Independence Day
OVERALL:
ASPECT RATIO(S)
16x9 Widescreen (2.35:1)
SOUND MIX
FEATURES
STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION
Dolby Digital 5.1
THX Certified
- Theatrical & Special Edition ��Versions of the Film
- Director & Producer Commentary
- Effects Crew Commentary
- Original Ending w/ Commentary
- Creating Reality Featurette
- Making of ID4 Featurette
- ID4 Invasion Featurette
- Still Gallery
- Theatrical Trailers
- TV Spots
20th Century Fox
Buy it!
GRADING SCALE
Film 
Features
Audio
Video
The top blockbuster of 1996 was very creative. The movie is loaded with strifling special effects and superb action. It has bits and pieces of humor along with a colorful cast that includes Jeff Goldblum and the witty Will Smith. This movie ignited Goldblum and Smith as action heros. Explosions and aliens make for a winner.
Features
Fox is now the king of 2-disc sets. With PATTON, THE ABYSS, FIGHT CLUB, and now INDEPENDENCE DAY, they're showing the other studios how to put together a big package. This dvd starts off with some very creative menus. Full motion with sound, the menus really capture the mood before you proceed with the movie. And you get to choose between the Theatrical or Special Editon version, on the same disc!
On disc 2, you'll find the meat of the extras. There is 3 featurettes that deal with the production, making-of, and an alien spoof. All are enjoyable to watch. You'll also get numerous trailers and tv spots, and the Super Bowl spot as well. The original ending is also shown with commentary by producer Dean Devlin. He explains thoroughly why the scene was cut. Disc 1 also features 2 commentary tracks. In all, not quite as extensive as THE ABYSS, but there is certainly loads of information to go through.
Audio
Ah, the audio. Booom. The bass is the center of attention in this 5.1 mix. This reference-quality track is active throughout the whole movie. The bass hums through the quiet scenes (there are some?) and lets out a huge roar during the fight sequences. The surround effects are also very sweet. Lots of activity comes from the rear channels, causing you to look left and right as every bell and whistle becomes available. One of the loudest, most active audio tracks ever recorded.
Video
When first announced, ID4 was not going to be released in 16x9. After months of panic, Fox came back and said it would be released in 16x9 enhancement. So, with this transfer, we get a picture that is sharper than what it would have looked. Colors are more crisp, and the darks are deeper. The print quality is almost flawless, with just a touch of grain here and there. This has reference quality as well.
Overall
One of the most eagerly anticipated dvd sets is here. You get 2 versions, 2 commentaries, and a 2nd disc that has boatloads of stuff to go through. Throw in pounding audio and crystal clear video, and what you have is one of the best dvd releases of the new year. Fox is slowly moving ahead of the pack when it comes to dvd special editions, because they know how to make them extra special.