DVD Review:

I Am Legend

2-disc Special Edition

Movie

I Am Legend is a movie that I missed when it came out in theaters. So I was happy to get a chance to review it when it came on DVD. Now in this set there are two versions of the film. Each version gets their own separate disc. The first disc has the theatrical version on it. I decided to watch the second disc first which is pretty much exactly the same except for the last five minutes.For those of you who don't know what the movie is about I will include a short plot summary.

Robert Neville is a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague -- The Infected -- lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.

I actually thought the movie was pretty good. Will Smith is a great actor and he does a decent job in this movie. The only thing I didn't like is that they used CG for the mutants. I think it would have looked a lot better if they used real actors. But with some of the shots it may not have been possible. I also thought they did a good job at the beginning of showing how alone he is. There is nobody to be found and there is very little music making the city he is in seem even more deserted. I am not going to go into the ending but I will say that I thought the alternate ending was a lot better than the theatrical ending. The theatrical ending seemed way to hollywood with a big explosion. So my suggestion would be to try the alternate ending first.

7.5 out of 10

Video

The transfer on this film is beautiful. The blacks are really black which helps to make the chase through an almost pitch black building all the more terrifying. The shots of New York in the daytime are really beautiful as well. Everything is lush and warm when Robert is walking through the tall grass hunting deer. Overall a absolutely great transfer.

9 out of 10

Audio

The audio track is also top notch. Subtleties are great making you feel like you in a city that has been abandoned for a long time, but when mutants are attacking, watch out. The sub and the surrounds come alive. The sound helps make this movie all the more creepy which is what I am sure they set out to achieve.

9 out of 10

Extras

In my opinion you can't really call this release a special edition. Sure you get the new ending, but I don't qualify that as an extra. Most of the typical behind the scenes is presented as DVD-ROM content. I can't think of the last DVD that I have ever taken to the computer to watch extras only available on your pc. I understand that they probably ran out of space including the movie on both discs, but don't call it a special edition then. There are some really cool animated comics on the disc though and these saved the score from being any lower. I hope that they release a new special edition in the future, with just the alternate ending version and a whole bunch of new features.

5 out of 10

Overall

The movie is fun to watch. But it's kind of a typical plot. Should that stop you from picking it up? I don't think so. The DVD has a an excellent transfer and great audio. The only reason I would not get this movie is if I thought a new special edition was in the works. Sadly I doubt that's going to happen. But you never know!

8 out of 10

Recommended.