DVD Review: War of the Worlds

From Dreamworks Home Entertainment

Last summer's blockbuster in which Tom Cruise took on alien invaders is on DVD just in time for holiday getting and giving.

Tom Cruise stars as divorced New Jersey dockworker dad Ray Ferrier whose parenting skills aren't the best. When ex-wife Mary Ann (Miranda Otto) drops off ticked-off kids Rachel and Robbie (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) while she goes on vacation, Ray's lame attempts at fathering don't really make for family harmony.

Something big is brewing underground and when huge alien tripod war machines dig themselves out on main street and start vaporizing the locals, Ray must go on the run with the kids in a stolen car. His aim is to get the children reunited with their mom and grandparents in far-off Boston. After surviving some creepy encounters, the family gets separated and Ray and daughter Rachel end up hiding in a farm house where emotionally-fried ex-paramedic survivalist, Harlan Ogilvy (Tim Robbins) is determined to make a stand. After avoiding the actual alien invaders who are exploring the basement, Ray is forced to take some heavy duty measures against Harlan in order to protect his child. Finally, dad and daughter reach Boston (Robbie has gotten there first) and, during the trip, Ray has forged a real relationship with his kids.

Video: War of the Worlds is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic Widescreen format, preserving the original theatrical appearance. Some of the scenes appeared a little overly bright to me but the many scenes in the dark were rich and not too murky. Colors are vibrant.

Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 and DTS 5.1 surround sound options. The sounds of this movie are responsible for at least half of the terror! Alien heat rays zap folks, buildings crash down, a loud klaxon call tells the aliens to reboard their ships. This DVD presents it all in well-balanced, ear-piercing beauty. To do less, would simply wreck the movie!

Special Features: Whereas the two disc version is loaded with commentary, diaries, behind-the-scenes stuff etc., this one disc package has only one extra feature but it is a doozy! "Designing the Enemy: Tripods and Aliens" is a very interesting piece voiced with intelligence by effects wizards, Spielberg and Cruise and the great grandson of H.G. Wells who tell and show you how the alien enemy evolved from early designs and sculptures to the final result. You learn what was behind the designs of the war machines and the aliens themselves from a story and character point of view. This feature is also on the bigger, more expensive 2-disc version.

I would love to see Spielberg comment on one of his DVDs. He never does and he is one of our master directors. Oh well..

Wrapping Up – This DVD is certainly a good buy and is a quality product with video and audio coming through well. Tom Cruise gives one of his best performances. The one special feature on the disc is well worth watching. This is a must for Spielberg and Cruise fans or just fans of eye-popping special effects films in general. A great stocking stuffer! If you or your friends are more into the behind-the-scenes stuff, you might go for the more expensive 2 disc edition also in stores now.

***

Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.