This special collector's edition features "Nightmare on Elm Street Parts 1-5, Freddy's Dead:The Final Nightmare,Wes Craven's New Nightmare, and a Nightmare Series Encyclopedia DVD!  Only the first Nightmare film is available individually.  In order to get any of the rest, consumers must but the boxed set.  Is it worth it?   Well, if you liked the first one, we'd recommend the whole series.  While some of the entries aren't nearly as wonderful as the first and last film, several are quite entertaining, even on repeated viewings.  We were also amazed to find out how much great talent was involved in various films from the series.   The first film features a very young Johnny Depp,  Part 3:Dream Warriors features Laurence Fishburne, and Patrica Arquette.  It also was co-written by Frank(Shawshank Redemption)Darabont.  Part 4:The Dream Master was directed by Renny(Die Hard 2)Harlin and co-written by Brian (L.A. Confidential)Helgeland. Part 5:The Dream Child was directed by Stephen(Ghost in the Darkness)Hopkins.  In short, the series reflects something similar to what Roger Corman achieved in the '60s. 

The quality of the transfers varies little!!!  They all look great!!!!  Our only complaint lies in Freddy's Dead:The Final Nightmare(Part 6 in the series).   There's a "3-D" sequence (Two pairs of 3-D glasses are included!) that fails on every level.  Without the glasses, the image looks horrible, with glasses the 3-D is horrible!  This isn't really a reflection on the transfer as much as the original concept for the film, because the rest of the film looks terrific, just like the other entries.  All of the films offer extremely sharp transfers, and no artifacts anywhere.  While some of the darkest scenes don't have the deep blacks we would prefer, they're generally sharp.  The colors are vibrant in every scene, and contrast is generally extremely sharp.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound is used effectively in all the films, while it is used most effectively in Part 4.  The first Nightmare film offers an option of the mono soundtrack or the newly mixed dolby digital 5.1 sound.   We loved them both!!!  The original mono soundtrack allows the viewer to appreciate just how effective a thriller the first film is, as its scares are simple and disturbing without the need for elaborate sound effects.  However, for those who've already seen the first film the enhanced mix further accentuates some fine moments.   The encyclopedia dvd featured in the disc offers fans great supplemental material, including extensive dvd-rom material and a great documentary, as well as an interactive section exploring little known facts surrounding the series.

There's also an excellent chapter index pamphlet included, highlighting information from each film's original theatrical press kit, with photographs.  The "NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET COLLECTION" makes a great addition to any dvd library!!!!

F. Gary Gray became well known for his slick work as director of "The Negotiator".  While that film was a big theatrical hit, "Set It Off" demonstrates the same skill which made "The Negotiator" so effective.  Gray creates an atmosphere that's both realistic and visually arresting.  The transfer for this NEW LINE release is excellent, with vibrant colors, excellent contrast and stunning clarity.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound offers numerous directional effects and an LFE track that will rumble any room with a decent subwoofer.  A music video is included.

Rap singer Ice Cube wrote and directed "The Players Club", a film about a young woman whom tries to get out of her profitable exotic dancer profession after her naive cousing becomes employed at her club.  While there are some genuine reflective moments, there are far more others wherein everything is reduced to stereotypes and cliches.  All the white cops are into being paddled by the dancer they hire????   The transfer looks first-rate, with an extremely slick image, bright colors, and fine detail.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound offers an active mix with more than enough directional effects as well as pumped up music.