Rating: R
Genre:
Science Fiction
Release Date: 10/09/2001
SubTitles: English/French/Espanol/Por/TH/KO
Dubbed: English/Mandarin
Sound: DD5.1/DTS
Run Time: 349 min
Distributor/Studio: Columbia TriStar
This
action-filled DVD three-pack contains
Luc Besson's comic book, pop art
science fiction film
The Fifth Element;
Robert Rodriguez's violent and wildly stylish
Desperado (a sequel to the indie classic
El Mariachi); and
Ang Lee's Academy Award-winning
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. All three films have been previously available on disc from
Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. But now as part of their superb Superbit line of DVDs, all three releases look and sound better than ever. On the downside, like all other Superbit titles, there are no extras to speak of. Not even trailers are included. But since the discs are offered at such an affordable price, you can't beat it.
The Fifth Element is available in its proper widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and has been given both a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack and a DTS track (for those of you equipped to play it). The picture quality is slightly better than its previous DVD outing, although the first release was nothing to frown about.
Desperado, which was originally released as a double-feature disc with
El Mariachi, is now available separately and is offered in a letterboxed presentation preserving its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. It too has been given booming 5.1 and DTS soundtracks.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was originally released as a special edition disc containing a handful of excellent extras. But the picture, though very good, left a lot to be desired. That desire has now been satiated with this Superbit release. The film is offered in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ration and is likewise available in Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS.
~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide