Resident Evil (Deluxe Edition) (DVD)

It wasn't too long ago that I did a look back at the original Special Edition release of Resident Evil on DVD, sort of as a primer for the release of this Deluxe Edition so I could let you know if there is really all that much more to expect that you didn't get from the original.

First off if you are looking for a sound upgrade this isn't your choice as it retains the 5.1 sound of the original, if DTS sound is what you want go Superbit. As for what was lost from the original disc you won't get the original 25+ minute long Making-of feature, the zombie make-up test or Train's music video.

In place of these features are six featurettes that summarize the original disc's making-of with features: The Creature, The Elevator, The Laser, The Train, Zombie Dogs and Zombies. As for whether they are better or not, they do add a little more than the original gave you but there isn't anything here that makes up for the Zombie Make-up test which was pretty cool on the original.

Two other features added are an additional commentary track featuring writer/director Paul W.S. Anderson and visual effects supervisor Richard Yuricich which is okay but nowhere near as entertaining as the party atmosphere created on the commentary track with Anderson, producer Jeremy Bolt, and actors Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez, which is also from the original release.

There are, however, two pieces of this disc that will be the primary draw. The first being the never-before-see alternate ending, which is half show to you and the other half explained by Anderson. The scene itself would have been pretty cool but with it we would not have that badass ending we already have.

The other feature is a 3:30 minute clip of Resident Evil: Apocalypse from this year's Fangoria. The clip itself does add excitement toward the release of the new film, but it isn't any reason to fork out additional money if you own the original, the movie will be out soon enough.

Overall, if you don't already own Resident Evil on DVD then you may want to pick up this copy but I wouldn't be quick to update your old version as this one doesn't boast enough features to make it worthwhile.