARD series is now available from FOX on DVD.  While each of the three films comprising the series is being offered individually, the entire trilogy is being offered in a nice boxed set at a reduced price.  Each of the films feature theatrical trailers for the entire series as well as a brief featurette detailing the select entry in the series.  While none of the films have anamorphic enhancement for 16:9 tvs,  the quality of each title is generally excellent!  Each of these titles is also superior to the already excellent quality found on laserdisc.  While we found the first two entries of the series to be notably superior to the last title, even "DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE" has its moments, and the quality of the transfer itself is of such high standards, that we recommend the boxed set being chosen over any individual title.

Die Hard has been released twice on laserdisc, continually improving in quality.   However, this dvd transfer is far superior to the laserdisc versions.  Even with the few artifacts present, the definition and clarity found on this release are remarkable.  While the previous laserdiscs suffered from graininess at times, this dvd is slick and glossy in almost every scene.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound is virtually identical to the most recent dolby digital laserdisc, although the LFE track on the dvd has a slight edge over it in a few scenes.

We consider this title to be the best of the series, with unrelenting tension and innovative surprises from beginning to end, with less comical interruptions than found in the original.  This is also the best looking transfer of all three.  While even the theatrical release had some graininess in select scenes, there's none here!  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix offers non-stop directional effects as well as an LFE signal that doesn't quit!  This is a demonstration quality disc, truly showcasing the potential of dvd at its best! 

The third entry of the series:DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE, is the weakest in terms of plot.  The villain, played by Jeremy Irons, is too cartoonish, and it lacks the originality found in the previous films.  A good analogy would be in comparing it to the earlier films in the same way "Another 48 Hours" complimented "48 Hours", ...more of the same, but not as good! 

The transfer, however, is excellent. There are no artifacts present.  The colors are bright, contrast excellent, and the picture is generally much sharper than the laserdisc version.  In addition, the dolby digital 5.1 sound is a virtual non-stop demonstration quality sound mix.  The LFE effects will rock the home theater.   This is most evident in the film's opening explosion sequence.