Director Paul Anderson previously gave us “EVENT HORIZON,” a sci-fi film that looked slick, presented an aggressive soundmix and elaborate production design, but still managed to bore.

“RESIDENT EVIL” is based on the popular video game, wherein the player takes on an unlimited number of flesh-eating zombies while trying to find their way through a maze of sorts. 

The film has a promising opening sequence, wherein we meet numbers of employees at a futuristic corporation, heading into their jobs, mindless of a horrible fate awaiting them.  When a virus is “accidentally” released, the various rooms are closed off, and the employees within die a visually horrific death. 

Michelle Rodriquez is excellent as one of the tough soldiers fighting their way into the underground facility where the virus has broken out, known as “The Hive.” 

Soon enough, they must do battle with hordes of zombies, and the viewer gets an expensive, slick-looking George A. Romero film.  Unfortunately, “DAWN OF THE DEAD” actually holds together better than “RESIDENT EVIL.”  What’s frustrating about “RESIDENT EVIL,” is the fact that there are some outstanding scenes, demonstrating the potential that the film has, but ultimately fails to deliver.  In perhaps the best sequence, the soldiers have to contend with a laser deathtrap, and it makes for a few truly nail-biting minutes.

The majority of the film involves waiting around to see how each character will be dispatched. There’s little surprise in the way of plot, and the film’s ending, meant to be a shocker, ends up being disappointing.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR previously released this title, but now it’s a “SUPERBIT.”  The previous release was sharp, but this version is incredible!  This is a demonstration-quality dvd!  It’s well-polished in every scene, and colors are perfectly rendered. While colors aren’t always vibrant, the production design often calls for a cold atmosphere, they still look terrific!  Contrast is flawless throughout!  The frequently dark scenes have incredible depth and clarity. Fleshtones appear natural. 

Being a “SUPERBIT,” both a Dolby Digital and DTS mix are included. Both mixes are aggressive, offering a super computerized “bass” heavy score, plenty of surround effects, well-layered ambient effects, and perfectly rendered dialogue. Still, the DTS mix has noticeably better bass, and a more well-rounded surround environment.