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WSR Detailed DVD Review
RoboCop Trilogy
MGM / Special Edition
Genre: Science Fiction

Reviewed In Issue 87 (Aug 2004) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Peter Weller

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: NA
DD Sound Rating: NA
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.mgm.com/dvd

Special Features
This three-disc re-issue set includes all three movies with upgraded transfers and audio. Included on RoboCop is a group audio commentary track featuring director Paul Verhoeven, co-writer Edward Neumeier, and executive producer Jon Davison; and the produced-in-2001 documentary Flesh + Steel: The Making Of RoboCop (37 minutes). Also included are the produced-in-1987 featurettes Shooting RoboCop and Making RoboCop (each running eight minutes), some deleted scenes, six minutes of storyboards with commentary by Phil Tippett, a photo gallery, and two trailers and a TV spot. Other than a trailer, there are no extras included on RoboCop 2 and RoboCop 3.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 1006780
(MPAA Rating):
(Rating Reason):

NA
(Retail Price): $39.98
(DVD Type): Three-Disc Set: DVD-9 & DVD-5 x 2
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes):
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 06/08/04
(THX® Digitally Mastered):

 Credits Information

(Director): Paul Verhoeven, Irvin Kershner, Fred Dekker
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Special Notes:
"RoboCop 2" and "RoboCop 3" also available individually ($14.95).

Story Synopsis:
"RoboCop" (1987): Fans of the science-fiction genre will agree, "RoboCop" is Paul Verhoeven

DVD Picture:
"RoboCop": The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD picture appears to be the same transfer as the previous anamorphic MGM release (reviewed in Issue 55). On the positive side, colors are generally well balanced, with fleshtones that are often accurately rendered (though sometimes a bit orange), and deep blacks. While shadow delineation is satisfactory, there are scenes with excessive contrast. Some loss of finer details is noticed, with object detail appearing variable, occasionally dropping off. The source element is revealing of artifacts and dirt, as well as some film grain, but noting that should be considered too bothersome. Occasional pixel breakup is noticed, but edge enhancement is a major offender. Though there are some problems with this disc, some scenes can appear quite satisfying. Score: 3 "RoboCop 2": The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD picture is a huge improvement over the poor, non-anamorphic Orion DVD (reviewed in Issue 28). Colors are richly saturated and well-delineated; with occasionally ruddy, but otherwise well-balanced, fleshtones; and deep blacks. Sharpness is satisfactory, though some scenes are somewhat soft or slightly blurry. While night scenes are rendered with excellent shadow delineation, daylight exterior scenes are often excessively contrasted with a blown-out sky, while objects like fences, street lamps, and steel structures are missing finer details. The source element is quite clean, with few artifacts and little grain. Edge enhancement is present on this DVD, but does not appear as excessive as on the original movie. Pixel breakup is not a distraction. Score: 3.5 "RoboCop 3": The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD picture review is another big improvement over the previously released non-anamorphic edition (Issue 28). Like RoboCop 2, exhibited night scenes with excellent color fidelity, shadow detail and deep, solid blacks. Still, the majority of the picture has an inherent softness that is wanting in definition and texture. The source element is revealing of minor artifacts throughout. Slight edge halos are noticed, but their presence is not as distracting as the other two titles in this set. Score: 3 (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
"RoboCop": The remastered Dolby