This DVD Review of Austn Powers: Special Edition was compiled by Matt Goldsmith of Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

"Just know, I have a whole bag of "SH" down here with your name on it!!" I know quite a few people found this film to be a pile of "SH", but let's face it, they ain't got a sense of humour baby!! This is one groovy flick man!!

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is a spoof on the James Bond Films. Don't believe me? There's a character named Random Task (Oddjob from Goldfinger). Still not convinced?? Then who about the sensual character of Alotta Fagina (a play on Pussy Galore)..You gotta see Austin's response to this in the casino scene..it's priceless.. Mike Myers, of Wayne's World, plays the title role, as well as his arch nemesis, Dr Evil (yet another character stolen from James Bond )..Liz Hurley plays Austin's new sidekick, Vanessa Kensington, her mother was his partner back in the 60's. After Dr Evil escapes capture by Cryogenically freezing himself and his cat Mr. Bigglesworth in a BIG BOY that is floating in space, Austin does the same thing so he may capture Dr. Evil when he returns.

Thirty years pass and Austin is revived to recapture Dr. Evil. Vanessa is assigned as Austin's partner, to bring him into the 90's and to convince him to have extensive dental work...excuse me a moment while I brush my teeth....Mufasa...Oooh, say it again... The music score of this film is so well suited, you'll find yourself grooving and wiggling along with it. George Clinton's rip off, I mean homage, to the James Bond theme is terrific, and the sets in this film have been designed in true Bond fashion.

Interestingly, MGM the owners of the James Bond Franchise also hold the copyright to this film, it's good to see this film was made with their blessing, and thicker wallets. While this film didn't have the biggest budget from New Line Cinema, every dollar has been put into making a truly great film. There are a few intentionally cheesy effects, like a severed head that looks horribly fake, but it all helps re-enforce this film in aimed at giving you a laugh, whether it be hysterically funny or so pathetic you can't help but laugh.

So how does this transfer hold up? In the words of Austin Power " Do I make you horny baby?" This Platinum Series DVD by New Line Cinema is simply breathtaking. Both the sound and vision are First Rate on both the Standard and Widescreen versions available. While the cover credits the 16:9 Enhanced version as being in the 2:1 format is seems to be 1.78:1 only, I have read others say it is 1.9:1 but there is only one short sequence in the movie that is letterboxed. As hard as I may try, I can not fault the encoding for this the film, the images are razor sharp, colours are stunning and it's sure to blow you away.

The soundtrack is also very clean and very clear. Not a great deal of surround effects just the occasional direct queue, but I did notice a faint ambience constantly coming through. There is very little difference here between the DD5.1 and a mixdown. But seeing as there is the odd direct effect from the surrounds, I favour the discrete track. Also included are lots of goodies, a running commentary by Mike Myers and director Jay Roach which is very insightful and definitely worth listening too (it's a shame the movie sound track wasn't playing faintly in the background as there was often breaks in the commentary and it would have helped the pacing a bit) , several deleted sequences (although some of them where in the Australian release), film clips of other movies that feature some of the cast, an excellent theatrical trailer for Lost In Space, recorded in DD5.1, and lots more. This disc is sure to keep you entertained for hours.

At $US19.95 this disc is hard to beat. It's great value and you'd be nuts not to get it.

PICTURE QUALITY (5/5...very hard to beat)
SOUND QUALITY    (5/5...good shhtuff, not enough surround effects though)

***Features *** Screen Ratio : 16:9 & P&S Audio Tracks : English (DD5.1), French (DD2.0) Subtitles : English, French and Spanish Region Code : 1 Chapters : 24 Running time : 90 minutes.

Review Equipment: TV: Mitsubishi DIVA 68cm, DVD: Samsung DVD905, Receiver: Marantz SR870, Speakers: B&W 602's (front), Sony (rears), Cinema Chairs (Gilberton Recliners....okay so there not REALLY cinema chairs but they're very comfy..)