Review of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (2 Discs)

Introduction

So here it is, review number 200. It`s more by luck than judgement that The Phantom Menace has turned out to be the 200th disc I`ve reviewed, but it`s quite fitting that such a high profile title takes this milestone number.

It`s interesting to review the disc quite a while after the initial release date, after all the hype and frenzy has died down. This disc has been subject to much debate, thousands and thousands of reviews, and also the subject of plenty of DVD columns (including quite a few on this site - one of which was mine.)

I`m sure I really don`t need to tell you about the story - this is episode 1 in a six part series which was first introduced to us by episode 4. With the changes in technology over the last 20 years you won`t be surprised to find the universe of episode 1 is a much more graphically impressive place than the universe of episode 4, but that`s what happens when you tell a story in the wrong order!

Video

A very good 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer (THX approved, although those words mean nothing if you`ve ever seen the original region 1 version of Highlander, which amazingly gained the seal of approval!) And while this disc is nowhere near as bad as that, it`s still lacking in a few departments.

The biggest problem is the edge enhancement, which has already been discussed at length in other reviews and columns. But it`s there for all to see and I saw it too. The other problem is that nice Jar Jar Binks, who (as well as being annoying) doesn`t always look convincing.

On the whole though, the film is a feast for your eyes with the set pieces coming thick and fast and some very memorable sequences, particularly the pod race - more on than in the next section.

Audio

At last! The Star Wars theme in full DD5.1 and in the comfort of your own home where you can set your amplifier to offensively loud. And when that`s over there`s another 2 hours of aural delights until you get to hear it again.

This DVD is music to the ears of all Star Wars fans, as you get the famous theme, and of course those famous light sabres, which have been imitated by children (and adults too) up and down the land, as they re-enact light sabre duels using sticks or cardboard tubes...

And then there`s the pod race, which has already become a demonstration sequence for many shops selling home cinema equipment. And it`s easy to see why, as there`s so much going on, and lots of work for all of your speakers. If you`re not convinced that you need more than 2 speakers to watch DVDs in your home, then ask for a demonstration and watch your bank balance drain before your eyes.

And on top of that we have the score which is used to good effect in so many sequences. A top notch disc for your ears.

Features

A 2 disc set almost always means a stack of extras, and there are plenty on offer here. Let`s start where I usually start - the commentary track. Just the 7 commentators on this one, but they all have plenty to share when it comes to their area of the film. Mr Lucas has lots to say too, and tries to give some justification for events on screen and some hints and tips on what might happen in forthcoming episodes.

The next major extra is the documentary, which is a shining example of how to do it. No stupid voiceover man, no PR fluff, just an hour of real insight into the whole process of creating this film. A very worthwhile addition to the disc.

There are lots of trailers and TV spots too, some you will remember, some you probably won`t. It just reminds you how much marketing force was behind the film.

There are also deleted scenes (finished off for the DVD) and a documentary which talks about the scenes and why they were dropped. Interesting to watch and some of them should have been left in (whilst editing some other scenes out of the main feature).

There are more featurettes to watch, as well as the "web documentaries", and also an extensive gallery of stills, posters and photographs. And there`s also an animatics/storyboard section with a multi-angle option.

Is that enough for you?

Conclusion

Opinion on this film has varied wildly, and there`s also some variation when it comes to opinion about the DVD itself. Let`s get the technical bits out of the way - the sound is fantastic, the picture is very good, but not as great as some would have you believe, and the extras are comprehensive and interesting.

As for the film, perhaps I`m just too old to enjoy it, maybe my judgement is clouded from watching the previous films or maybe it`s just not as good. I can`t really decide - some bits are great, other bits annoy. Maybe if you watched this film without knowledge of the others it would change the viewing experience. Knowing that no harm can come to at least 4 of the "main" characters can be detrimental to your perception of the storyline.

In the end it`s enjoyable enough, but it just didn`t meet the high standards set by the previous films. A great DVD wrapped around a reasonably good film.