Resident Evil DVD Review

A pristine source print, a visually stylish director and a near faultless anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer has resulted in Resident Evil looking fantastic on DVD. The only grain in the image is intentional, shadow detail is excellent and the desaturated colours remain free of noise and bleed throughout.

Resident Evil boasts a kick-ass Dolby Digital 5.1 mix that offers plenty of aggressive effects. Dynamic range is excellent, as is spatial separation, and there are some great effects going on in the surrounds. The only downside is that Pathé didn't include the DTS mix from the US SuperBit DVD.

While not without its flaws, Pathé's Resident Evil DVD comes with a decent selection of extra features. Leading the pack is a commentary from Paul Anderson, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez and producer Jeremy Bolt. It's a lot of fun and the group obviously had a great time working together, but don't expect anything too serious as Jovovich's shrill voice dominates proceedings with such topics as whether she should have plastic surgery and if Grand Theft Auto is a better game than Resident Evil. Following on from this is a collection of three featurettes that thankfully give more insights. Plus, there's a short reel of zombie test footage. Rounding out the package is an interesting Making of... documentary and trailers.

However, I do have a few bones to pick. The commentary makes a number of references to another track being recorded by the special effects team. Also, there is talk of deleted scenes and an alternate ending, but none show up on the DVD. Anybody else think that there might be a Special Edition in the works?.A great disc for a fun flick, just don't be surprised if it is replaced by a Special Edition somewhere down the line.