Planet Of The Apes: Special Edition DVD Review

Presented anamorphically and framed at 2.35:1, Planet of the Apes boasts a top-notch transfer. The image is vivid and fullsome, and the disc deals exceptionally well with Burton's, colour-rich cinematography. Darker scenes such as the interior of the crashed spaceship, are handled especially well, boasting an impressive amount of detail.

The disc offers both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS soundtracks, either of which will do your system proud. Both mixes show an admirable amount of skill in the surrounds, providing an effective atmosphere in quieter scenes such as the trek through the jungle, and a feeling of complete chaos in sequences such as the battle at the end. There's plenty of oomph going on in the bottom end too.

Ok, deep breath. The first disc includes commentaries by the director and composer Danny Elfman, a 'picture-in-picture' viewing mode illustrating different aspects of the production, as well as in-depth, text-based cast and crew profiles. Disc Two gets really serious, including six making of... featurettes, five extended scenes, screen tests, multiangle features, a selection of promotional materials plus a huge bank of stills including initial sketches for props and locations. Oh yes, this special edition also boasts the best menu screens ever.An underrated film receives the VIP treatment on DVD. Absolute monkey magic.