Hercules (LD/DVD) Released By:
Buena Vista Home Video/Laser Disc distributed by Image EntertainmentFeatures:
Laser Disc (CAV Edition): 1997; 93 Min; Rated G; Digital Tracks: Dolby Surround English; Analog Right: Dolby Digital 5.1, Analog Left: English Mono; Widescreen (1.66).DVD: 1997; 93 Min; Rated G; Dolby Digital 5.1 English; Dolby Surround: French, Spanish; THX-certified; Widescreen (1.66).
Extras:
Laser Disc: Nothing.DVD: "Making Of Hercules;" "No Importa La Distancia" music video w/Ricky Martin.
Review:
Hercules was Disney's recent take on greek mythology, and to say they tweak with the tradition is being kind. First and foremost, the film was a comedy. Uh, ok. Second, Disney took some liberties with the relationships between the characters, those of you who've read greek mythology know what I mean. As for me, I've learned about the differences from my friends. That, and I've seen one of the most faithful film presentations, Clash of the Titans, about six times. But I digress...Hercules is the story of a the son of Zeus, who has become mortal through the evil doings of Zeus 'arch-rival Hades, played with zest by James Woods. Hercules is found by two lonely parents who raise him as their own son. After questioning his reasons for being on Earth, he goes on a quest to become a hero.
In pursuit of his quest he meets up with his trainer Phil (Danny Devito), who is a failed hero protege, just trying to find the right guy. Other characters meet along the way include, Pegasus, Zeus' winged gift to his son. Meg, a possessed soul of Hades, and Herc's love interest. The Fates, who know all, and control life and death. Plus Hades' two goofy henchman Pain and Panic, voiced by Bobcat Goldthwait and Matt Frewer.
Hercules seems to be Disney's attempt to capture the magic of Aladdin again. As a comic adventure, I guess it succeeds. This film was just too light for me. It was a big let down after the somewhat serious turns Disney attempted with Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pocahontas (another notorious Disnification of history). Considering the lackluster box office performance of the latter two film, I guess I can see their reasoning.
I have once again played perfectly into Disney's grand banking scheme. I've bought multiple versions, due to my previously mention anal retentive nature (see 101 Dalmatians). When I purchased the LD of Hercules last year, I was very disappointed in the picture quality. I wrote it off, partially, due to the fact I figured I'd gotten used to the picture quality of DVD, but after seeing 101 Dalmatians and the recent Rescuers re-issue on LD early this year, I knew something was up.
Upon my direct A/B comparison of the LD and DVD, one thing became apparent to me, THX-Certification does matter. Many people have been blowing the certification program off lately as just money in Lucas' pocket, but there is validity to this program. On the laser disc side, Hercules was the first title not sent through the program in four years, and it shows.
I went immediately to chapter 7, "Jerk-ules," because this is where the picture problems of the LD stuck out most vividly. The LD picture was completely over-saturated with color, when directly compared to the DVD. While I noticed this slightly with 101 Dalmatians, it's so obviously screwed up on this LD, someone at Disney, and Image for that matter, must have fallen asleep during the QC session. The LD transfer of this film, in this day and age, is in-excusable.
The DVD is a whole difference matter. Unlike 101 Dalmatians, the differences between the two disc are obvious. On the DVD, the colors are very stable, with no bleeding. The sharpness level of this DVD is leaps and bounds ahead of the laser. The DVD's image is flawless. While I know everyone's disgusted about the lack of an anamorphic transfer, I can't imaging it looking much better, this is not a re-hashed LD master.
The Dolby Digital audio is just as good on both formats, at least they didn't muck that up on the LD. I would comment on the Dolby Surround mix of the LD, except that I haven't listed to a pro-logic mix in over four years, unless I've had to.
Finally that brings me to the extras. There was a time when you purchased the CAV edition of an animated Disney classic and would receive something extra, this time no such luck. Considering the film is only 93 minutes long, there was plenty of room for the supplements that showed up on the DVD. As for the DVD's supplements... well, there's more than on Dalmatians.
The main supplement is the cheesy ten minute featurette. Personally, I wanted one of those monster supplements you'd get from the box sets Disney used to do on LD. Since this was Disney's first foray into DVD with their big guns, I guess they didn't want to spoil us. Needless to say, I waiting on pins and needles for Tarzan. The other bonus was the music video of "Go The Distance," but there's a catch. It's performed by Ricky Martin, in spanish!
I'm not against multiple languages on a disc, barring it doesn't take away from supplements, but a music video? Who the hell is this aimed at? I know Ricky Martin is hot right now (Winter 1999 - Ed: you can never be to careful when someone reads this) but, eh? What, you couldn't afford the Michael Bolton version? Oh wait, that might actually hurt sales, so maybe it wasn't a total loss.
Hercules is one of those titles that many LD owners may ignore, but you shouldn't. This DVD blows away its laser counterpart. It should be upgraded, if you weren't satisfied with the original disc's quality. As for new DVD owners, the only thing that will probably deter you will be the price, but if your kids like the film, don't hold back, you should be able to find it under $30.
Hercules is one of the more disappointing efforts over the past few years. I'll give the film a 5, at least it not Quest For Camelot.
An utter hack job by Disney on the LD presentation, especially since it was presented in CAV. The LD's only worth a 4. Again, being a Disney title, price is a consideration for some people but I feel this DVD's presentation is worthy of a 7, with a bonus biscuit for NOT including the Michael Bolton video of "Go The Distance."
Dan Linzmeier, FIT Productions
Fitprod@aol.com
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