King Kong (HD DVD)

This is it, this is the last time I think I can possibly revisit this movie and it is going to be short. So far I have reviewed the King Kong (2 Disc Special Edition) and the King Kong (3-Disc Extended Edition) and I also own the Peter Jackson Production Diaries. Suffice to say I feel like I know everything there is to know about this movie. So what does the HD DVD offer that the DVD versions did not? Well, in the way of special features nothing, but the video and audio are spectacular. I watched several scenes in slow motion using this HD DVD release and the picture clarity is the best I have seen on any of the Kong releases. Sound wise the audio is excellent as it uses the surround channels more than several other titles out there.

Feature wise the disc is limited, but in its presentation of the features available I would say it is a winner. Personally all the stuff Jackson has given consumers with his DVD releases may be immersive, but it can also become tedious. I am not complaining, Jackson has become a DVD visionary with everything he did with Lord of the Rings and Kong, but I think a time comes when enough is enough. As for anyone that already owns any of the Kong DVDs you aren't getting anything new here as the bonus material has been drawn from the already released DVD versions. However, being presented along with the feature I think makes it that much better.

Overall I would say this is a buy if you do not already own any of the DVD versions and, of course, if you like the movie, which I personally did not like that much. This HD DVD does not have the 13 minutes of extended footage available on the 3-disc edition and if features are your thing they are limited here, but in my opinion that isn't such a bad thing. This HD DVD is a visual and audio masterpiece, but my so-so thoughts on the slightly long remake lead me to recommend you skip it.

For my review of the 2-Disc DVD edition click here and for my Extended Edition review click here.