New On Video: 'Hulk,' 'Matrix Reloaded'

'The Hulk' (PG-13): For the lack of a better word, "incredible" is what "The Hulk" is. Not only is the creature a spectacular visual achievement; most importantly, its presence is complimented by an intense atmosphere, emotional performances by its actors and ingenious filmmaking techniques by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" director Ang Lee.

But for all its brilliance, "The Hulk" is not a perfect movie. Most notably, its excessive length gives you the feeling that the filmmakers couldn't decide where to end it.

Eric Bana stars as Bruce Banner, a quiet, intense scientist on the cusp of making a significant discovery with genetic technology, with the help of his ex-girlfriend and colleague Betty Ross (Jennifer Connolly).

But the shortfalls of their research pales in comparison to the events yet to come: after an accident in the laboratory leaves one of Banner's colleagues in peril, he makes a heroic, split-second decision that exposes him to a lethal dose of gamma radiation. Banner miraculously survives the accident, but in the process his genetic make-up has been altered, leading him to grow into a giant, green hulking creature every time he experiences anger triggered by massive stress.

That wouldn't be such a problem, if not for the fact that the Hulk virtually destroys everything in his path. And that's the sort of behavior that's sparked the interest of the military -- namely Betty's dad General "Thunderbolt" Ross (Sam Elliott), a rival researcher Glenn Talbot (Josh Lucas) and Banner's long-lost father, David (Nick Nolte), who's harboring dark secrets about his family's past.

For fans of the Stan Lee-Jack Kirby Marvel comic book, the inclusion of David is the most significant addition to "The Hulk" storyline, and it's a welcome one at that. It bursts wide open the possibilities for in-depth character development, which dates back to David Banner's early research and a traumatic incident that happens to his son as a toddler.

The acting is top-notch: Bana and Nolte give intense performances, and Connolly nails her performance as Betty Ross too, as a traumatic incident she's trying to work through from her childhood gives the story even more weight. Elliott delivers as expected as the gruff general on the Hulk's trail, and Lucas gives a smarmy touch to Talbot, making him more than a one-dimensional bad guy.

As you can imagine, "The Hulk" is one dark movie. In fact, it may be the darkest adaptation of a comic book to ever come down the pike. It probably mirrors the daunting atmosphere of "Batman" the most, but even "Batman" and its sequels had their fine share of comedic moments. "The Hulk," on the other hand, is almost always serious business. Needless to say, it's not as family friendly as your friendly neighborhood "Spider-Man."

That's not to say "The Hulk" isn't entertaining, even in the absence of the creature. In fact, a thought-provoking stretch of events holds off the introduction of the Hulk for a good quarter of the film. That may test the patience of younger viewers who want nothing but the mean, green monolith; but rest assured, when he appears, they'll get a fine dose of the Hulk and then some.

The computer animation works best where he needs to -- for the close-up shots. Whether he's smashing a laboratory to bits, or gently holding Betty Ross in a King-Kong like manner, the character oozes emotion. Not only can you see a certain hint of Banner in the creature, behind the computer animation are the moves of Ang Lee, who acted out all of the creature's thrashing movements and subtle gestures. He knew exactly what he wanted out of the Hulk, and he gets it.

The filmmaker also punctuates "The Hulk" with innovative filmmaking throughout. Most notably, he often divides the film into anywhere from two to six frames, showing the action from different perspectives and/or angles all at once. The added dimension gives you the feeling, essentially, that you're reading a comic book.

Apart from dealing with serious psychological themes, the movie has its share of action that may frighten younger viewers, including a scene where the Hulk comes under attack from a set of genetically enhanced creatures. As far as the rage of the Hulk himself goes, it'll be less disconcerting to your kids if they're familiar with the comic book, any of its animated series or the television show starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.

DVD Features: The two-disc "Hulk" DVD set is bulging with bonus features, including deleted scenes, audio commentary with Lee, and several production featurettes. Fans steeped in the history of the character will probably find the featurette "The Evolution of the Hulk" to be the most fascinating. (Universal Studios Home Video)

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'The Matrix Reloaded' (R): If it's special effects that you want, then you will not be disappointed by the most hotly anticipated movie of the year, "The Matrix Reloaded." Not only is the film loaded with mind-blowing visuals, they are without question among the best effects put on screen to date.

But, sorry to say, the story underneath those visuals in "Reloaded" makes you feel half empty -- and that's not a good thing when there's the third chapter of the "Matrix" film trilogy, "The Matrix Revolutions," due in theaters next month.

The main thing working against is the monstrous expectations created by the first film. With the perfect marriage of an ingenious script, remarkable martial arts choreography and groundbreaking visuals, filmmaking brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski redefined the increasingly stale science fiction movie genre with "The Matrix" -- and effectively created an original vision that's almost impossible to live up to. Only the freest of minds will be able to overlook the sequel's faults and say that it surpasses the original.

"The Matrix Reloaded" starts deep in the mind of Neo (Keanu Reeves), who is troubled by a clouded vision he has about fellow freedom fighter Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), whom he paired with at the end of the first film.

But his love of Trinity is not the only thing on Neo's mind. That's because as we discovered in the first film, Neo is "The One" -- a human prophesized to free his people from the Matrix -- a computer program protected by a machine army that enslaves his fellow humans in a seemingly "normal" world.

The battle against the machine is one of the major drives behind "Reloaded," although a considerable amount of time is devoted to Neo questioning his purpose as "The One." He better figure it out fast, because the underground world Zion -- the last human enclave on Earth -- is facing an attack of 250,000 Sentinel units of the machine army.

While "The Matrix" comprehensively explained the motivation of the machines and the fight rebels like Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity launched against it to free Neo's mind, "Reloaded" sets out to expand upon the story of where they came from. That comes in an elaborate visit to Zion, which is occupied by humans who have had also their minds set free of the Matrix.

Unfortunately, the introduction to Zion takes place over a laboriously uneventful 45 minutes after the film's explosive opening sequence, and for the most part it comes off as a waste of time. Sure, it also gives the film a chance to introduce new characters, including Capt. Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), who has a past with Morpheus -- but even they don't develop into anything substantial. Presumably, there's more to come in "Revolutions."

While some choices falter, other developments, personnel wise, are quite welcome in "Reloaded." Among them is the return of Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who was seemingly obliterated by Neo in the first film.

While the greater part of the last half of the film is visually stunning, intermittent with the scenes are our Morpheus and Neo's ramblings about the concepts of destiny, cause-and-effect and the repercussions of making choices. And while I generally love those concepts being explored in a film (it certainly gave the first "Matrix" weight), half the time in "Reloaded" it comes off as confusing and unfortunately, pretentious.

Hopefully the opportunity that was lost with "Reloaded" will be somehow be redeemed with the third chapter. With the Wachowskis' unique vision, and a talented cast, there's no doubt the vital pieces of the puzzle are all there to make it work.

DVD Features: Those who are intrigued by movie magic will be swept away in wonder by the DVD bonus features, which dive deep into the production of the film's complex visual effects. Mini-documentaries take a look at the "Matrix" phenomenon, the highway chase scene and "Enter the Matrix," the video game that expands the film's storyline. The bonus disc also looks at "The Animatrix" DVD, which uses several different animation techniques in telling us the backstory of "The Matrix" through nine different short films. (Warner Bros. Home Video)

'The Lion King' (PG)

The 1994 Disney animated classic "The Lion King" has come full circle with the release of the film on DVD, and the offerings on the two-disc set do not disappoint.

A classic coming-of-age tale, "The Lion King" is about a young lion cub Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) goes onto a journey of self-discovery after he's led to believe he caused his father Mufasa's (James Earl Jones) death. But it's his jealous brother, Scar (Jeremy Irons), who's behind it all.

Of course, the crown jewel of the set is the film itself, presented in the ultimate video format. New for the DVD is the song "The Morning Report," and while it's a nice addition, it doesn't necessarily elevate the film's already compelling classical and pop score (for purists, the film is also presented in its original form without the song).

There are several production featurettes, which probably will gather interest in die-hard film fans and not younger audiences. Perhaps the most fascinating fact to emerge from the bonus features is the "Origins" featurette, where several principal players tell how the film was considered a "B" project that crewmembers tried to get away from. The sticking point was that it was about a bunch of animals, and the perceived "hit movie" to work on was the in-development "Pocahontas."

That's not to say there isn't a bevy of kid-friendly material on the disc: Timon and Puumba lead a virtual safari by land and water that's a fun-filled ride full of surprises. There are also nice production vignettes on the real animals that inspired the characters, including lions, meerkats and warthogs.

The disc strays off its path with visits to Disney's animal theme parks throughout the world. Walt Disney's nephew, Roy Disney, however, leads a fascinating history look at Disney's animated films and family features starring animals. (Walt Disney Home Video)

'Scarface' (R)Director Brian DePalma's stunning gangster epic finally gets the deluxe treatment on DVD 20 years after its release -- and given the spectacular bonus features and of course, the film itself in the digital format, the wait was well worth it.

An update of the 1932 Paul Muni gangland film of the same name, 1983's version of "Scarface" follows the rise and fall of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban refugee who strong-arms his way to the top of the Miami drug scene. Pacino is mesmerizing as the ruthless, yet likable Montana, and the performances by the supporting cast of Michelle Pfeiffer (in her big screen debut), Steven Bauer (as Montana's right-hand man) and Robert Loggia are nothing short of spectacular. The story of the drug trade itself doesn't seem at all dated; in fact, it feels more relevant.

The DVD bonus features feature three insightful documentaries on the making of the film, including interviews with DePalma, producer Martin Bregman, writer Oliver Stone, Bauer and the normally interview-shy Pacino. The most fascinating tidbits among the documentaries are Bauer's story growing up in Cuba and a look at the famed chainsaw scene in the film that led to a heated battle with the motion pictures ratings board.

Also included in the 2-disc set is a documentary where various rap stars talk about how the film influenced their music, and a hilarious sequence that compares scenes featuring the film's foul-mouthed dialogue to the same scenes in the censored television version. It's a wonderfully entertaining feature that's included far too few many times on disc (for similar laughs, check out the film/TV version comparisons on the deluxe edition of "Basic Instinct). (Universal Studios Home Video)