Search - Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Violence Movie Release: 2001 DVD Release: 10/23/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 1 hrs 46 mins Studio: Columbia TriStar Total Copies: 94 Genres: Science Fiction, Sci-Fi Action, Space Adventure, Alien Film See Also: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within [UMD for PSP], Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within [Blu-ray]

The first feature-length motion picture to use computer-generated imagery to create not only effects, props, and environments but also the human cast members themselves, this lavish science-fiction adventure follows closely on the heels of another video game-based film, Tomb Raider (2001). Ming-Na provides the voice of Dr. Aki Ross, a female scientist in the year 2065, a time when Earth has been overrun by extraterrestrial phantoms borne of a crashed meteor. Humans have been pushed back to cities protected by barriers that keep the marauding space monsters away, but time is running out. Fatally infected by one of the ghostly beasts, Ross seeks information about their purpose and physiology, assisted by her mentor Dr. Sid (voice of Donald Sutherland) and the Deep Eyes military squad of courageous Captain Gray Edwards (voice of Alec Baldwin). Tension develops between Aki's quest to stop the alien onslaught through study and the more extreme solution favored by the vengeful, saber-rattling General Hein (voice of James Woods), who would destroy both the aliens and the Earth itself. Aki ultimately comes to realize that the key to unlocking the mystery of the invaders lies within her own dreams. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Ming-Na Wen - Aki Ross
Alec Baldwin - Gray Edwards
Ving Rhames - Ryan Whittaker
Steve Buscemi - Neil Fleming
Peri Gilpin - Jane Proudfoot
Donald Sutherland - Dr. Sid
James Woods - General Hein

Computer animation has sure come a long way since the film Tron was released back in 1982. At the time, it was state of the art. Then came Jurassic Park and its two sequels, James Cameron's revolutionary morphing techniques in The Abyss and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and the countless lesser-known films and commercials that have utilized computer animation for aesthetic and practical reasons. But no one has used computer animation to the extent of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, the first full-length CGI film. And despite what you may think of the film's plot, there is no denying the film's plethora of beautifully stylized alien landscapes and dynamic science fiction visuals.
Columbia-TriStar Home Entertainment's two-disc set of the film is packed with hours of extras and more than enough information on every facet that went into producing such a monumental production. The film itself has been given a wonderful transfer to disc, letterboxed at 1.85:1 (enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs), and has also been given a very robust English-language 5.1 Dolby Digital track and a two-channel one. A French-language two-channel option is also available. The picture looks excellent throughout and the film's visual richness and sense of detail really comes off nicely for the home environment. Disc one of the set contains the film and two feature-length commentaries. The first one contains comments from co-director Moto Sakakibara, sequence supervisor Hiroyuki Hayashida, sets and props lead artist Tatsuro Maruyama, and "Phantom" supervisor Takoo Noguchi. The track is not exactly the most enjoyable for the layman, but animation freaks should find more than enough insights to keep them interested. Track two contains comments from the animation director, editor, and the staging director. There is also an isolated score track with commentary by composer Elliot Goldenthal available. The disc also includes production notes, trailers, and much, much more. Disc two contains even more supplemental material, including a very fascinating interactive documentary on the making of the film, multiple workshops which include character bios and more, an alternate opening sequence for the film, and the ability to re-edit a particular scene which allows the viewer to gain an insight into the world of an editor. Also included is a very amusing easter egg which has the character of Aki replicating Michael Jackson's "Thriller." All in all, the set is fantastic and should be a welcome addition to either your science fiction or animation disc collection. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide