Review of Star Wars: Episode II Attack Of The Clones (2 Discs)

Introduction

So here it is, review number 300. Once again, it`s a bit more by luck than judgement that Attack of the Clones has turned out to be the 300th disc I`ve reviewed, but it`s quite fitting that such a high profile title takes this milestone number. I have been kind of saving this one up, and 300 has come round quite quickly.

As with The Phantom Menace, it`s interesting to review the disc quite a while after the initial release date, after all the hype and frenzy has died down. Like the previous DVD, this disc has been subject to much debate and thousands and thousands of reviews.

I`m sure I really don`t need to tell you about the story - this is episode two in a six part series which was first introduced to us by that Lucas bloke with episode 4. With the changes in technology over the last 20 years you won`t be surprised to find the universe of episode 2 is a much more graphically impressive place than the universe of episode 4 (and even better than episode 1), but that`s what happens when you tell a story in the wrong order!

Video

An almost reference quality 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer (THX approved, although those words still mean nothing if you`ve ever seen the original region 1 version of Highlander, which amazingly gained the seal of approval!) One day I`ll stop going on about that, but not just yet.

At least this time round the disc really lives up to it. Gone is the nasty edge enhancement from The Phantom Menace and in its place we have a damn near perfect transfer, as you might expect from a film that was filmed entirely digitally.

As before, the film is a feast for your eyes with the set pieces coming thick and fast and some very memorable sequences, as the film opens up with a top notch chase. I must admit to some laughter at the Yoda fight scene though.

Audio

The Star Wars theme gets a slight expansion. From the full DD5.1 of The Phantom Menace to DD5.1EX, which certainly adds a little something to the mix. As with the previous film there are 2 hours of aural delights awaiting, including those light sabres again.

If you`re not convinced that you need more than 2 speakers to watch DVDs in your home, then ask for a demonstration with this disc and watch your bank balance drain before your eyes (again).

On top of the sound effects of the film we have the score which is used to good effect in so many sequences once again.

It`s not quite reference quality as there are other discs that are better (honest!) but it`s still top notch.

Features

A 2 disc set again means a stack of extras. Let`s start with the commentary track, which is another busy affair with plenty of commentators, most of whom have plenty to share when it comes to their area of the film. Lucas has lots to say too, and tries to give some justification for events on screen (again) as well as the odd hint for the next episode.

The next major extra is pair of good documentaries, both worthwhile additions to the disc. They cover a lot of ground on CGI and digital effects.

There are lots of trailers and TV spots too, some you will remember, some you probably won`t. There are also deleted scenes (made for the DVD) with introductions, more featurettes to watch, as well as the "web documentaries", and also an extensive gallery of stills, posters and photographs.

Is that enough for you?

Conclusion

I think that I enjoyed it more than episode one, but maybe that`s partly from seeing Samuel L. Jackson in action as a Jedi, which to me was worth watching all the dross with Padme and Anakin for (but only just). Some of those scenes had me reaching for the sick bag. Maybe I do have an unhealthy obsession with Samuel L. Jackson...

Let`s get the technical bits out of the way - the sound is really good, the picture is fantastic and the extras are comprehensive and interesting.

I`m brought back to my comments on The Phantom Menace. Maybe if you watched this film without knowledge of the others it would change the viewing experience. Knowing that no harm can come to so many "main" characters can be detrimental to your perception of the storyline. And wishing that harm would come to some sooner rather than later can also impair judgement.

In the end it`s enjoyable enough, but it just didn`t meet the high standards set by the later episodes. A tired and predictable comment maybe, but it`s how I feel.

As before, a pretty great DVD wrapped around an OK film.