Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Paramount/20th Century Fox Movie •••• Picture/Sound •••• Extras ••••

It's taken eight long years, but the many fans of James Cameron's epic disaster movie have finally gotten the special edition they deserve. This three-disc set covers Titanic from stem to stern, starting with a picture (taken from a high-definition transfer) that is positively breathtaking, especially in its crisp, near-photo-realistic effects sequences. The heart-rending spectacle of the ship splitting apart and sinking has never packed a greater emotional punch. The 6.1-channel soundtrack, also remastered, adds clarity and sparkle. There are three new sprawling commentaries (that's 10 hours worth) by the director, the cast and crew, and two historians. Other extras include 30 mini-featurettes (each a minute long) that are accessible while you watch the film, 29 deleted scenes (running 47 minutes, with completed music and effects), an alternate ending, and an hour of documentaries. [PG-13] English, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and Dolby Surround; French and Spanish, Dolby Surround; letterboxed (2.35:1) and anamorphic widescreen; three dual-layer discs.