Fantastic Four – Extended Edition (2005/DVD-Video)

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B     Extras: C+     Film: C

 

 

It is strange to be covering the first 2005 Fantastic Four feature film after covering the digital High Definition Blu-ray version, but in order to promote the sequel, Fox has issued an new Extended Edition with some more extras, more footage and pieces on the new film.  For more about the film, here is the link to our Blu-ray coverage:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4598/Fantastic+Four+(2005/Blu-ray)

 

 

With the extra footage, the film seems less rushed but is not extremely improved and the additions offer no new revelations.  However, though not perfect, the cast is more likable and deserves even more credit than anyone was likely to give them and this is without seeing the new film.  They are clearly enjoying working together and that does translate nicely on the screen.  When I have seen them outside of this film, they have been a highlight.  Fox and Marvel lucked out.

 

Though not as good as the Blu-ray by any means, the anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is good for DVD, but the digital is just too much, though Johnny becoming The Human Torch is stylized enough not to be as much of a problem as other CG work.  The DTS 5.1 is not as refined as the DTS-MA on the Blu-ray, but this mix never reached its true potential as undermined by small, annoying flaws.

 

Besides the audio commentary from the previous DVD and Blu-ray releases, DVD 1 has a trailer for the new film, extended/deleted scenes and a featurette on The Silver Surfer that is short but good.  DVD 2 adds stills, multi-angel scene studies, From Comic Book To Film featurette, Baxter Building: Declassified featurette, Visiting The Stately Ross Museum featurette, Heroes Are Born making of documentary, The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine documentary and Jack Kirby: Storyteller documentary.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo