Well, it’s about time!!!! I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for someone to put out a Special Edition DVD for “Predator.” I’ve long been a fan of both the “Alien” and “Predator” series (well more like a fan of the ‘concept’ and design of them, since I really only liked “Alien”, “Aliens” and “Predator”), and though I’m both excited and hesitant to see the new film that finally teams the pair onscreen, I really glad to see Fox wisely timing the release of this DVD with the upcoming theatrical release of “AvP.” “Predator”, right along with the “Terminator” films, is also one of my favorite Arnold Schwarzeneggar films, so again… excitement reigns. As the one that got it right, “Predator” takes place in a Central American jungle and pits man against monster as Schwarzeneggar and his team of commandos find themselves on a rescue mission to save some American airmen.

However, so the tables turn as the rescuers become the target of a deadly hunt. To make matters worse, their adversary is no ordinary hunter, but one that is, how shall we say… not from around here.

I imagine by now, just about everyone who would even be interested in seeing “Predator”… has. You know the story, your familiar with the look of the alien, etc… So there’s really no reason to get into the movie per se, but I will say it’s one of the best of the action sci fi genre, and one that I never get tired of sitting through. The casting is great, the action and special effects even better. You even get a few classic Arnie one-liners. Who could ask for anything more?

But what most of us have waited for is a really good DVD release, and Fox is finally giving us one that makes the wait worthwhile. Previous releases have been tepid at best, with few or no special features. This new “Predator: Special Edition” is a 2-disc set that houses enough extra features to keep you busy for the better part of an evening. Even the packaging is fairly cool, with its foldout disc holder and slip case. There’s not a lot in the way of artwork, but somehow the simplicity of the design seems fitting.

The transfer itself appears to be the same one from the previous DVD release, but there’s no complaint there. It’s a terrific transfer that allows for good contrast, even in the darkest scenes. You have choice of either listening to the film in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound or DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound, and either delivers the goods. If you have a high end surround sound system, your ears will appreciate just how great this DVD sounds, no matter which one you choose.

The first disc has the movie, along with a brand new commentary from legendary action director John McTiernan. It’s not one of the better commentaries out there, but he still shares enough information and anecdotes to make it well worth listening to. I really would have liked to have heard from Arnie, but I’m sure he’s a bit busy doing the whole Governor thing. Of course, I’m sure Jess Ventura or Carl Weathers would have been available, so why not have them sit in on a track?

There is also a text commentary that you can play while you’re watching the movie. It is actually a little better than the audio commentary as it has comments from some of the cast and crew that was taken from other interviews.

The second disc is really where the fun starts. First there is a half hour documentary on the making of the film. Entitled “If it Bleeds, We Can Kill It”, the documentary includes tons of interviews with the cast and crew as well as a lot of behind the scenes footage. Then there a feature called “Inside the Predator” which is broken up into seven featurettes, with footage and interviews culled from past years as well as some newer interviews. They touch on everything from the makeup to the overall look of the film. There’s even a tribute to the late Kevin Peter Hall, who was the man inside he Predator costume. Oddly enough, Hall was also known for playing Harry in “Harry and the Hendersons.”

You’ll also find a featurette with some of the test scenes that were used to set up the look of the Predator’s camouflage. Some of the scenes include showing the actor inside of the red suit used to track his movements. This is followed by four deleted scenes and outtakes and a Predator profile. The latter is a slide show that explains some of the functions of the Predator’s suit. If you’re into photo galleries, this disc also includes about 93 pictures from the film, the most interesting being one of Jesse Ventura standing around with his chest ripped open. Add a trailer to the mix and a look at the upcoming “AvP” and you have just about everything you need to enjoy a Predator-filled evening at home. Then you can take the enclosed ticket and go see “AvP.”

“Predator” has long deserved a DVD release like this, and my hat’s off to Fox for finally giving the fans what they’ve clamored for.

Directed by: John McTiernan
Starring: Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Jesse Ventura, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke
Extras: Commentary Track with Director John McTiernan,
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: 8/10/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give Predator: Special Edition an A.