Back in September 2006 I reviewed Universal's Legacy Series release of The Sting, which was impressive, and this HD DVD version of the film carries all the same goodies, it just takes the restored audio and video one step further.

The film stars some serious star power in the likes of Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw and Charles Durning and with director George Roy Hill at the helm you pretty much know you are in for something special. The Sting is one of those old time movies that even younger generations can enjoy, who doesn't enjoy a good movie about a con? Redford and Newman team up to avenge the murder of one of their grifting partners in a con to take on Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), a master cheater in his own right, but he just doesn't know what he is in for.

Visually this release is amazing as every detail is crisp and clean with very few dust and artifacts, but we already knew that after the Legacy release. This is the same transfer; it just isn't compressed on a DVD level. Audio wise it is pretty much comparable. The Sting isn't a film that relies much on audio at all, but it is a bit curious why the Legacy release carried a DTS track and this HD DVD only comes with a Dolby Digital Plus track. Don't get me wrong, the audio is fantastic, but I have always felt DTS tracks always reign supreme - I just think it is odd.

Special features are exactly the same as those found on the DVD edition as it carries a 60 minute documentary broken up into three parts featuring interviews with the cast and crew and a look at the making of the film. It is a good one and won't take up too much of your time.

Overall, this release is a purchaser toss-up. If you bought the Legacy release feel free to skip this, the up-rezzing capability of your HD DVD player will suffice. However, if you are still yet to see or own this movie and are a fan of say the Ocean's franchise this is a no-brainer, The Sting is a must have. It is one that will entertain for years to come.