Although Director Mick Garris is responsible for a horrid film adaptation of a Stephen King story titled "SLEEPWALKERS," he's also responsible for a wonderful mini-series adaptation of King's "THE STAND." With Garris' latest mini-series adaptation of a King Novel, "THE SHINING," he has proven that, on occasion, lightning can strike twice!  "STEPHEN KING'S THE SHINING" is magnificent!  Of course, there will be many  comparisons to Kubrick's film version of the same novel, but that film, as great as it is, was only a very "loose" adaptation.  The author himself, wrote this mini-series adaptation, and it provides substantially more depth and back-story to Danny's affliction, as well as more understanding into Jack's alcoholism and descent into madness.

For those concerned that a made-for-tv movie would suffer from too modest budgeting and censorship, this series will surprise you on both counts.  Garris has achieved a stunning look to this adaptation.  It looks and feels costly, and could easily stand up to any major theatrical release due to its phenomenal production design. While the shower scene in Kubrick's version is unforgettable, another shower scene is available here, and every bit as shocking.  There are plenty of titillating and really scary moments, demonstrating just how much networks can get away with today.

Stephen Weber is terrific in his performance as Jack Torrance, the alcoholic father and husband to a "gifted" son, Danny, and a truly beautiful wife, Wendy.  Rebecca De Mornay offers a substantive performance here. Her beauty doesn't distract the audience from the real sense of fear and bewilderment she must convey throughout the film. And, when she has to get tough, it makes for a thoroughly believable and audience rousing transformation.

It would spoil numerous surprises to go into the plot more than to let potential viewers know that Jack Torrance is a frustrated writer. He's just achieved his only "real" employment, of late, as a caretaker to the Overlook Hotel, while it's closed during the Winter months.  Jack and his wife Wendy, and son, Danny, will be there, "alone", for the entire duration.  Even in a huge landscape, "cabin fever" can set in. Add the fact that The Overlook has  a dark, secret past of horrible events occurring within it, and there's a setup for a real thriller.  Oh, we might have forgotten to mention that Danny has the "Shining," an extra-sensory ability to pick up on "unnatural" things around him, as well as the ability to communicate telepathically with others sharing this "gift." 

WARNER BROS. has released the entire mini-series in a well-packaged presentation.  WARNER BROS. has presented it with a slightly matted(actually less than 1.85:1) anamorphic transfer. It looks wonderful in terms of resolution. Colors are rich and there's excellent depth throughout.  The contrast is also wonderful, with deep blacks and grays, allowing for great clarity in darker scenes.  There is, however, some minor artifacting, and minor grain. Fleshtones appear natural.

WARNER BROS. has presented a Dolby 2.0 Surround mix.  While not overly aggressive in terms of surround usage, they do provide some great moments.  There are plenty of directional effects delegated to the front soundstage, and the terrific score is boosted through all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

WARNER BROS. has provided substantial extras for this release!  To begin with, there's a great commentary with Stephen King, director Mick Garris, Cynthia Garris and Stephen Weber.  This is a great discussion!  It's hard to discern who's more enthusiastic about the story, and they all display their personal affection for Kubrick's version, as well as discuss the differences.

There are also eleven(11) deleted scenes! Only a few of them offer anything substantial, but Garris, on an optional commentary, explains his decisions for cutting them.