Star Wars: Episodes I and II [DVD]

Leaving the story behind, The DVDs presentation(s) are impeccable and have the best menus seen on any DVDs. The extras are amazing and top-notch - Note the Documentary 'Episode 1 the beginning' as one of the best documentaries I have ever seen (up there with The Matrix Revisited). The deleted scenes are disappointing and deservedly cut from the final films but good to see what was in the original script. Other extras define the film and are compulsory extras.

Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones was the first mainstream, blockbuster film to be completely digitally filmed so the picture quality on the DVD is better than your local cinema. It is astounding and impeccable, It has to be seen.

The final verdict is a definite purchase. The more you see Episode 1 & 2 the better they get, Episode 1 is a better film when seen with Episode 2. Ignore it only being two out of three films. Its just that if you haven't got Episode 1 on DVD, it means that you can get them at a cheaper price. A must have for any Star Wars fan or any major film fan

If they had offered something extra with this set that other versions of the DVD releases did not feature, then maybe... But as it is, the first two episodes of the 'new' Star Wars trilogy are being offered here together in a nicely packaged set; obviously going for the Christmas market here! Within the glossy exterior, you will have exactly the same discs that owners of the individually released editions will have.

That is not to say that these movies are not worth owning on DVD - far from it! Last years release of The Phantom Menace led to some of the highest sales figures for a DVD ever in Britain, and for good reason. The movie is presented in glorious THX sound, with a digitally enhanced picture that is pristine in quality. Whereas some thought the story was somewhat flawed (c'mon, after all that hype could it REALLY win people over?!), the sheer visual spectacle of this film is awesome. And, as if that wasn't enough, you get a vast array of extras on disk two to satisfy everyone from the casual Star Wars fan (plastic lightsabers optional here people...), to those who have a genuine interest in just how movies of this scale are pieced together.

The good thing about having these movies packaged together is that The Phantom Menace only serves to whet the appetite for Attack Of The Clones, which is bigger and better in every respect. Filmed entirely in the digital medium, therefore making the transition to DVD a perfectly logical one, the movie takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of stunning landscapes and intense action sequences with special effects that set a new standard for others to try (nay, dare!) to follow. Packaged with a second disc brimming with the same style of tantilizing extras as its predecessor, this will become another essential purchase for Star Wars fans and DVD enthusiasts.

But is THIS version the essential purchase shoppers should be thinking about? In my humble opinion, I think not. Although I rate the movies a lot higher, my meagre two star offering here reflects the fact that the world is still waiting with baited breath for Episode 3 - the story has yet to be finished, so why buy a product that is only two thirds finished?