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NEW LINE has released another dvd "packed" with extras with
"AUSTIN POWERS:THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME". It's obvious, as
discussed in the extensive running commentary, that dvd capabilities
were a consideration while making this sequel. This one picks up
where Part One left off. Austin and Vanessa(Elizabeth Hurley) are
on their honeymoon, when Dr. Evil manages to spoil things. While
"this" opening scene is quite funny, almost everything that
follows is a poor rendition of every joke from the previous film.
Even the opening credit sequence is nothing more than an extended(way
too long) version of the breakfast scene with Vanessa in the first film,
wherein while on the phone with her mother, she places objects just in
front of Austins' private areas. There are some new characters,
and the midget "Mini-Me" is funny, at first! "Fat
Bastard" is simply gross. There are other gags of course,
some working, some not, but none of them come close to the brilliance
offered in the first one. This is Austin Powers for the lowest
common denominator!
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The transfer from NEW LINE is first rate! Presented with 16:9
enhancement, the 2.35:1 aspect ratio is perfectly intact, and the
colors, contrast, and depth of image, make this one of the best looking
dvds to ever emerge! There is no grain or artifacting anywhere!
The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound mix is extremely active! While not
promoted anywhere on the dvd cover, this is actually the first dvd to
offer 6.1( THX
EX Dolby
Digital) sound in its encoding, as well as standard dolby
digital 5.1. While we didn't have the decoding equipment to review
this feature, we can say the 5.1 track is outstanding! It offers
an abundance of directional effects, The LFE track offers great
opportunities to show what your subwoofer is made of !.
The audio commentary offered on this title isn't nearly as funny as
the one featured on the original film. While Director Jay Roach
and Mike Meyers discuss their ideas, the film just isn't as innovative
as their first film, so there's less to be impressed with.
The deleted scenes segment offers extensive footage, properly
enhanced with 16:9! Most of the scenes are even less original than
the rest of the film, but there are a few truly inspired moments that
should've been left in. Add to this some fun music videos,
trailers, and extensive dvd-rom features, and you've got a great package
for any fan of the film!
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