First off, I have to mention that this review is reviewing the actual DVD content, setup and usability … not (necessarily) the actual movie. For the record, I really enjoy the movie. I think Redford and Pitt gave excellent performances in Spy Game. As for the Collector’s Edition, WIDESCREEN DVD … well, let’s look at the details.
The techno/pop music kicks in and the DVD starts with a brief ‘computer login’ style access menu. Don’t worry though; there is no need for a password as you are just along for the ride as Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) logs in. After 25 seconds of key movie images you are automatically brought to a ‘Main Menu’ with four choices:
MAIN MENU:
Scenes
Bonus Materials
Languages
Play
I like DVD menus like this because they are clean, intuitive and useable. They are however, limited. There is no setup menu so for video (WIDESCREEN) and sound ... more on this later. If you select the ‘Scenes’ menu from main menu you are taken through a short segway while the new menu loads. In the ‘Scenes’ menu you will find your typical every-4-scenes break down, ie. 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-20 and 21-22.
Another short segway and we are transported from the main menu to the ‘Bonus Materials’ menu. This DVD offers several bonus features and though not all are worth watching, some are. Below is a list of what is included in the DVD ‘Bonus Materials’.
‘Bonus Materials’ Menu 1
Clandestine Ops
Feature Commentaries
Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary
Script-to-Storyboard Process Featuring the Director
Requirements for CIA Acceptance
Theatrical Trailer
MORE
‘Bonus Materials’ Menu 2
DVD-ROM Featuring Universal Total Axess
Production Notes
Cast and Filmmakers
Spy Game Soundtrack
Universal Showcase
DVD Newsletter
The deleted and alternate scenes, which are included in the ‘Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary’ menu, are certainly worth watching. Be sure to use the (very useful) ‘Play All’ function!
There are two commentary tracks you can listen to while watching the movie. One commentary is by director Tony Scott and the other is by producers Marc Abraham and Douglas Wick. Both are interesting so give them both a listen.
The ‘Bonus Materials’ that should be classified as ‘Boring Materials’ are ‘Script-to-Storyboard Process Featuring the Director’, 11 pages of ‘Production Notes’, ‘Spy Game Soundtrack’ and the ‘DVD Newsletter’. These four items serve absolutely no informational or entertaining purpose, so far as I could tell.
Yet another segway and we move from the main menu to the ‘Languages’ menu. There is the ability to change from 5.1Dolby to 5.1DTS however, it shouldn’t be included in this menu. I now must take back what I said about the DVD main menu being intuitive. The ‘Languages’ menu should have been titled ’Setup’ menu.
Overall, I like this DVD usability and function. The aesthetics are good and the menus are easily workable. The designers could have done two things to make this DVD near perfect. One, kill extraneous extras. Two, call the ‘Languages’ menu a ‘Setup’ menu.
The two features that are my favorite are the most simple. One, an easily missed feature on this DVD, is the ability to move from the top menu item to the bottom menu item by hitting the up-arrow on my remote. Two, a 'Play' feature on the main menu that actaully starts the movie instead of asking me what mode I want to be in. I guess I am easily pleased in that regard.
Posted by J. at August 2, 2003 12:00 AM | TrackBack