ADDITION: Disney - Region FREE - Blu-ray - June 11': Leonard had already reviewed the Blu-ray HERE but I thought a comparison to the Criterion would perhaps show some discrepancies. And actually it doesn't. Colors match up well - the Criterion may be a shade darker and the 1080P has more detail but generally Bay's blockbuster differentiates in the expected ways with the scope factor attaining some level of superiority. This dual-layered Blu-ray has about 3X the bitrate of the Criterion but, as always, those with more discerning systems (and eyes) will benefit the most from the  visual improvement. There is a bit more noise in the SD, but I wouldn't rate it as a huge factor.

Audio seems a more demonstrative jump forward with a healthy lossless track sending the aggressive effect noises throughout the room. This is way back from January 08' and its a linear PCM surround track at a whopping 4608 Kbps. For those really keen on the audio - and how it supports the action of this film - will be pleased with the rendering. The Disney offers English, French and Spanish subtitles and, unlike the Criterion, is region FREE.

The 2-disc DVD supplements match up well with the Blu-ray having them all accessible on one disc but the biggest factor here is the price difference with the Criterion which is 2.5X more than the Disney hi-def package. Double-dipping may not be necessary but for those wishing to own and re-watch The Rock - the Blu-ray is definitely the way to go.

***

ON THE DVD: Well, being honest I bought this because... it was a Criterion. I did succumb to the collection-ist bug for a while and this was one of the gaps, but after watching it - I didn't mind it at all. Segments surprisingly stayed with my memory where many, ex. Arnold flicks or similar action Hollywood genre, are forgotten almost immediately. Do I think it is out of place in the Criterion Collection? - absolutely. I seem to recall reading something, the non-existent, Jon Mulvaney said in his defense of this for the Criterion label. It stated that Michael Bay would be recognized decades later for his contribution to cinema... or something to that effect. I guess only time will prove this right or wrong.

As far as the image goes it looks a strong large-studio production with very deep contrast.  Colors are great as are subtitles and the 2 (of 3) big audio options are exceptional. I don't know how this compares visually with the Hollywood Pictures NTSC very inexpensive DVD release, but I do know that this Criterion edition is stacked with extras. More than most people would care to venture through.

Yes - this is an unusual choice for Criterion - a testosterone infused extravaganza complete with mega-stars hoisting the protagonists roles - but it is kind of fun, if you ever get in the mood for something of this mindless nature. I admittedly do when in full bachelor-mode with my buddies. Shirt discarded, I serve them a trough of baked beans garnished with a couple of dead dogs... and we watch The Rock. The only saving grace for my egoist culture-pride - it is a Criterion DVD.... I know cause it has one of their #'s on the box spine.

Gary W. Tooze