JIM HENSON'S JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: THE REAL STORY

Artisan Home Entertainment
Special Features DVD, $19.98

Jim Henson's Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story is a twist on the classic fairy tale of the same name.  Jack Robinson is a wealthy single man who appears to be next in line to suffer from his family curse.  For many generations, the Robinson men have prematurely passed away around the age of forty.  However, Jack may be able to avoid this fate with the help of a beautiful woman named Ondine who has mysteriously appeared into his life.  Ondine comes from Giant Land and she not only knows the true story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but also how Jack can repair the damage his ancestors have allegedly caused.

Jim Henson's Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story stars Matthew Modine, Vanessa Redgrave, Mia Sara, Daryl Hannah, Jon Voight and Richard Attenborough.  The movie was directed by Brian Henson, produced by Martin G. Baker and Thomas G. Smith, and features music composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams.  It is not rated and has a feature running time of 184 minutes.           

The DVD is presented in a fullscreen version (1.33:1) that is enhanced for widescreen monitors.  The overall quality of the transfer is excellent.  Images appear crisp and colors are vibrant with fully saturated hues.  There is solid contrast and black levels are deep.  Picture defect mastering is perfect with no major flaws or digital compression artifacts.

Video Rating: 9 out of 10

The following spoken language options are available for this DVD: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 surround.  There are no subtitle tracks but English closed captions are available.  The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track is the basis for this review.  The soundtrack sports a mix that equally utilizes all 5.1 channels.  Dialogue is clean and natural sounding.  The surround channels are aggressive, used for both music and sound effects, and feature several split rear effects.  The LFE channel is active and has opportunity to rumble on a couple of occasions during the film.

Audio Rating: 9 out of 10

The tactile sound effects are excellent and are present in all eleven of the DVD's chapters.  Subtle to moderate impacts are the type of tactile effect that can be experienced on this disc.  The best tactile effects take place in chapter 1 (the storm), chapter 4 (the sprouting of the beanstalk), chapter 7 (trial before the Counsel of Giants) and chapter 9 (the three giants arrival on human Earth).

Tactile Sound Effects Rating: 8 out of 10

Bonus features include an 8-minute featurette entitled A Look Behind the Scenes; 7-minute featurette entitled Jim Henson's Creature Shop Special; production notes; interactive menus and scene access.

Bonus Features Rating: 6 out of 10