Men In Black
Reviewer: Tom Leins
Issue 106 August 2008
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Men In Blu?
The Lowdown: Men In Black, J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones), are two secretive federal agents who have been assigned to investigate all alien related phenomena. When the duo uncovers a sinister plot to assassinate two intergalactic ambassadors (who happen to reside in New York City) they must step in and save the day!
Review: The online buzz generated by Sony’s eagerly anticipated Men In Black Blu-ray has been astonishing considering the 1997 movie’s age. However, whilst both the picture and sound are of an assuredly high quality, the package has hit the cyberspace headlines by virtue of its brand new, Blu-ray exclusive features… But are they out of this world or do they send the package crashing down to earth?
Men In Black’s visuals are generally crystal clear, but there is some unwanted murkiness on a few of the gloomier cityscape-type establishing shots. The wacky rogue’s gallery of characters are all fully realised on screen and some of the more exotic aliens are rendered in eye-popping detail! By now it’s common knowledge what hi-definition will do to Tommy Lee Jones’ none-more-craggy visage, but the whole movie is rich and detailed, and looks like it is in good shape considering its age. If anything the soundtrack is even more impressive, with a full-bodied audio palette. Beefy and emphatic, there are some explosive moments, especially when the assorted unlucky aliens explode!
But what about the all-new special features? The first, most trumpeted Blu-ray exclusive special feature is ‘Intergalactic Pursuit’, an interactive trivia game that lets you play amongst yourselves or hook up with (up to seven) fellow online Men In Black enthusiasts for a mildly diverting quiz-shaped tussle. The second exclusive feature is a ‘Frank The Pug Advice Generator’, which sees the ill-tempered pooch spit out absurd random advice when you fire your questions at him. Frankly, the fact that it will keep small children occupied for a few minutes is its only saving grace. Both features are afflicted by the ponderous pace that brings down so many dull interactive DVD games each year.
You can appreciate the effort that Sony have put into making this package stand out from the competition, but when the dust settles, neither of the two Blu-ray exclusive options are particularly interesting, and neither bears repeat interaction. Happily the lengthy list of special features that featured on the more expansive DVD packages is present and correct, offering up a welter of fascinating standard definition goodies.
In short, don’t be fooled by the flashy publicity for this Blu-ray and its hollow exclusive features. Do, however, pick up a copy of this charming family friendly action yarn if you want to see an old favourite in souped up hi-def! It may not be able to fully compete with the new generation of family friendly action spectaculars like Spiderman and Pirates Of The Caribbean, but Men In Black is a worthwhile Blu-ray excursion that hasn’t had its effervescence dimmed with age.
PICTURE: 7
AUDIO: 8
FILM: 7
EXTRAS: 7
DVD Info:
Certificate: PG
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld, 1997
Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Audio: Dolby True HD 5.1
Visuals: 1.85:1 Widescreen
Running Time: 98mins
Price: £17.99
Special Features:
Scene Selection
‘Intergalactic Pursuit’ Interactive Trivia Game (Blu-ray exclusive)
‘Frank the Pug Advice Generator’ (Blu-ray exclusive)
‘Telestrator Audio Commentary’ With Director Barry Sonnenfeld and Tommy Lee Jones
‘Technical Audio’ Commentary With Director Barry Sonnenfeld, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Rick Baker, and Industrial Light & Magic Team
Extended and Alternate Scenes
‘Metamorphosis of Men In Black’ Featurette
‘Visual Effects Scene Deconstructions’ Featurette
Visual Effects Scene Deconstructions ‘Technical Audio Commentary’
Character Animation Studies
Storyboard Comparisons
Conceptual Art Gallery
Scene Editing Workshop
Production Photo Gallery
‘Men In Black’ Music Video starring Will Smith and Mikey
Men In Black Theatrical Trailer
Men In Black 2 Teaser Trailer
