Predator: Collector’s Edition
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, Carl Weathers
Extras: Commentary Track, Documentary, Featurettes, Deleted Scene, Outtakes, and more
Rating:
Just in time to promote the theatrical release of ’Alien Vs Predator’ 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has released a long-overdue Special Edition of ’Predator.’ It is the story of a small team of commandos on the mission in the Central American jungle on a mission to liberate a number of prisoners from guerillas. But as they make their way through the jungle they realize that something is tracking and hunting them. Incredibly well camouflaged, soon the commandos fight for their lives as the hunter picks them off one by one.
’Predator’ was a powerful vehicle for action star Arnold Schwarzenegger in the late 80s and it still works extremely well. The film is well written and structured and the pacing is gradually building tension until the film’s climax. It is well cast and acted, and makes the best of the story while the direction of the film makes sure the viewer is always on the edge, especially when you see the film for the first time. But even repeat viewings are always gratifying and explosive.
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is presenting ’Predator’ in its original widescreen format in a presentation that is enhanced for 16×9 TV sets. The transfer seems to be identical with the one found on the previous release and is of good quality – though a bit grainy at times. Occasionally some slight edge-enhancement is evident, but other than that, the picture is without defects or blemishes and offers up rich details and powerful colors.
The audio on the release is presented as a 5.1 channel Dolby Digital track that is aggressive and very dynamic. The DTS track that is also included is also well balanced and makes good use of the format’s capabilities. Overall in terms of improvements, the release is virtually identical to the previous DTS version.
Where the improvements really kick in is in the extras, as this 2-disc release has a wealth of supplements to go through including an engaging commentary track, a deleted scene, the documentary ’If It Bleeds We Can Kill It’ a series of featurettes on various subjects of the film, special effects reels, outtakes and much, much more, including a number of Easter Eggs hidden on the disc.
If you wonder whether you should replace your existing ’Predator’ DVD, the question really comes down to how interested one is in the new extras. The quality of the release is practically the same as the previous ones. For everyone who will make this a first-time purchase, the verdict is simple. ’Predator’ is an incredibly well-done action film with plenty of action and suspense that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
