I always thought this was quite a good little film. I recall taking a date to it at the theatre 25 years ago. I'm surprised it taken this long to surface as a superior DVD from the single-layered bare-bones jobbie that came out way back in 97'. I still think it's worthy of reaching hi-def status at some point. Very memorable.

This is one of those comparisons where you have to look quite deeply to verify that the newer version is superior. It doesn't usurp in terms of detail (or rather the perception of detail) seen in the original release but this new dual-layered, anamorphic and progressive transfer has far less digital artifacts and helps to identify the boosting that occurs in the original edition. Black levels have been upped to create some faint edge enhancement. The Anniversary DVD is far smoother and, we'll make a fair assumption, that colors are more accurate in accordance with the theatrical release (no I don't remember, but the date's name was Liz).  The image on both is fairly clean but those artifacts are abundant once you identify them. The Anniversary release is also coded for regions 2, 3 and 4 (as well as 1) and is set to sell in alt-NTSC geography with some additional subtitles and DUBs.

NOTE: The Anniversary release shows more information the all sides of the frame.

The new release offers  a 5.1 bump that sounded okay - not intense separation levels but competent for sure - sometimes the subtler sounds better actually. The old was original stereo which is offered as an option on the Anniversary. DUBs are available on both.

In the supplements department the Anniversary improves upon, just a, trailer (on the old) by giving us two documentary featurettes on the paranormal. Lightweight stuff really and only 30 minutes in total but I was interested enough to want more (longer). Keeners might be fairly enthralled. That's it - no commentary or talk with Hooper or Spielberg... which would have been a nice touch. Shame.

Anyway, as far as the film goes - I liked the darn thing even 25 years later - and this new DVD transfer may not appear a gigantic leap over the old but with the removal of the artifacts, dual layering, 5.1 bump, plus the featurettes and get rid of another snapper case! - I think its a good deal at less than $15.    

Gary W. Tooze