The Fox special edition of "There's Something About Mary" is well worth the $34.98 SRP.  To begin with, the image transfer is far superior to that of the laserdisc, with much sharper color and contrast in every scene.  Also, the dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is more active here.  Whereas the laserdisc version's sound mix only came to life for background songs, there's great detail and directional effects throughout the dvd transfer.  There's also an audio commentary with the director/brothers discussing the filmmaking process.  Their commentary is lively and entertaining in the same way it was on the "Kingpin" special edition.  A theatrical trailer and Karaoke music video is included, as well as outtakes.  Our only disappointment lies in the failure to indicate the "previously unseen footage" listed on the jacket cover.  Unless they're meaning the outtake featurette, we can't find any other footage.

Perhaps the Coen Bros' best film, "Raising Arizona" is now available on dvd from FOX.  We're really pleased FOX is making the effort to release such great titles along with their sure-fire hits.  Nicolas Cage stars in this off-the-wall comedy about a chronic criminal whom falls in love with a police department photographer and seeks to start a family, even if it means kidnapping a child.  Although the subject matter may seem horrifying, there's so much grand humor and sentimentality thrown in throughout the film, that its characters and magic will win the hearts of most viewers.   The transfer is superior to previous laserdisc versions, with more clarity to every image, and the 1.85:1 aspect ratio keeps the Coen Bros' compositions intact.  The dolby surround sound isn't extremely active, but adds flair to the wonderful score by Carter Burwell.

Director Danny Boyle's followup to "Trainspotting" demonstrates the same innovative style for editing and imagery of the previous film, but the plot to "A LIFE LESS ORDINARY", involving angels and kidnappers is a little too convoluted for its own good.  Still, it's entertaining for the most part, and Ewan McGregor and Cameron Diaz reveal a fine chemistry. The dvd transfer is excellent!  The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is necessary to maintain the power to many striking compositions.  The contrast and color values are far superior to the mediocre laserdisc transfer.  The dolby surround sound is active for the most part, but directional effects are infrequent.

While this updated version of the Rex Harrison film is filled with "potty humor", it's also better paced than the original film, and more certain to win over younger audiences.  Eddie Murphy gives a decent performance here, but it's the large cast of supporting voices, especially Chris Rock, that provide the most entertaining moments.  The transfer is excellent, with extremely sharp colors and a wonderful contrast level.  The aspect ratio is intact and a theatrical trailer is included.   The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is filled with non-stop directional activity.