Pick of the Week.

Not much coming out this week, but there is one title that steps out above the rest. That film is The Fifth Element: Ultimate Edition. I first say this in the theater and when I walked out, I had a decidedly mixed reaction to it. I was expecting something other than what I got, but over the years, upon subsequent viewings it has grown greatly on me. It has a wonderful look to it, fantastic design, and fun performances. It is definitely a science fiction film to remember.

This release marks the third time it has been released in region 1. The original bare bones release had decent audio and video quality, but it had nothing in terms of extras, this is the release I have. Next came the Superbit edition, which added a DTS soundtrack and much improved audio and video quality. Many people have used this as their demo material on their home theater systems, due to it's reference quality video. There are mixed reports with this disk, some say it is the same as the Superbit, others say there is a slight improvement, either way, I am sure it looks fantastic. The other reason to consider this release is that it is a two disk set with a number of extras. I have been waiting for some extras for a long time.

There are a couple others this week that may be worth a look:

• Leon - The Professional: Deluxe Edition. Another Luc Besson work, this one about an assassin who has a soft spot for a young girl. It stars the always dependable Jean Reno and Gary Oldman, and also features the first appearance of Natalie Portman.
• The Village: Vista Series. I had a very mixed reaction to this, more to the negative side, but I have a feeling that it will grow on me like a fungus. If nothing else it features a wonderful performance from Bryce Dallas Howard.
• Ghost in the Shell: Special Edition. I have been wanting to see this for awhile, this looks like my best shot.
• Paparazzi. This was a mediocre revenge flick. There was definitely a more violent movie struggling to get out.
• Samurai Champloo Vol. 1. I am not quite sure what this is about, but from a brief trailer I saw, I think I'll like it.
• Paranoia Agent Vol. 2. I like d the first strange volume of this anime series, I may have to keep up with it.
• Gilligan's Island: Season 2. Who doesn't like Gilligan?

Until next week!