top of page
Close
 

Log In

Email or User Name:
Password:

Forgot your password?

Please register with Shopping.com.
Share your opinions and help others make informed buying decisions.Close
Email Address:
User Name:(4-14 characters.)
Password:(At least 7 characters, different than username.)
Verify password:
Verification code:

By clicking on the button below, you agree to the Shopping.com User Agreement and Privacy Policy.


Sign me up to receive Shopping.com's great deals and promotions.

Thank You  for registering at Shopping.comClose
The confirmation message has been resent to your inbox.
 
Please check your email account below to activate your membership:


No email yet?
Forgot PasswordClose
Your temporary password has been resent to your inbox.
 
A temporary password has been sent to your email. Once you sign in, please visit your member profile page to change your password.

No email yet?

Please enter the email address you used to register your account. If you can't remember your email, please contact customer service at support@shopping.com.
Email Address:
Clicking on "Submit" will reset your password. A temporary password will be sent to the email you enter above.
 

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

from $0.85 24 offers
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 
 
 
 
 
Smart Buy! Lowest price from a Trusted Store
Buy.com
 
Lowest Price!
Amazon Marketplace
 
Featured Offer
Buy.com Marketplaces
 

Product Review

DVD review of The Phantom Menace.

by   search66 ,   Oct 17, 2001

Pros:  Amazing clarity. Superb audio. Tons of extras.

Cons:  No trailer for EP2.

The Bottom Line:  There should be nothing holding you back from making this investment.

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
 

Author's Review

The long awaited release of a digital formatted Star Wars is finally within arms reach, but was it what we anticipated?

Upon my vast collections of VHS and DVD videos, you will notice all of them are tightly aligned, and in mint condition. Many visitors to my abode, will skim through my library and always abruptly stop at my "Star Wars SE Trilogy". Ragged, beaten and worn, my Trilogy case looks like it has gone through several World Wars and desperate for repair. Played at least weekly, I value this set as a living artifact.

Three years ago, when I first breached the hull of DVD, I was left empty without the omnipresence SW produces. My instinctive devious nature brought me to Ebay where I purchased the black market versions of the Trilogy. While, quality was shaky, and subtitles in Chinese plagued the screen; my drug-like addiction was subdued, but not satisfied.

October 16, 2001, Lucas stepped down from his throne and opened the floodgates; releasing Episode I.

I will be taking an in depth look at the quality and extras on the DVD. I will not venture into the storyline, plot or acting, hesitant to taint such brilliance (save Jar Jar).

MENUS

The menu section at first start is simply breathtaking. Beautifully modeled planets and scenes are scattered randomly throughout the menu sequences.

The chapter selection is like none other than you have ever seen. While most movies are broken down to about 20 scenes; TPM is broken down into 50 . This makes it great to pinpoint your destination.

As with many newer DVD menus, slowdown and loading times are bothersome. This is no different. So don't expect to zip around the menus with a few quick button presses.

VISUALS

When you first enter the flight deck on the peace conveying starship you will immediately notice that this is no normal DVD. The clarity and sharpness of the disk is far superior to anything I have ever seen. Colors were bright and vivid, and the CGI was sharp and realistic.

You are not given a viewing option, and are forced to watch the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. While this may disappoint many casual viewers, fans of movie quality video will highly appreciate the formatting.

Other than the absolute quality of the video, you will also notice that the movie is not identical to the original theatrical release. There are a few subtle additions that are brought into the movie, which are also listed in the "deleted scenes" section of the extras.

These additions are very noticeable to those who have seen the film numerous times. The most obvious addition is the "Podrace" scene. The introductions of the racers has a few new scenes and new characters that really set the tone for the adrenalin filled podrace. Probably the best addition is the extended footage of the second lap of the podrace. While I question why Lucas cut it out of the original, you will simply love this huge extra.

There are a few other small additions such as; a new Coruscant taxi scene and a few new scenes within Tatooine. The sharp eye will catch various scenes throughout the movie, and is really an Easter egg hunt for fans.

AUDIO

With George Lucas at the helm, you can expect the very best sound available. If you are an audiophile like myself, prepare to be literally "blown away". Lucas's side project, THX, has never been better. We are surrounded in digital brilliance of Dolby 5.1 EX. I personally have never heard of the "EX" after the 5.1, but all I know is that it is superb.

For home audiophiles, the audio in this disk is the new benchmark to test your system. Shelve your copy of The Matrix , and ready yourself for audio bliss. Lasers wiz by your head, huge starships seemingly groan over head and the roar of the crowd makes you feel as you are right there in the stands.

What rivals the "lobby scene" in the Matrix, you will drool during the podrace as the thumping of Sebulbas podracer is seemingly behind your couch.

Without hesitation, I believe the audio to be far superior to anything I have ever heard.

Surprised as I was there is no DTS option for the audio. While many skeptics might question THX over DTS, I believe you DTS supporters will be pleasantly surprised.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention the new THX logo introduction screen! Totally rad!

EXTRAS

Commentary: George Lucas, Scott Squries and others give us a full-length informative commentary from start to finish. As with most good commentaries, we hear them "narrating" the film as it is being watched. It is amazing to actually hear what the mindset was and what they were thinking as the movie progressed. We really get a detailed perspective from the inside. In addition to the "start to finish" commentary, we are given another commentary labeled "The Beginning". This shows the progression of Episode I, from the start of sketches to the time consuming process of the DVD finale. By far this is the most impressive section on the DVD. From over 600 hours of footage, compiled nicely into a 60 minute jam packed commentary.

Deleted Scenes: For many fans, the sole purpose of the purchase was to see what was not included in the theatrical version of TPM. This was my first stop once I cracked open the clamshell. There are seven new sequences that were included in this "DVD ONLY" extra.

Multi Angles: My next stop was the multi angle section on the extras disk. I have yet to experience the "multi angle" function on a DVD and was excited to check it out. I was a bit disappointed and it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. This is an "extra disk" feature and is not available in the actual movie. The multi angle simply took two scenes (the podrace and the submarine voyage) and allowed you to flip through different perspectives. While I was not initially impressed, it is still encouraging to see that someone is trying to take advantage of this DVD player feature.

Other Goodies: I only pointed out the major extras, but there are quite a few of neatly distributed goodies for the true fan. There is a five featurette that explore the storyline, special effects and costuming. We are also given the original trailers and special promotional photos. John Williams treat us to his spectacular music video of the "Duel of Fates". Other not-so-great extras such as; a "commercial" for the upcoming "Starfighter" video game are thrown into the mix as filler.

OVERALL

I highly urge you to plop down your $20 on a piece of history. Video and audio lovers will truly appreciate the greatness in quality of the disk, and SW fans will be subdued until Episode II comes out in the theatre.

After viewing the VHS version and then the DVD version, this is a great example on why DVD is so far superior to the antiquated VHS.

The only disappointment I had for the disks, was that we weren't treated to an "Episode II" trailer. How sweet would it have been to catch a glimpse of the upcoming movie? However, rumor has it, that there are dozens of "Easter eggs" within the DVD just waiting to be found. Maybe hidden deep within the silvery/gold layers lies a gem of the next monument.
 

Compare stores & prices  |  See All Reviews »

 

Back to top

Stores and Prices

 
Format: VHS, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Format: VHS, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2000-04-04, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: VHS, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Format: VHS, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

( Stock info not available )
In Episode I, Luke Skywalker s father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named Anakin (Jake Lloyd), who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a Dark Lor...
Buy.com Marketplaces
Featured Store 3.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Buy.com Marketplaces (4)
Format: VHS: Widescreen Collector's Edition, Star Wars Episode I: The Phant...

Format: VHS: Widescreen Collector's Edition, Star Wars Episode I: The Phant...

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2000-04-04, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
Featured Store 3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: VHS: Widescreen Collector's Edition, Star Wars Episode I: The Phant...

Format: VHS: Widescreen Collector's Edition, Star Wars Episode I: The Phant...

( Stock info not available )
This set contains The Phantom Menace video in its original theatrical letterbox format, digitally mastered by THX along with a special behind-the-scen...
Buy.com Marketplaces
3.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Buy.com Marketplaces (4)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

( In stock )
This first chapter, which is rich in art, design, costumes, architecture and technology, follows Anakin Skywalker's journey as he pursues his dre...
HotMovieSale.com
 
FREE SHIPPING
See only offers from HotMovieSale.com (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

( In stock )
This first chapter, which is rich in art, design, costumes, architecture and technology, follows Anakin Skywalker's journey as he pursues his dre...
HotMovieSale.com
Featured Store
 
FREE SHIPPING
See only offers from HotMovieSale.com (2)
Format: VHS: Spanish Dubbed, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Format: VHS: Spanish Dubbed, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2000-04-04, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Checkpoint, Star Wars Episode I: The P...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Checkpoint, Star Wars Episode I: The P...

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2005-03-22, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2005-03-22, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! ( In stock )
Release Date: 2005-03-22, Rating PG (Parental Guidance Suggested),
Amazon Marketplace
3.0/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Amazon Marketplace (6)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

( Stock info not available )
Buy.com Marketplaces
3.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Buy.com Marketplaces (4)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

( In stock )
In Episode I, Luke Skywalker s father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named Anakin (Jake Lloyd), who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a Dark Lor...
Buy.com
3.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
Smart Buy
at Buy.com
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

( Stock info not available )
In Episode I, Luke Skywalker s father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named Anakin (Jake Lloyd), who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a Dark Lor...
Buy.com Marketplaces
3.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Buy.com Marketplaces (4)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

( In stock )
The first of three prequels to George Lucas's celebrated STAR WARS films EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original S...
Family Video
4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Family Video (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

( In stock )
The first of three prequels to George Lucas's celebrated STAR WARS films EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original S...
Family Video
Featured Store 4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from Family Video (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

( In stock )
Dvds Direct
Review this store
 
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

FREE Standard Shipping ( In stock )
DVDs. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
DeepDiscount.com
Featured Store 4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
FREE SHIPPING
See only offers from DeepDiscount.com (2)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Special Order ( Stock info not available )
J&R Music and Computer World
4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from J&R Music and Computer World (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; English and Spanish Versions, Star Wars Episode I:...

( In stock )
J&R Music and Computer World
Featured Store 4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
See only offers from J&R Music and Computer World (2)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

FREE Standard Shipping ( In stock )
DVDs. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
DeepDiscount.com
4.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
FREE SHIPPING
See only offers from DeepDiscount.com (2)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

FREE Shipping when you spend $50 on selected items! ( In stock )
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (2 Discs) - Dvd - Anthony Daniels,keira Knightley,kenny Baker,greg Proops,frank Oz,ian Mcdiarmid,oliver Ford...
Target
2.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
at Target
See only offers from Target (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

FREE Shipping when you spend $50 on selected items! ( In stock )
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (2 Discs) - Dvd - Kenny Baker,anthony Daniels,keira Knightley,greg Proops,frank Oz,ian Mcdiarmid,oliver Ford...
Target
2.5/5.0 store rating Trusted Store
 
at Target
See only offers from Target (2)
Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Format: DVD: 2-Disc Set; Widescreen; Sensormatic, Star Wars Episode I: The ...

Free Shipping on orders over $25! ( In stock )
Adventure - general DVD - As surely as Anakin Skywalker points the way into the future of Star Wars, so does The Phantom Menace raise the curtain on t...
Barnes and Noble
2.0/5.0 store rating
 
See only offers from Barnes and Noble (2)
Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Format: DVD: Full Frame; 2-Disc Set, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menac...

Free Shipping on orders over $25! ( In stock )
Adventure - general DVD - As surely as Anakin Skywalker points the way into the future of Star Wars, so does The Phantom Menace raise the curtain on t...
Barnes and Noble
2.0/5.0 store rating
 
See only offers from Barnes and Noble (2)
 

Compare all 24 store offers

 
 
Sponsored Listings

Buy Star Wars

Shop Our Huge Selection of Action Figures & Accessories at Toys R Us!
www.ToysRUs.com

Buy Movies

Skip the Lines, Shop Online Instead Save on Buy Movies.
Bing.com/cashback

All Star Wars DVDs

Extra $5 Off Discount Price. Free Fast Shipping On All Orders!
HotMovieSale.com/StarWars

SciFi & Fantasy at Amazon

Save up to 35% on top sellers. Qualified orders over $25 ship free
Amazon.com/dvd

Star Wars Battlefrontâ„¢

"Elite Squadronâ„¢". The Battle Gets Bigger. Battlefront goes portable!
LucasArts.com/StarWarsBattlefront

Advertisement
 
 
advertisement
 
 

Copyright © 2000-2009 Shopping.com