Predator [WS] [Collector's Edition] [2 Discs]

"20th Century Fox finally does right and delivers to Region 1 customers what Europeans have been enjoying for quite some time before this -- the two-disc Predator: Collector's Edition DVD! Save for packaging and some clips about the Alien vs. Predator knock-down-drag-out flick (which the disc was undoubtedly released to promote), the content is an exact transfer from the Region 2 disc that some region-free savvy customers have already indulged in. For many though, this stuff is all new -- finally, a disc that lives up to the blockbuster film that spawned a series. Also released in a full-screen edition, this disc comes with a superb anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen image and both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. The audio tracks have taken a bit of heat in the past for minor annoyances (directional gunfire is a bit off), while the dialogue can be a tad on the soft side, though for the most part, the mix works and delivers where the goods count. Disc one comes with the film and two commentary tracks -- one with director John McTiernan and the other, a text commentary from a film historian and most of the main crew. McTiernan isn't known to be the most engaging fellow on earth, though if you can get past his sullen mood, then there will be plenty to learn from this aging director as he looks back on his second feature. Disc two is packed with extras that every Predator fan will love, starting with the 30-minute ""If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It"" documentary. With interviews spanning almost the entire cast and crew, the grueling behind-the-scenes tales of the production are fleshed out in extreme detail -- from the catastrophe of the original monster costume (worn by none other by the ""Muscles From Brussels"" himself, Jean-Claude Van Damme!) to the sweltering heat and jungle infections, it's one heck of a tale and a nice documentary to boot. Seven featurettes are listed in the ""Inside the Predator"" menu, each ranging from tributes to Kevin Peter Hall (the big man inside the suit) to good old ""Painless"" -- Jesse Ventura's Gatling gun. With even more sections dedicated to the FX of the film (including some brief glimpses of the first suit -- Ouch!), one deleted and basically unneeded scene for you to chew on, some outtakes, and a flurry of galleries for you to enjoy, there's more than enough extra stuff on this disc to make it worthwhile. Add in the trailer, and you have one massive two-disc with enough on-set interviews and hidden Easter eggs to keep any film buff occupied for an entire afternoon."