Rating: 
Summary: Four Stars Strictly For Special Effects
Review: This film is weak in many ways, but is visually fun to watch. I don't really care how much technology went into making Jar-Jar appear to enteract with real people, he sucked. He was whiny, stupid, and never developed beyond those two traits. If he had just been left out the film would have been a tad darker, but would have had oh, so much more punch. Sadly, defiant George has condemned us all to another installment of that floppy-eared idiot. But the DVD does look great; worth having for the crisp visuals alone.
Rating:
Summary: The extras don't feel obligatory
Review: I thought the movie itself was a little disappointing, though it did have flashes of brilliance. The DVD, though, has some nice features. Particularly of note is a nice and long documentary about the making of star wars. People who have seen a lot of DVD extras will probably attest to the fact that "making of" documentaries on dvds are usually 5 minute hype segments. This is not. This really gives you a feel of the work and effort put into the film, and makes you appreciate what being a director is like. It has elevated my respect for this movie, and made me feel like it's worth more than people give it credit for.
Rating: 
Summary: GEORGE LUCAS ~ GREAT MOVIE ~ AWESOME DVD
Review: This dvd set is packed with special features on the second dvd. I'm sure anyone with a high-end home theater will agree that the picture and sound are superb.For those who don't like this movie: Lucas has said the Star Wars films were made for children around "13" years old! I have talked to many children who LOVE Jar Jar, so GET OVER IT! This movie is a feast for the eyes and ears! The sets and landscapes are astounding. The music is awesome, thanks to John Williams. Keep up the great work George. I'll be first in line for the next film!
Rating:
Summary: best of episode 1
Review: the dvd is great, full of deleted scenes includeing some in the final movie not seen in theatres or on vhs tapes, extra long pod race start, lap 2 of race, and a air taxi scene in corasunt are good scenes in the movie. all who love star wars need this dvd
Rating:
Summary: A new beginning . . . for DVD standards!
Review: In the grand scheme of the Star Wars Saga the movie itself is good, not great. However, the DVD is fantastic. Even if you didn't completely like the movie, the DVD is a must have in anyone's collection. To begin, the sound quality is the best I've heard on any Dolby Digital 5.1 DVD. The musical score doesn't overpower the dialogue. Never has the low frequncy been mixed in so well, it goes from quiet in one moment to explosive the next. Action from the surround mix (especially from the rear) is phenominal. Just watch the pod racing sequence and see for yourself. Finally, if not for anything else, buy this movie for the extras. There is a great deal of interesting information found on the commentary track. Disc 2 offers one of the best "behind-the-scenes" documentaries: 'The Beginning.' Around an hour in length, it details Lucas' journey from start to finish. The deleted scenes documentary explains why each was deleted, what purpose it served in the story and how it was completed. In addition, the documentary has interviews with Fracis Ford Coppola (The Godfather Trilogy), editor Walter Murch, as well as Lucas and others, giving us insight into the editing process. And that is not all, the web documentaries and featurettes contain a wealth of information. Just think what should be in store for the original trilogy!
Rating:
Summary: The greatest Saga begins
Review: If you are not a true Star Wars fan (not the freaks that dress up) you might have a hard time understanding the meaning behind this movie. Episode I gives great background to help build a strong foundation for the up coming movies. The quality of this DVD is well...a DVD. But the extras are what makes this DVD stand out of the crowd. The documentary of the deleted scenes and the making could be a stand alone title. I would recommend that non-Star Wars fans watch the original trilogy again, then come back and watch Episode I. You will then relieze the importance of this movie in the great Star Wars Saga. I still feel that Lucas should have release the original movies before this one.
Rating:
Summary: Impressive
Review: I too was dissapointed about the lack of a DTS version of this film. But, the Dolby Digital sountrack is very impressive. Audio and visual wise, this is one of the best DVD's that I own, and it is by far the best Dolby Digital DVD that I own. I can't understand why they couldn't have put a DTS version on the first disc since all of the extras are on disc two. Don't let the lack of DTS, or your dislike of the Phantom Menace keep you from owning what I feel should be a part of anyone's DVD collection who cares to get the best out of their system. I can't wait to see the other DVD's in the series. They should all be very very impressive!
Rating:
Summary: Digital Mastery
Review: I must say, as a home theater buff, that this DVD has set the mark for A/V excellence. I am overwhelmed by the audio portion of this DVD especially. My home theater system has never had such depth and 3D clarity in any other movie so far. The 5.1 EX surround on the DVD provides the most realistic sound field I have ever experienced. I would give this movie 5 stars even if it was only the sound track and no associated video.
Rating:
Summary: Get over it already.
Review: Ok, I have had enough of the Jar Jar bashing to last a lifetime. Where were all of you when Jedi came out with those silly ewoks? Episode 1 in all intensive purposes is the first installment of a saga. In all other cases, the beginning isn't as good as the other movies in a saga. Take Star Trek The Motion Picture. I think that the main reason that most people didnt like the story of Phantom Menace is that they know the rest of the story. The climax of the saga is known. In every movie the beginning 30 minutes is used to establish characters. Anyway, The DVD is the best package Iv'e ever seen. I have seen all that there is on it and I can't wait to get home and watch it again. If you are a Star Wars fan you can't pass this up.
Rating:
Summary: The Best DVD!
Review: No matter what your opinion of the movie, this DVD is top notch. I wasn't going to write a review but I noticed that many of the reviews here were gripes about the movie itself or gripes about the lack of DTS, etc. Some reviewers hadn't even viewed or listened to the DVD yet! Well, my answer is this: this DVD will make a "Phantom Menace" fan out of you. It is, by far, the best DVD in my collection. The audio, even lacking DTS, is reference quality. Get your 5.1 HT setup cranked up and watch the lightsaber battle and you will not, repeat WILL NOT, believe your ears. I am a big fan of DTS (even to the point of buying DTS DVDs over the more extra-filled non-DTS version), but believe me when I say that you cannot tell that this track is non-DTS. Its is that good! In fact, this audio track is better than ANY DTS disc (better than Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan!) And man, the extras are unreal! The documentary is alone worth the price of the disc. Its is the best documentary I have seen on disc (only the "Hamster Factor" from 12 Monkeys is even close). In fact, I think this disc is so good that even if you were less than happy with the movie, you will be pleased with your purchase.
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