The Cell [DVD] [2000]

The Cell, a movie some critics labeled all style and no substance, might be the best-looking DVD on the market. To add to that feat, the included supplemental material provides depth and substance, making it clear that the movie's visuals were a labor of love. There aren't enough compliments for the widescreen anamorphic 2.35:1 presentation. Director Tarsem's imagination explodes from the screen, making for an intense, colorful tour de force. The Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound is also stunning, from the twisted sound effects to Howard Shore's wicked score. The "isolated score" audio track makes for a truly spooky experience. Since the visuals of the movie are so mind-bending, the "Behind the Scenes" area and audio commentaries are engrossing. "Style as Substance: Reflections on Tarsem" is a featurette thick with hyperbole, but the cast and crew who praise Tarsem seem justified at every film clip. Vince Vaughn seems oddly agitated during his segments, making for an interesting conclusion. Tarsem's commentary is a candid, rapid-fire treat; he leaves no stone unturned in passionately dissecting his debut feature film. The production team commentary is also interesting, though the fascinating "Visual Effects Vignettes" go deeper into key set pieces. "Interactivities," a brain map and empathy test, are worth a look. The empathy test is meant for fun, but it's pretty powerful in its ability to enlighten and/or disturb. Filmographies and two suspenseful trailers round out this landmark DVD.