Review of Armageddon

Video

This is the new re-released Region 2 version of Armageddon. After the backing down of Warner to exchange all those copies of the old `flipper` version with this new single sided dual layer version for anyone who wanted it, hopefully we have seen the last of new `flipper` releases. This new version was worth the wait though, as it is an anamorphic release, which even the two Region 1 versions cannot match. The video quality is very impressive and noticably better than the older flipper release which I also owned. One worry would be that as a lot of the movie is dark (the asteroid scenes especially) the DVD picture quality would have suffered. I would say this was more of a problem with the older Region 2 release, but not so this new version. There are 27 chapters through out the movie, and one thing I would say is that the layer change is quite noticeable.

Audio

Wow! What a soundtrack! The 5.1 tracks really go to town on a film like this, and shows what Dolby Digital can do. Those of you with Dolby Digital amplifiers but no subwoofer should try to watch this movie with a sub, and then switch the sub off. The difference is astounding, and if that doesn`t make you rush out to Fred`s Subwoofer Emporium with your hard earned readies, I don`t know what will! This movie asks to be played loud, and there is no excuse for not doing so. If the neighbours complain, hey, invite them round to watch! I`m sure they`ll be impressed. (Was that a glowing enough review??)

Features

OK - so we still dont get any extras on this new release. But it`s anamorphic and no longer a flipper! It really boils down to a simple choice. If you want extras then the Region 1 versions (mainly the Criterion Edition) will provide these, but if it`s just great anamorphic pictures and sound you want on this film, then it has to be this Region 2 release.

Conclusion

So the film itself. I feel it is a love it or hate it movie - there are no in betweens. (Dennis Norden mode on) If you`re one of those people (Dennis Norden mode off) who watch movies for a good time and to be entertained - you`ll love it. But if you worry about whether they can really do that in space at the moment, or whether they can really send a team up trained in the 18 days they have, then you will be criticising from start to finish, and probably annoy any mates who are watching it with you.

Buy this disk for the film, beacause you like the film. Don`t buy it just for the glorious soundtrack, or because you want to push your subwoofer that little bit further. It is an `in yer face` movie with loads of special effects and American patriotism. But if you like the film, have a projector and Dolby Digital with subwoofer, have Haagen Dazs in the freezer and a huge bag of popcorn - then get a load of people round and have a good time!!